Renaissance

Renaissance by Xerjoff is an unisex eau de parfum from 2011 in the luxury price tier. It opens with lemon, mandarin, bergamot and petitgrain, moves into mint, lily of the valley and rose and dries down to musk, amber, virginia cedarwood and patchouli. Expect around 8 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.

Notes, explained

Opening

Lemon Clean, sour, instantly recognisable. Bright but burns off fast.
Mandarin Soft, sweet, almost powdery citrus. Gentler than orange.
Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
Petitgrain Bitter twigs and leaves of the orange tree. Dry and a little green.

Heart

Mint Cold and tingly. Great in small doses, toothpaste in large ones.
Lily of the Valley Clean, green, dewy floral. Reads as 'fresh laundry' to most people.
Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.

Dry-down

Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.
Virginia Cedarwood The pencil-shaving one specifically. Dry, sharp and slightly sweet.
Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.

Smells like this

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