With the new year rolling, take advantage for the need to refresh or change up old habits. Previous fragrance choices may have served the discerning gent admirably, but if the go-to choice seems a touch dated, use the feeling of renewed vigour to shake things up with one of the newer scents available. Here is the DiscerningGent.com choice of must-have fragrances in 2016.
Dunhill: Icon
The launch of Icon had everyone excited – partly because it’s a new scent but mainly a result of Dunhill’s lack of releases in recent years. Icon is particularly impressive with its initial burst of sharp freshness delivered by notes of lavender and petitgrain that develops into a leathery dryness with hints of oud and iris. The bottle itself is one of the most masculine designs on the market too.
50ml for £55 – available at Harrods
Dolce & Gabbana: The One
The One is a firm favourite already – the Eau de Toilette version helping to secure its place in the bathroom cabinet of the discerning gent – yet this is still a different type of fragrance beast altogether. Sweet and smoky with the help of notes from tobacco, amber and ginger laced through by citrus, the big difference is the more intense scent (created via a different formulation) along with the powerful masculine dark bottle. This could be your new go-to evening smell.
50ml for £55 – available at Harrods
Tom Ford: Noir Extreme
Tom Ford rarely puts a foot wrong in the style and grooming stakes and Noir Extreme is yet another example of how well this man knows what men (and women) like. This is almost an edible scent, due in large part to its vanilla base which flows through with hints of spice and fruits delivered by the combination of saffron, nutmeg and cardamon. It’s a great balance for those gents liking something sweet but not sickly.
50ml for £70 – available at John Lewis
Ermenogildo Zegna: Italian Bergamot
Many famed scents are based on bergamot and sometimes the simplest things work on getting the basics spot on. Italian Bergamot is as straightforward and effective as they come. Rousing Calabrian bergamot combined with sweet neroli add to vetiver and rosemary to create a light refreshing scent. Best used for all those summertime parties the discerning gent will be attending.
75ml for £95 – available from John Lewis
Acqua di Parma: Armbra
Famed Italian perfumery Acqua di Parma rolls out the great scents and the Ambra continues its Colonia scent remixes. Classical citrus is the base with the addition of ambergris which results in a honeyed and sweet fragrance. For those discerning gents with a thing for the oud-based scents, this is the perfect lighter – yet powerful – evening option.
100ml for £160 – available at Selfridges