James

JAMES By Atkinsons Of Ghosts in the London Fog “Behind every door in London there are stories, behind every one ghosts.” — Anna Quindlen James by Atkinsons (2022) is an austere fougère — a fragrance that drives straight through the fog of Victorian London like a black carriage at a late hour. From the opening, clary sage and juniper bite with medicinal sharpness, their bitterness cut with bergamot and finger lime that never turn bright but rather shadowed, subdued. There is leather here, not polished but lived-in, darkened by years of use, as though one were seated within the wood-panelled interior of an expensive carriage, its air thick with damp fog. A violaceous facet lingers like a ghost from the lady who occupied the seat before you, mingling with the driver’s clove-scented gloves and the faint bitterness of smoke drifting through cracks in the window. The heart turns gloomier still. Elemi resin adds an incense curl that seems to weave through the panels of aged ebony, violet leaf flickering in and out like a half-remembered presence. The ride continues through the rain-soaked streets, the air smelling of fungus clinging to stone, though it never collapses fully into damp earth — instead, it remains refined, a Gothic austerity clad in wood and shadow. There is something almost ecclesiastical here, an echo of forgotten prayers, yet still grounded in the cobbles and smoke of the city. As the carriage halts and silence gathers, the dry-down emerges: rooty vetiver in its deepest, inkiest form, chalky and severe, tempered by patchouli, akigalawood, and musk. The wood turns powdery, like dust shaken from forgotten books, yet never loses its solemn depth. It is the scent of conversations with a cabbie about hauntings and murders past, stories half-believed, half-felt in the marrow. James is not gentle, nor is it forgiving. Its longevity stretches eight hours strong, its sillage trailing like fog curling off the Thames — pronounced, yet never shrill. Exclusively masculine in bearing, for this is a scent carved in dark refinement. At €180 retail, it is priced in keeping with its quality, though often found nearer €80–100 at discounters. This is not merely a fougère. It is a Victorian Gothic carriage ride through London’s ghostly heart: austere, ostentiferous, and unforgettable.

The very first few minutes James seemed a very promising summer scent. It opens very strong, with a very aromatic, sweet spicy, fresh smell of finger lime, bergamot, pink pepper and clary sage. Very refreshing and uplifting. Nothing too masculine for my liking so far. After the first half of hour all that uplifting opening is overtaken by an intense vetiver, thick elemi, fresh patchouli and a very smooth wood. It transforms into a more masculine fragrance but to me it never really gets there, because of the presence of pink pepper and white flowers which are mixed in and are not that subtle. I love that. I see James as a true unisex scent, marketed by the brand as a masculine release through the presentation: colour of the bottle and packaging and by name. Not really sure why.. I would not rush to get a bottle but had one gifted, I would definitely wear it mostly in the spring and summer. I love a good, long lasting aromatic, freshie and James is quite delightful!

This smells like a hybrid of Diptyque Tempo and Dior Eau Sauvage Parfum. Very nice smell profile and well balanced. However I wish it could project more. Its very close to skin after 30 mins of application only.

This is a unique and awesome choice for a signature scent.Its fresh but in a unique way but also deep and warm with good performance smells like a rich established individual.

Continuing my exploration of the house of Atkinsons brings me to James, a fragrance that appears to represent a more refined and contemporary side of the brand’s identity. While Atkinsons is often associated with rich, character driven compositions rooted in British heritage and storytelling, James feels poised to present something lighter and more streamlined in comparison. The structure on paper suggests a fragrance built around freshness, aromatic clarity, and understated woody depth, hinting at a scent that prioritizes elegance and versatility over opulence. The name itself carries a certain simplicity and confidence, evoking the image of a well tailored, quietly sophisticated presence rather than something overtly dramatic. Let’s see how this polished and modern interpretation reveals itself once it settles onto the skin. Opening: The opening is citrusy, woody, and spicy. The primary notes I get are finger lime, pink pepper, bergamot, and akigalawood, with finger lime and pink pepper clearly leading the composition. Finger lime opens the fragrance with a very sharp and tart citrus accord that immediately grabs attention. It resembles lime but without the rind-like bitterness, instead leaning more into a clean, acidic brightness that gives the opening a crisp and energetic character. Pink pepper quickly follows with a soft, rosy spiciness that adds a gentle warmth while creating a slight tickling sensation in the nose. This peppery nuance complements the sharpness of the citrus while preventing the opening from feeling overly sour. Beneath these two notes, bergamot provides additional citrus support, contributing a smoother brightness with subtle bitter and tea-like aromatic facets that round out the top. In the background, akigalawood quietly establishes a dry and textured woody base, carrying faint peppery undertones that echo the pink pepper while giving the opening a sense of structure. The result is a bright and energetic introduction where tart citrus, soft spice, and dry woods come together in a crisp and modern opening. Dry Down: The dry down is woody, earthy, and aromatic. The primary notes I get are vetiver, patchouli, clary sage, and elemi, with vetiver and patchouli taking the lead as the fragrance settles. Vetiver emerges as the dominant note, bringing a dry, grassy, and lightly smoked woodiness that anchors the composition. It presents as a fairly classic vetiver profile, reminiscent of the prominent vetiver found in Roja Parfums Elysium, giving the base a crisp and structured woody character. Patchouli quickly joins alongside it, introducing a darker earthy depth with subtle sweetness that enriches the base and rounds out the sharper edges of the vetiver. Together, these two notes create a grounded and textured foundation. Behind them, clary sage contributes a softer layer of herbal aromatics, similar in style to the clary sage used in Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum, though noticeably more restrained here. It adds a clean aromatic nuance that lifts the composition without pulling focus away from the woods. In the background, elemi provides a resinous accent that blends faint incense-like warmth with bright lemony facets, tying together the earlier citrus elements with the deeper woody base. The result is a dry, aromatic finish where grassy vetiver, earthy patchouli, and subtle resinous brightness carry the fragrance through its final stages. Performance: Projection opens at a strong level, reaching out to at least six feet within the first hour and immediately establishing a noticeable presence. Sillage matches that strength, leaving behind an easily detectable scent trail that reinforces the fragrance’s bright citrus and woody character. After approximately three hours, performance remains largely unchanged, with both projection and scent trail maintaining much of their initial intensity. As the fragrance continues to develop, however, performance begins to taper. Around the seven hour mark, projection drops significantly to within arm’s length, and the scent trail becomes much lighter and only barely perceptible. Shortly after this point, the fragrance transitions into a skin scent. The overall result is a fragrance that opens with strong projection and sillage before gradually settling into a softer and more intimate presence later in the wear. When to Wear: James is an exceptionally versatile fragrance that can comfortably be worn year round. Its balance of bright citrus, aromatic freshness, and dry woods allows it to adapt well to both warm and cool conditions without feeling out of place. The fragrance works just as easily during the day as it does in the evening, making it suitable for nearly any situation. It can be dressed up for formal occasions, worn casually in everyday settings, or even reserved for special moments such as date nights. Its clean and refined character also makes it a suitable choice for office wear, provided the application is kept moderate. Overall, James is the type of fragrance that fits effortlessly into almost any setting. Blind Buy: James is not what I would consider a safe blind buy. While the overall theme of the scent profile is fairly approachable, there are a couple of elements that may not appeal to everyone. The sharp finger lime in the opening creates a very tart and acidic citrus accord that some people may find a bit aggressive. Later in the wear, the fragrance shifts into a more woody and earthy character where vetiver becomes clearly highlighted in the dry down. Since vetiver can be somewhat polarizing depending on personal preference, this stage may not resonate with everyone. For these reasons, sampling is recommended before committing to a full bottle. Final Verdict: When I first sprayed James on, I was not entirely convinced it was something I would enjoy. The opening struck me as sharp and somewhat unexpected, leaving me unsure of where the fragrance was heading. However, as it began to develop on my skin, my opinion gradually shifted. With time, the composition revealed a well balanced progression that became increasingly pleasant as the brighter citrus facets softened and the deeper woody elements emerged. Even in the dry down, where vetiver takes on a more prominent role, a note I do not typically gravitate toward, the fragrance remained surprisingly enjoyable and cohesive. Performance sits in a respectable middle ground as well. While it may not reach the stronger end of what I have experienced from the house, it still provides several hours of noticeable presence before settling into a softer skin scent. Ultimately, I would consider James a success. It may not be a fragrance I feel compelled to rush out and purchase immediately, but it left a strong enough impression that, should I come across it at a particularly good price, I would gladly add it to my collection. Scent: 8/10 Longevity: 7/10 Sillage: 8/10 Versatility: Very high Compliment Factor: Average Gender: Masculine Value: Fair

Was not aware of this very old brand, and was intrigued that this new scent is inspired by the company's founder, James Atkinson, whom I gather was a dynamic and eccentric man. At first it was very powerful, sitting at home on the couch, I got a slight headache. I found it to be musky and heavy, like someone's stocky uncle in the 1960's. A throwback to that time. However, once it settled, it became much more balanced and comfortable and nostalgic in a good way. Not something I would wear every day, or in warm weather. It fills in the "retro" place in my collection, while being new and niche.

Good fragrance but a bit vetiver heavy (to my nose) for my taste. A bit like Tom Ford Grey Vetiver in that respect. I get pepper and spice before a trace of citrus. Not a bad fragrance; it is good quality, so if you like these notes or similar scents it might work for you. Edit: lasts very well, easily detectable after a full day at work. From this house, I like 41 Burlington, Gerrard Street and Pirates' Grand Reserve the most - they're awesome.

It smells as if you’re walking through a muddy forest, surrounded by the damp weight of the earth. There’s a deep, shadowy woodiness to it like wet soil mixed with the scent of moss-covered tree trunks. It carries the darkness of rain-soaked bark and the quiet depth of forest pathways hidden under layers of fallen leaves. However, I don’t usually reach for perfumes like this unless I’m in a genuinely low or melancholic state of mind.

I am mot going to tell anything about how it smells, or what I do smell. Perfumes are very individuals and one can smell lovely on you but not so good on your brother. It is a very ordinary perfume. It is very expensive considering the quality and the smell. For the price you pay for this one you will get much better perfumes and with less money. Test it at least twice before buying it. It should not be among your first 20 choice.

A kind of fruity/citrusy fougère in a modern style, nothing particularly special, rather something worth checking out again.

Cheaply smelling TF Oud Wood with 3 hours longevity :)) do not recommend

Reminds me of a fungus infested cellar. Pass.

Smelt a test of this and oh my goodness and lord this might be the worst fragrance I've ever smelt in my life, opening smells like a grandpa and it mellows down into the stinkiest wooden smell I’ve ever smelt ever. It is so nauseating it’s disgusting to the fact that it actually gave me stomach pains. I would wish this scent upon my worst enemy, I wouldn’t wish this on literally anybody on the world holy Christ it’s an eternal stench that has truly never left me. I’m traumatised.

I get a bright limey fougere mixed with some good quality vetiver , so a sort of classic encre noir style that is a touch barbershop but musty and damp , good quality naturals have been used and good performance without being obnoxious, not really been fussed about anything from atkinsons , however kind of enjoy this, Performance is solid in terms of longivity but average projection after the first hour or two. To enjoy this you must be a lover of vetiver for sure.

As soon as i sprayed it on,i knew i have something very very similar to that perfume in a good way...i couldn’t figure it out until i looked at reminds me of section.And,indeed,it is very similar to my beloved Diptyque Tempo and hints of Encre Noire a l extreme.Actually,Atkinsons has some very decent releases...not mindblowing,which i expect,but very decent.And this is a good one.Nothing to do with oud wood,which is more crowdpleasing scent.

In my imagination, I see a very masculine, mature man wearing this one; definitely not me lol Patch, vetiver and woods. There's a hint of sweetness, which keeps it balanced and wearable. At times it feels almost church-y; I'm not sure if there's frankincense here, or is it just the crash of elements.

Nice, if somewhat faceless masculine fresh-woody fragrance. Good quality ingredients/blending, handsome bottle. Slightly obnoxious box. Probably would be a good gift for a man whose taste you don't know well.

Very quiet on skin and close up it’s like the powder that coats balloons in a plastic bag. First I thought yaaaay kids party but the more it developed I’m getting pennywise from I T.

In the vein of Encre Noire line, or your Sycomores of the world. Heavy, inky, thick, black vetiver with a silver sheen on the surface. Lovely stuff.