L for Men

A PRIVATE AND RESPECTFULL CLUB FRAGRANCE This fragrance evokes a traditional, phlegmatic aura that transports me to London in the sixties and seventies. The setting is a private club frequented by wealthy men who read newspapers, drink malt whisky, smoke cigars, talk about politics with fellow members, and find excuses to go home late. The perfume opens with an intense burst of spicy pink pepper and zesty citrus, along with a mysterious yet familiar accord that immediately reminds me of Amouage Myths Man. This phase is uplifting, but the freshness doesn't last long. Soon, the heavier notes, such as the warm, woody base and the rich, floral heart, take centre stage. And so, we sense the middle phase beginning. The only fresh note left from the initial opening is the orangy petitgrain, while the other notes have already faded away. The soapy rose emerges and takes over the citrus notes, accompanied by subtle touches of tamed oud and that fantastic buttery iris, which is in a class of its own. The remarkable orris butter note is only paired at this high level with Amouage Imitation Man. The dry down is as impressive as the rest of L's development. The most intense notes I can now sense are undoubtedly balsam fir, cedar, musk, patchouli and hints of leather. Balsam fir adds a resinous, slightly sweet touch that provides warmth and depth, while musk brings a sensual, long-lasting finish. MY OPINION: Clive Christian L for Men sets the bar high, but comes at a price. I love this fragrance, but I cannot recommend it blindly. If you want to experience the spicy "men-only club" vibe of the sixties, try this perfume in a Clive Christian boutique. MUSIC: "Those were the days" by Mary Hopkins

This was a masterpiece and what I consider my signature scent, especially now that it’s off the market. Sadly, CC discontinued this in 2017 when they launched a new line, so the only “L” you can buy now is the “L Woody Oriental with Deep Amber.” It’s really a shame because this was such a unique scent—nothing else out there like it— and utterly masculine. Just to clarify, the “L” that you can buy in stores these days is Not a crappy reformulation of the original L that smells similar to it, or a flanker that has some of the original DNA but with an added twist; it is an entirely different fragrance that just uses the same “L” name. The two have nothing in common with each other. I was so sad when I wandered into a Neiman Marcus in 2017 and on a whim sampled the L on display and thought “WTF is this shit?!” only to be informed that they got rid of the old line entirely. I had bought a bottle a year and a half before and was halfway through it at that point, so I asked in a panic if they happened to have any stock of the old line. The saleswoman went looking in the back and found one last 50ml bottle which I snatched up right away. I’m down to a quarter of the original bottle now and I treat this like liquid gold, only rolling it out on special occasions in the Fall and Winter because I want to make my remaining ~60ml last for as many as years as I can.

Super nice and full of class. One of the best Clive Christian fragrances I have smelt. Despite its hefty price tag, it actually smells pretty beautiful. Starts off woody, citrusy, fresh with a hint of oud in the back. Drys down to a more citrusy, fresh, oud fragrance. The only downside is that it seems a bit basic for its price, but I can't deny it smells great. This is a very nice fragrance if your getting dressed up conducting business. And for a fresh fragrance it lasts quite a while from the oud that is in here. It lasts around 6-7 hours with a medium projection leaning masculine. I recommend this for the spring, summer and maybe the fall. This can be worn in the day or night. Lastly, is it a safe blind buy? To be honest, yes. If you love fresh oud scents but have quite the money to spend on a fresh fragrance, then I recommend this for you. In conclusion: Scent: 8.5/10 Longevity: 7.5/10 Projection: 7/10 Clive Christian L for Men: 8/10

I have to say I'm surprised by the mediocre reviews by this scent. It is a tremendously well done woody/spicy fragrance, with citrus that somehow lasts throughout most of the dry down. This is an all-year fragrance perfect for office wear, but still cozy and interesting enough to wear just for yourself. Performance is solid overall. When I spray this on my neck and it hits my sweater collar, I can literally smell it four to five days later. When I wear it I definitely try to do neck sprays that hit half skin/half clothes. Overall, I love it. I'd consider it a warm weather signature. There's nothing "cologne guy" about this fragrance... the ingredients are pure quality and absent of any standard fair Macy's vibe. It is pretty traditional and doesn't break any new ground, but it does so in a superbly high quality manner and leaves enough interesting nuances to separate it from your average wood/citrus/spicy offerings.

A well done woody fragrance! It starts with fresh, light and fruity citrus scent that blends in very soon harmoniously with oud and rose. Oud has a pleasant clean character, remains all the time in the background; on the other hand, rose is good perceivable. While grapefruit weakens (not complete though), rose is joined by balsamic fir and cedar. The fragrance develops fully in about half an hour and wraps itself in a spicy “coat”. The scent is unique in its spicy-balsamic-fir-like woodinees and gives a very harmonic impression. Strong recommended for fans of balsamic scents!

Now THIS is a scent. If not for C, I would be eyeing this one as my next buy. It opened up in a blaze of spice. The citrus was not as noticeable on my skin, but the spice and Oud instantly emerged. The drydown's Musky / Cedar / Vetiver notes were absolutely amazing. This review is a result of testing it in store a bit blindly. Although I will not be buying it (since I'm eyeing C instead), I would heavily recommend it if you're looking for those specific notes.

Expertly blended masculine fragrance that lasts for 8+ hours on my skin. It starts off green and then transcends into a beautiful woody base in the dry down. I get a peppery vibe during the last stages resulting in a truly unique experience overall. One of the best in the line in my opinion. Clive Christian was acquired by EME Investments 6 Ltd. in 2015. My review of "L" for men is based on the original formulation.

I'm own and wear mostly CC fragrances. L is masculine and has a distinctive rich smell. CC fragrances are made with the finest ingredients so you only need 1 or 2 sprays. The notes on the dry down is green and woodsy. L is for the mature and confident individual.

This is coming from a guy who doesn't like oud scents at all! Therefore, I generally won't comment on them but "L" has truly surprised me. It is a masterpiece, this stuff!! I'm fan of Clive Christian, so had to sample it. Clive has managed to convert me on this particular oud. On the top you'll get that orangey petitgrain that seems to out do the grapefruit to my nose. Then comes the true essence of the fragrance, the beauty of it is in the middle notes of oud and rose that just cultivate this into an amazing woody, floral, sweetness. The way the oud is blended so smoothly with rose, has my undivided and shocked attention. The four bottom notes of cedar, vetiver, balsam and musk really bring out this scent's masculinity. The entire transition of this fragrance is so well done. This is sexy, masculine, sweet, soft but firm. This could be an ideal signature. I may have to add this to my collection. It'll be the only oud I'll own but it's worth it. Longevity 8/10 it will soften after 8 hours but the oud will keep it lingering. Projection 8/10 it will project but not the entire room but within reasonable proximity of the wearer. The is an all day everyday scent. 365 days of the year. This can be for all occasions. Best way to appreciate Clive Christian scent is to apply them on your clothes, it offers better lasting power.

"L" began for me, as a fairly standard woody citrus scent, with lots of spicy black pepper and rosemary. Fresh, clean and ruggedly masculine, but nothing I hadn't smelled dozens of times before from much cheaper designer scents. There is a clear difference in the quality, however; After a time, I can't deny the vivid realism of the wood notes. They give a brackish outdoor feel, that brings to mind stripping the needles from a fir tree and inhaling the piney, herbal earthiness crushed between the fingers. As it wears on, it smells more hazy and mellow, but still maintaining that dry pepperiness. Despite not having grown up in the 70s, I can't help but feel "L" is something a mustachioed macho man would have worn in that era. It smells rough and tough, stoic and reliable. If my dad were alive, I might have bought this for him.

L man is an overwhelming pepper + citrus opening which is dominated by petitgrain. Something about the whole vibe, the whole delivery (if you like) is sharp but complex and somehow even oily. It's a strange combination of notes in here but I think coming together as a fragrance it works. Then dries down to a Oud and earthy but clean vetiver like, woody, diesel, petrolly smoke vibe of something from Xerjoff. 8 + hours later and I can still smell L, it has developed very nicely and is now nestled deep into my skin and I have to say its impressive in one respect but so it should be from CC. I can't say I've ever smelled anything similar before, it's a worthy addition to the line it's nothing too fancy that it can't be worn on a regular basis.

Sharp and spicy. Love and hate,it has something that tickles your nose. After 25 minutes in a perfume shop smelling close to 30 different ones I left with this, I paid less then half price, full price, no way. It did however stand out amongst the others with a power and sharpness that overpowered all the ones I tested and there were many, maybe that was why I chose it. Maybe it's the rose that makes it so sharp.

I'm excited can't wait to try this.

Petitgrain is Pine is Vetiver. Very smooth transition from start to finish. Very good quality, and easy to wear. But, Like C this L is no fun at all. Unlike C, which though too self serious at least has enough to show off, L is not even trying. It's a fine blend, but a bit boring for my taste. ***(**)

L is an ok scent from the house of CC. The rose is the middle note but is faintly detectable. The opening is a cacophony of spices (cardamom, nutmeg, cloves) where cumin and pepper is fighting for predominance. The dry down is strange, although not mentioned, myrrh and/or frankincense seem to be the notes in the base. Scent: 6/10 Longevity: 8/10 Sillage: 7/10 Cost ratio: 3/10 Overall: 6/10 Ok frag, not good, just ok. At this price point it is a clear pass.

Just got a sample of this after looking at the reviews on this site. Irritating smell which I will wash off in a few minutes. Have tried it several times and I cannot stand it and my family cannot stand it. Reminds me of one or two of the newer, irritating Penhaligons. Get a sample before you splash out. Shame on you CC! Smells like something you would stain wood with.

This is a rare occasion where I could pinpoint a fragrance to a specific geographic location and say, yes, this smells 100% British. It exudes a sophisticated blend of traditional English scents, reminiscent of the British high society. TOP NOTES L For Men opens with a punch of spicy pink pepper, zesty citruses, and something that immediately reminds me of Amouage Myths Man, which I still cannot pinpoint what it is. This uplifting aroma is a double-edged sword since the freshness doesn’t last very long when the heavier notes, such as the warm, woody base and the rich, floral heart, start to take the forefront. HEART NOTES After a few minutes, the only thing fresh from the initial opening is that orangy petitgrain, while the rest have already said farewell. The soapy rose peeks her head and takes over the citruses with additional touches of tame oud and that fantastic buttery iris, which is head and shoulders over anything you have smelled before. The only other fragrance with the Orris butter on this level is Amouage Imitation Man and nothing else. BASE NOTES The dry down is equally magical as the rest of L’s development. The most intense notes I sense here are undoubtedly balsam fir, cedar, musk, patchouli, and hints of leather, which isn’t mentioned anywhere. Balsam fir adds a resinous and slightly sweet touch, providing warmth and depth, while musk brings a sensual and long-lasting finish. OVERALL Clive Christian L For Men sets a high standard for an artistic fragrance. While the price may be too much for many, its experience is undeniably unique and memorable.It’s a fragrance that embodies luxury, elegance, and a distinctly British charm, making it a valuable addition to any fragrance connoisseur’s collection. In the end, it is one of the best signature-worthy cold weather fragrances on the market. Read the full review at scentgrail (.) com.

I received a 5ml decant of this fragrance and upon first wear, I was entranced. One spray to the wrist and one to the neck and shirt lasted all day. It wasn't until the next day when I opened my closet, which was filled from the masterfully crafted woods and spice from one partial spray to the shirt that I immediately went online to buy a full bottle. Luckily, I was able to find a bottle in the original packaging (as michakind stated, the original L was discontinued in 2017) at a great price, nonetheless (the seller actually through he had the 'woody amber' variety (new formulation), but I could tell by the bottle (without the leaves over the 'L', that it was the original). I completely agree with michakind - such a unique scent! I have trouble picking out particular notes, but I get a very rich, luxurious pine, with a bit of spice, overlayed by a bit of citrus (which lasts from top notes to dry-down) and just a touch of rose. Not a floral rose at all though, more like rose-stem). This really is a beautiful fragrance and screams luxury, without screaming at all or being in your face. Masculine in a calm, confident way that really can be worn any season (it seems more of a cold-weather frag to me) and it has quickly leap-frogged some of my fall/winter fragrances to be my below 50-degree's signature. Well done Mr. C.C!! P.S - I do own a partially used bottle of 1872 (which I also adore), but this was the first C.C I've bought in original packaging - and it really is something else. Beautiful presentation and you'll feel luxurious just opening the box.

This one starts out bright and energetic, in a ready- to-take-on-the-day kind of way. It isn't playful, romantic, youthful or anything like that - it's crisp and alert. Its a 35 year old professional with their A game on heading for a days dealmaking. The middle is a mix of balsam, petitgrain, and a rose/oud combo - the result is slightly soapy, classic masculine vibe, maintaining the energy and the alertness. The pine and floral mix gives a decidedly dapper feel - fitted dress shirts and Swiss watches etc. The end phase is cedar and spices - the warmest phase, where it finally lets it's guard down and relaxes. I don't know what the actual spice notes are here but it is warm, rich and enveloping - nothing you would see coming based on the opening. Its all done very well with high quality ingredients. Its not loud, but its persistent. Its a try before you buy, because of the decidedly crisp, classic vibe. Younger guys will probably find it a bit too serious, with only the final phase being appealing. Its been reformulated anyway and I don't know how much of this original version is even out there.

I've been ensconced in unisex perfumery for so long that I almost forgot what a manly fragrance smelled like. Thank you Clive for that reminder. Conjured memories of walking through the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas passing by all the "office types" behind velvet roping. When I sniff "L" it speaks, "I'm a man, you know I'm a man; "I got money, you know I got money." The people that are downing this fragrances are like prank callers, you cant take them seriously. Opens with undeniable petitgrain and a musty body odor lemon vetiver combo which to a large degree, I found it to be alluring. Thanks to a volley of firs, the composition "greens up" a bit as a Irish Spring Soap Bar gone niche. Now I'm getting to the part of the fragrance that's more comfortable and not as green. In the base, the prominent note is arguably the musk. At this moment, gone are the body odor vibe, but this rides into the sunset as a woody, soapy, green frag with sweet musky nuances. 5 good hours of longevity unless sprayed on clothing.