The Essentials Scent 79 Man

79 Man opens with a sharp boozy scent (which I like, but I feel like it is the sort of thing that would give some people headaches). I was wondering where the alcoholic-type note came from, so I did a little research into the various notes and saw that 'Artemisia' (ie. Artemisia absinthium or wormwood) is used to flavour alcohol. So that makes sense. The leather and wood notes are prominent throughout wear, and it mellows out nicely into a leathery, woody fragrance with hints of violet, smoke and spice. Close to what I would imagine James Bond smelling like. I like the extremely classic and simplistic design of the packaging. It is a very original, sophisticated and masculine fragrance (although I wear this as a female regardless). I don't know why there aren't more reviews! I got a bottle off Strawberrynet, if anyone is interested in buying it - it's very reasonable there. On a side point, it also suffices in filling the gaping hole in my life where Jil Sander clothes should go, as this is the closest thing to anything-Jil-Sander that I will ever be able to afford.

The opening has a dominant Artemisia note, which gives it the boozy vibe [ as stated by SamTheRiddler ] which i like. The violet tends to take centre stage in this fragrance in my view. This gives a dry,smoky and powdery scent. Good use of his trademark incense by Mark Buxton. Overall, this is something i like and appreciate. Well balanced and quality. Longevity fine. If you like this, then Lalique Hommage is another to consider.

Unusual combination of bergamot/clary sage/artemisia to open things. Hard to say if I like it or not. As the violet notes becomes more noticeable I'm even less sure. It makes things a bit gloomy and dank in the same way that it does for Narciso Rodriguez for Men. And I know exactly what eliweisz means by describing it as bitter. It has a curious similarity to vetiver compositions. Suddenly, after three or four minutes what emerges is a very pleasant woody herbal. I barely notice the leather which was actually what guided me to this blind purchase. (I usually like leather scents a lot). All the same this is really quite nice. I would never have expected this from Jil Sander. Scent 79 Man seems very English and is very retro. But then again, Mark Buxton is the designer and seemingly reputed to be inspired by traditional perfumes. This feels old worldly but in a posh way - perhaps reminiscent of some Geo. Trumper and Lalique fragrances. You may laugh, but Scent 79 reminds me of the lifts in Fortnum & Mason and (what was) Simpson's of Piccadilly; even the gun cabinet that belonged to a deceased uncle of mine. Not fusty, but like old wood panelling and old furniture. But that's what fragrances do. They stir all sorts of memories and images, and that's what Scent 79 Man stirs for me.

The mention of artemisia made me curious. I bought a 50ml bottle for a song and didn't regret it. An unorthodox smell - clean and dark at the same time, quite bitter-spicy but well-rounded. Herbal, woody and leathery notes are quite nicely balanced, without a synthetic feel. Sillage is moderate, longevity is above average (more than 7 hours). Should be perfect for winter wear, but fine for a windy summer evening, too. Well worth a try!

A nice, green, woody leather frag with an unlit cigarette like tobacco note which might be the artemisia, with a hint of spices and incense thrown in. Decent longevity and moderate projection. A good fragrance for a night out. I like it. 8/10