Ormonde Man

Possibly my new signature fragrance and I consider it a MASTERPIECE! Let's face it, today's market is abundant with so much product that it is very hard to find something that appeals from ALL angles, meaning: scent itself, longevity, wearability, strength or sillage, development and last but not least price. This creation has me hooked on ALL these aspects. (£140 for 120ml is a bargain for a quality niche Eau de Parfum concentration). I am a chypre lover to begin with and it really is a misunderstood category. Of course I am a sucker for heavy and pungent orientals, especially when it's cold and it's winter, but this one, a classic 'resinous' chypre is just so perfect for this transitionary time of year: autumn (but I actually think this can be used almost all year round, perhaps not in sweltering summer heat). Now, I did visit the Ormonde Jayne boutique in London (Royal Arcade) a few days ago and this attractive and charming lady served me, asking me all the right questions a consummate professional like her would. It turned out it was Linda Pilkington, the founder of O.J. herself. This really impressed me immensely and gave me even more intrigue to sample her scents. She recommended this creation for me and I immediately took a liking to it, given I love chypres and unusual ingredients: The hemlock (she used it first) is a poisonous plant and full of history and mystique. Legend has it that Socrates poisoned himself with a drink made from this plant: indeed it is intoxicating for once sniffed, I can no longer put it down. Ms Pilkerton also claims to be a pioneer in using oud here in the UK for the first time (before everyone else did) and in the case of this creation the multitude of ingredients are incredibly well orchestrated and blend together to a real Chypre symphony of resinous, creamy, spicy, rich and indulgent, warm and musky olfactory bliss. Initially the juniper hits you with the bergamot but quickly makes way to this hard to describe abstract oily, coniferous creamy, piney green, somewhat aromatic floral blitz, that isn't really floral but more herbaceous, known as "chypre", the collective effect of various woods, resins, herbs and plant extracts. What I love about this perfume is that is somewhat understated and does not start with a big bang, more like a noticeable introduction but it is the constantly increasing glimmer and glow from below and underneath that is so compelling. You just cannot help but starting to sniff yourself and this extremely well blended concoction just keeps on going and going. It lasts particularly long and well on fabric! It is incredibly sophisticated but also smells very natural, relaxed and elegant; just truly unique. It is not a massive projector, more like an elegant 'hummer' rather than a 'screamer', but it is always and confidently there. This restrain makes it so utterly compelling and will make you wanting more. I also think it is extremely sensuous and sexy in an otherworldly kind of way, not like a brash sexy like "Kouros" or "1 Million" and the likes. Thank you Linda!! I love you and your creations. A CHYPRE MASTERPIECE! 10/10

I think this is one of my favourite perfumes. A syrupy smooth, always unfolding fragrance with depth and zing. It has noticeable top notes of cardamon and hemlock with an undercurrent of pink pepper (and maybe cinnamon?), oud vetiver (and I think musk). But there's this citrus mixed with cedar. I find it one of the most fascinating combinations of notes because it's so unified but if you take just a few seconds you can pick apart the major components, like a game. The way my nose can untangle the notes only to have them rectangle again makes this fragrance a continuously fascinating, even entrancing, sensory experience. It also has a resin-like quality (I would even venture so far as to say it's a bit like frankincense) which melds with the hemlock in a way that I find very sensual; in my opinion this means the fragrance can be a bit assertive, though not excessive. On my skin, I find that a creamy sweetness comes through more, and last quite a bit. I find that the core of the scent is the mix of hemlock, cardamom and cedar; it's what last through the whole life of the fragrance on my skin and what has the most prominence until the last fourth of the lifespan of the fragrance on skin. I really love the hemlock note! The fragrance also sticks to my collars or scarves, especially that creamy sweetness, though the woody notes also stick around, as opposed to the spicy or citrusy notes, which only last on the skin. I think the fragrance is best suited to spring or autumn, though it can be worn in winter. I also find it a fairly versatile fragrance for time of day because of the resin-like quality that brings it into night; if anything I would see it as bridging afternoon and evening. I personally avoid wearing it at work, as I find the sensual aspect of it somewhat inappropriate for a work environment. Besides, I think this fragrance has a sort of sprezzatura best suited to (joyous) social functions. Wearing Ormonde Man makes me feel sexy and mysterious. There's something of the forrest about it, almost boreal, that gives it a robust personality and distinctiveness. And the spicy notes give a kind of power I associate with cigars and/or whisky after hours. I can't quite decide wether or not the fragrance has a quirky personality - if it were a person it'd be opinionated and strong willed, but somehow lightheartedly charming and open.

My experience with Ormonde Man was among the finest discoveries I have seen in years. It has everything I want, from high-end perfumery and more. This exceptional fragrance carves its path in the olfactory world, offering a captivating blend of classic and unexpected notes. Since it can be purchased for a little more than $100.00 for a big 120ml bottle, this one gets my highest recommendations for everyone who has slept on this brand. TOP NOTES The opening is so good that words cannot adequately describe it, but I’ll try my best. Imagine a brisk mountain breeze gently touching your face in the early morning as you walk through a pine forest. The spicy notes of cardamom, pink pepper, juniper berries, and coriander are made realistically, bringing out this citric and fresh quality. The additional sweetness with a juicy lift comes from bergamot to round up the composition. Together, they provide a stimulating and sophisticated opening. HEART NOTES The delightful blend continues into the middle notes as well. The citrusy and spicy nuances remain, and the overall greenness amplifies its power, but never into the old-school territory. Black hemlock, also known as mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), isn’t natural here since the real deal is highly poisonous. The use of black hemlock absolute (a concentrated oil extract) in Ormonde Man adds a unique and unexpected layer of complexity to the fragrance. Even though Jayne’s marketing on their website boasts that Man is using natural Laotian Oud here, there is no agarwood in this composition, which is not bad. BASE NOTES The base notes of Man are the anchor that grounds the fragrance and are the elements that work together to create a satisfying and unforgettable finish. Hemlock is still present here but infused with an overdose of cedarwood, vetiver, and sandalwood, similar to those found in Escentric Molecules perfumes. Contemporary, sexy, and warm, these base notes meld with my skin and become part of my core. They linger for a long time, like whispered promises, inviting me to explore their depths repeatedly. OVERALL Ormonde is one of the most underrated masterpieces, signature-worthy fragrances everyone should discover. Read the full review at scentgrail.com

Adorably sophisticated. Yet subtle. The header description is in fact perfect. Creamy citrus - spiced with sharp peppery top note on a sweet creamy woody base. Whilst some what similar to traditional Chypre, Aromatic Citrus I do not recall any having such a unique subtle play on it like this. A modern take on a traditional Chypre. Not like being smashed in the face with a wet halibut but - wow - a constant delicate power house. More for the crowd that want a quality smell and whom are confident and don’t need to walk in the room saying “look at me”. Rather this will draw people, constantly sniffing, making them seek a subtle waft that after a few minutes switches their senses into full gear realising that somewhere in the back ground there really is a gorgeous scent in the room to be found. Constant linear smell from go... amazingly awesome longevity. Silage as described is there - I get wafts from my arm whilst reading this, again unlike so many scents I love this is strong but polite in its presence... Bergamot needs to be voted up... I’m shocked as to how much I love this scent yet it is very unlike my usual preference... it just feels sexy wearing it... I am imagine being Daniel Craig as James Bond, having a proper shave & shower, splashing this on, donning a nice red velvet dinner jacket and popping into a London Gentleman’s club to enjoy a Whisky and playing a game of bridge with M, hobknobbing with royalty, nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and then ditching them with one of the young princesses and heading out to a trendy club after donning a tux dancing the night away all the while wearing this... Negative reviews here are reading between the lines, pleasure seekers looking for an Aventus Moment or blow me away experience like my car audio system on 11 doof doofing away... No for me... this is the first review where I’m happy to romanticise what I write because it really does feel that way... Did I also tell you about Ormonde Jayne Montabaco? Yep... it’s the tobacco experience version of this.... ;)

This is for the EDP; yet to try the Parfum. Totally agree this could be an all season signature wear, if that's what you're after. However, I tend to wear this in the cooler weather (seems a bit 'darker' in warm weather, less crisp), hence these comments during our (note, a Sydney) Winter. I bought the 8mL travel spray as an introduction. Bowled over with the herbal, 'green woody', and spicy aromatic opening but, initially, I wasn't enamoured with the soapiness and I discounted it as a 'nice but not wow' piece. But the trick was how it grew on me with each subsequent wear. I've assembled a finite 'wardrobe' (as opposed to an infinite 'collection') of frags, that over time give me the variety I crave but become a 'seamless' part of me, if you like. A number of signature frags, rather than one. So it's in that context that this piece really stands out - it's an enjoyable, high quality frag that's somewhat unique, and it has tremendous utility. That soapiness isn't nearly as prominent to me now, although it's still in the background. I love it. The scent has this gorgeous aromatic woodiness about it, moving from spicy to more light musky in dry down, and it carries through cooler air really well. Easily a 7 hour cloud, without trying too hard or being remotely obnoxious (quite the opposite). Great for all occasions - from an early morning walk, or a pick-me-up that is professional and enjoyed by others at work, to a sensual and masculine evening piece, this can do it all. Fresh and clean, but interesting. It fits into my lineup by complimenting the heavier Winter pieces I have, and adds a laid back but elegant all-rounder to the team. The trick ultimately was when I tried to think of other scents that could play that role, in this way. It clicked. I can see why this frag has been around for so long, and hats off to the house for allowing us latecomers to enjoy it. Still modern in feel with only a slight throwback to yesteryear in terms of that soapiness. Great stuff.

I recently had the pleasure of trying Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne, and I must say, it’s one of the most captivating fragrances I've ever experienced. From the first spritz, it exudes an air of sophistication and confidence that is truly unmatched. The opening notes are a delightful blend of juniper berry and pink pepper, giving it a fresh yet spicy start. As it dries down, the heart notes of black hemlock and oud come to the forefront, creating a rich, woody aroma that is both mysterious and alluring. What really stands out to me is the subtle touch of cardamom, which adds a unique and slightly exotic twist to the scent. The longevity of Ormonde Man is impressive. It easily lasts throughout the day without fading, and the sillage is just right—not too overpowering, but noticeable enough to leave a lasting impression. I’ve received numerous compliments while wearing it, with many people asking what fragrance I’m wearing. This perfume is perfect for both day and night, making it versatile for any occasion. Whether I’m at a formal event or just going out for a casual dinner, Ormonde Man always feels appropriate and adds a touch of elegance to my overall presence. Overall, Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne has quickly become a staple in my fragrance collection. It’s a sophisticated, well-balanced scent that exudes confidence and class. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, unique fragrance that stands out in the best possible way.

Ormonde Man didn’t just introduce itself - it shook my hand firmly, made eye contact, and showed up early with a résumé printed on thick paper. From the very first spray, I was smitten. This is seductive, confident, and unapologetically masculine in a way that feels classic rather than try-hard. No flirting, no games - just straight-up “I know exactly who I am” energy. Mysterious? Yes. Professional? Absolutely. Unique? Without screaming for attention. It smells like someone who has their life together and their calendar color-coded. It stuck with me all day - on my skin, on my clothes, popping back up like a pleasant little reminder every time I moved. And every time I caught a whiff, I smiled. Projection is strong without being obnoxious, longevity is all-day impressive, and compliments came in like clockwork (always a good sign). There’s almost nothing remotely feminine here to my nose - every note leans firmly masculine, blending into a beautifully tailored, well-put-together fragrance that works perfectly for daily wear, the office, or any occasion where you want to smell polished and intentional. Think less “nightclub chaos” and more “corner office with a view.” Is it full-bottle worthy? Absolutely. Will I probably wait for a sale because my wallet likes to pretend it has standards? Also yes. That said, this is one of those scents that genuinely earns its price tag. Expensive? Sure. Worth it? Unfortunately for my bank account... also yes.

Ormonde Jayne’s signature release for men was a mysterious case that occurred in the early 00’s. I didn’t know what to expect from it. On first smell the fragrance unfolded effortlessly and created a sweltering mist around me like I had walked through a dense cloud of fragrant smoke. In the ten first minutes the perfume had me so hooked that I relaxed myself and enjoyed it for the sheer pleasure of watching it evolve. Like other fragrances of the woods category this rich composition makes the star notes not so necessary for the final result. For the book, I get the juniper, pepper, creamy florals and aromatic woods base but the case is that in this classic genre the form avails the perfumer to either create abstract twists that are puzzling and highly complex (Fahrenheit) or rest assured in bold plainness (as is the case of most straightforward vetivers). Created with top quality materials by the extremely talented Geza Schoen Ormonde Man evolves in a passionless way. It has a deep precise voice, green and woody. An elegant simplicity of style that has the timeless feel of the glorious chypres of the past. Furthermore it is infused with understatement and a sense of aloof assuredness. I close my eyes and find it hard not to imagine Jef Costello. This is all style.

Ormonde Man (the original EDP, not the current Parfum) is all about quiet sophistication. Derived from Ormonde Woman, the opening is sharp and cool, with juniper berries and aldehydes setting a crisp, clean tone before softening into a warmer mix of pink pepper, cardamom, and coriander. What sets Ormonde Man apart is the deep green/verdelite thread that runs through it from start to finish. I suppose that this is partly due to the black hemlock listed in the ingredients. Whether the material is really there or whether it is pure perfume trickery, this dark quality gives the fragrance an almost narcotic effect that lingers. It smells earthy and leathery, with hints of forest floor and an air of smoky birch tar. I barely detect the oud accord, but it blends nicely with vetiver and musk mallow in the base. Despite its bizarre structure, Ormonde Man stays remarkably smooth, with a charm that’s hard to pin down but impossible to deny. It’s the kind of scent that doesn’t need to shout to get noticed. I really, really enjoy wearing it, especially for work or special occasions under a suit and tie. But there’s enough intrigue and quiet confidence here to make it work just as well in more relaxed moments. Masculinity done right.

This is so, so good. Classy and elegant and smooth. It reminds me also of a much better executed Gris Charnel Extrait. If you have both and smell them side by side you'll know what I mean. GCE is very harsh, overwhelming, especially the iris note. Here the iris in OM is just perfect, just enough to give a spicy edge to the fragrance but not overpowering. The opening is a piney blast of forest air. You can really imagine yourself in the woods, picking up a fallen pine cone, on a crisp day. Then on my skin the piney resinous note fades into the background, and get I a woody, spicy (from the iris) and creamy accord (possibly sandalwood and cardamom) that has just the right amount of sweetness. There is also a touch of oud here just to give the fragrance some depth. It is expertly blended with the sandalwood for a harmonious base. Signature scent for the fall and spring. I would even use this on cooler nights in the winter because there is that warm spicy and oud/sandalwood base. The spiciness here is not culinary, incense-like or churchy at all. Ormonde Jayne managed to coax a spice accord out of a combination of dry woods, iris, and a sharp pine note. Very clever and well done.

There is a certain fine line between traditional masculinity and aesthetic smoothness I find is rarely met in fragrance, particularly by fragrances that are bold enough to call themselves 'man', meaning they intend to make a statement on what a man should or rather could smell like. Ormonde's vision is that of a man that who is 'raw' and wild but also elegant and classy, hemlock, the essence of the forest coated and embellished with juniper berry, cardamom and coriander against a smooth woody musky slightly powdery undertone. This has to be one of the most balanced formulas in terms of naturals vs synthetic compounds out there, lasting a comfortable 8 hours on my skin with good projection, but more importantly smelling impeccably balanced throughout the whole ride, from opening to dry down. It reminds me of than one year where we got a real Christmas tree from a tree farm and wrestled it into the living room with my father, bruising twigs on the way, releasing it's essence into the warm and festive indoor environment. Arguably one of the best evergreen, but also overall masculine signature scent out there.

Thought about this one for a while before buying 120ml bottle from the store in London. I started collecting fragrances about a year ago, and got a sample based on Luca Turin's Top 10 list. It arrived and I thought it was quite sharp, a bit headache inducing, but couldn't see any angles on it. I fonud it a bit cold and reserved. I kept collecting fragrances, and got up to about 100 samples and bottles. I took a look at my ratings for all the fragrances, and slowly over the year, Ormonde Man had moved to the very top in my estimations. There is something ingenious about this scent. It's the most versatile scent I've come across - not only in terms of how it suits any occasion (at all) but in that it seems able to convey opposites simultaneously in multiple dimensions. It's classic, but modern. It's got a prominent character standalone character (the woods) but it's also transparent and hard to pin down. It's formal and appropriate, but it's also artistic and has a devil-may-care rebelliousness. It's cold and stern, but inviting. There's an intense panache to this fragrance which I find really appealing.

This is a classic-feeling fragrance with enough edginess to keep it versatile and appropriate for a wide range of occasions and ages. Pink pepper and juniper burst onto the scene in the top notes - a fresh breath of crisp autumn air that would be appropriate any time of the year. As the pink pepper and juniper tame down a bit, the cardamom begins to appear, and to my nose, takes center stage as it is supported by an understated yet quality (probably synthetic) oud note. Here, as others have mentioned, the scent smells more fulfilling when enjoyed passively as it wafts up to your nose. Smelling it directly on the skin isn't nearly as pleasing (although certainly not bad at all). I get a really strong Tom Ford Oud Wood vibe, for comparison's sake. Keep in mind this was released in 2004, vs. Oud Wood in 2007! Fans of Oud Wood absolutely need to check this one out, as it certainly has different nuances - these two scents have a similar vibe (probably the cardamom/oud dominance) but are by no means dupes of each other. Love it!

This is a very sensual fragrance; the opening smells deep, dark-green, resinous with a touch of incense. The first 2-3 minutes remind me of tiger balm, but more green. After a few minutes this fragrance settles on my skin and it starts to sparkle; the spices round off and the resins shine through. This part of the experience is top tier, catching whiffs of this in the air is wonderful. Performance is rarely a factor for me, I would rather a low projecting fragrance than an extroverted scent, and I don’t mind when a fragrance sits closer to the skin after 45-60 mins. This being said, Ormande Man almost completely falls off of my skin after an hour. Edit: perhaps it’s the ISO E Super in this fragrance that is making me go nose blind after an hour? I picked up a shirt that I wore the other day and it still smelt strongly of Ormande Man. In fact, it smells incredible. Im VERY tempted to pull the trigger on a FB, just so that I can get to know this fragrance even better.

I've had an 8ml sample of this for a while now. I loved it when I got it and my nose was not so developed. I love it now as I'm appreciating really challenging fragrances. This is very much like Geza Schoen - not a lot of sweetness, a mix where everything jumps up and down in the mix (you smell each ingredient in a whiff like each was on a pogo stick) And then there's the woods... Between this and Nawab of Oudh, I think Ormonde Jayne has possibly the most easily palatable ouds that I've smelt so far. I kept hearing that TF Oud Wood would be a great way to get into Oud as a note and that it is amazing - an oud with designer sensibilities. I didn't like the Tom Ford. I love this. In fact here's some sacrilege for you - I wish this is what Oud Wood smelt like Versatile, easy to wear, will mark you out as a boss. That 8ml sample is soon becoming a full bottle.... EDIT: It did become a full bottle :)

Heavenly woody forest scent. Black Hemlock & juniper perfection that's easy to wear formal or casual, but also interesting enough to scratch that niche itch. I decided to try it because it has hemlock which I really enjoy, and something you don't see often in perfumery. Unlike Cape Heartache, the hemlock is not distracted with competing notes. Here it's amped up with juniper, and highlighted with cedar bark, vetiver, sandalwood, and a touch of bitter agarwood. It smells like a beautiful, realistic, coniferous forest. Like most British fragrances, it has a sensibility about it, and is not a screamer or a performance monster, which is perfect for someone that wants to wear this as their signature to work. Excellent fragrance, and absolutely worth trying. ××××××××××××××××× Scent 99/100 ×××××××××××××××××

I just want to second those opinions that EdP and Parfum versions are different and warrant two separate profiles. The Parfum version is much “darker” and close to Ormonde Woman / Ormonde Elixir. I much prefer the EdP, though I also have OW and OE for those moments when I want that “darker” experience. But I absolutely love the “brightness” of the EdP in contrast. The EdP is by far my preferred scent of the entire lot (and I own and use all of them). EDIT 15/03/25: I was the other day in their boutique in London. Out of curiosity I asked if it was possible to order in store the old EdP concentration, but they told me that they can only do stronger concentrations. So it seems that the EdP is gone for good and we need to get used to the Parfum, which IMO is the inferior scent.

10/10 One of the best fragrances I’ve ever smelled. Perfect blend. Ormonde Man is the first of the house I tried and made me fall deeply in love. Watched a video recently of Linda Pilkington, who created and owns the company (she’s here in Portland OR tonight at Fumerie Parfumerie and I’m going to miss it and am so sad). Her description of the OJ Man/Woman signature scent of the house was very interesting. She said they were the first to use hemlock as a fragrance note (as far as she/I know that’s true). Maybe that note is one reason it’s so fantastic, but all the fragrances I’ve smelled so far from this house are great. I have Montabaco Intensivo on the way, and I can’t wait to wear it. Thank you Linda for this magnificent, classy fragrance!

I can’t praise this scent highly enough; a textbook example of a modern masculine. For starters, the zesty but controlled whirl of pepper in the opening is brilliant. Some of that pepper lingers on to join the main attraction of muted woods and a touch of oud, with a quiet berry note to sweeten things a bit. It all dries down into a warm, woody glow that is soft yet substantial. It’s a perfectly calibrated blend and smells marvelous. Longevity is exemplary – three or four spritzes last all day – and sillage couldn’t be better. As if all that weren’t enough: Ormonde Man exudes class, lots of it. Ideal in any situation, any season, day or night. No wonder I’ve worn this more than any other scent over the past 8 years. A rare 10/10. Perfect.

So I share my name with this perfume. That’s where the initial attraction was for me. I had it on my list to sample, but my mom blind bought me a bottle as a gift. (She had no idea I was interested)It was a nice surprise to receive in the mail. This feels minimal but full and rounded at the same time. It’s a soft projector, but lasts a long time. This is a super nice perfume. It gives a sorta gentlemanly vibe, that’s also sort of comforting. It’s elegant, but slightly understated. No one could dislike this perfume. This is not an oud forward fragrance, but I do get some woods. When I finish the bottle I will replace it. I’d place it as a modern take on a chypre. Smells timeless, definitely a good signature scent for any age.