Grapefruit, Pepper & Black Cedar

Grapefruit, Pepper & Black Cedar is the house's most openly masculine scent, written as an answer to the drift towards unisex perfumery. It opens with the zest of grapefruit and bergamot, a bright and clean start. The heart is leather lifted by black pepper and nutmeg, dry and spicy rather than sweet. The base is woody and composed, black cedar with patchouli, tonka bean and moss. Wearers who have tried it agree it is spicier and less sweet than expected. One likes the strong pepper and finds it more unisex than its billing; another calls it unisex and sexy; a third finds it lighter than the rest of the range, though lovely, and reads it as a scent for women who want strength with softness. The house pitches it at the sophisticated, well-travelled gentleman. Community reports put wear time and trail at moderate, with votes for spring, summer and autumn and mostly daytime wear. It suits office and everyday wear and works for an evening out, with the cedar and leather giving it a dry, grown-up feel. Treat it as a fresh woody spice for anyone, whatever the label says, and a good first choice from the range if you dislike sweetness. It is made by hand in the UK by a small London house.