Miyabi Man

Spice comes first in Miyabi Man, a 2009 fragrance for men from the Japanese house Annayake. Sweetness and citrus share second place, with green, woody and musky touches.

Blood orange and citruses open with a bright, tangy freshness, joined by cardamom for a cool, aromatic spice and violet leaf for a green, slightly watery crispness. Clove and nutmeg then build a warmer, more traditional spice heart, clove in particular bringing a dry, almost medicinal warmth. The drydown softens considerably, with vanilla and tonka bean adding a smooth, gentle sweetness, sandalwood a creamy woodiness and musk a clean finish.

The balance of zesty citrus and warm spice makes Miyabi Man fairly versatile. It suits autumn and spring, office days and evenings, and has the composed, elegant character the name suggests. It should appeal to men who like spicy fragrances that stay refined rather than heavy, with a soft vanilla trail.

Miyabi Man — for men fragrance by Annayake (released 2009). Notes: Blood Orange, Cardamom, Citruses, Clove, Cloves, Musk, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Vanille, Violet Leaf. — Parfica open fragrance database