Gypsy Water

Byredo's Gypsy Water, released in 2008, is a soft, woody scent with a forest-floor idea at its centre, worn by anyone. Wearers describe it as woody, amber and citrus in equal measure, with about half also calling it spicy, sweet or floral.

It opens with lemon and bergamot sharpened by pepper and juniper, a clean, slightly gin-like freshness. The heart brings pine needles and incense, so the citrus gives way to something resinous and faintly smoky, like a wood fire at a distance, with orris root adding a cool, powdery softness. The base is sandalwood, amber and vanilla, creamy and gently sweet, which pulls the whole thing close to the skin and keeps it comforting rather than austere.

Performance is its weak point: the largest group of wearers call it very weak, the next largest moderate, and sillage is intimate for most. It is voted strongly for daytime and for spring and summer, which fits a quiet, personal scent for someone who wants woods and incense without any heaviness.

Gypsy Water — unisex fragrance by Byredo (released 2008). Top notes: Juniper, Lemon, Bergamot, Pepper. Heart notes: Pine needles, Incense, Orris Root. Base notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Amber. — Parfica open fragrance database