Pi

Pi, created by Alberto Morillas for Givenchy in 1998, is a sweet, aromatic scent for men built on vanilla and almond. Sweetness and flowers are noticed equally by everyone, most wearers also find it aromatic, and a third describe it as spicy, leathery or citrusy.

Rosemary, basil and tarragon open it with a green, herbal freshness, and mandarin adds a little juice. The heart continues the herbal theme with anise, liquorice-like and slightly sweet, alongside neroli, geranium and lily of the valley for a soft floral centre. The base is what people remember: vanilla, tonka bean, almond and benzoin together give a warm, marzipan sweetness, with cedar adding a dry woody line beneath it.

Most people report moderate longevity, with a third getting a long-lasting wear, and sillage is moderate. It is voted for autumn and winter and almost evenly for night and day, suiting men who like a comforting, vanilla-led scent with a herbal start.

Pi — for men fragrance by Givenchy (released 1998). Top notes: Mandarin Orange, Tarragon, Rosemary, Basil. Heart notes: Anise, Neroli, Geranium, Lily-of-the-Valley. Base notes: Vanilla, Almond, Tonka Bean, Benzoin, Cedar. — Parfica open fragrance database