The Secret Absolu

The Secret Absolu from Antonio Banderas, composed by Ilias Ermenidis and Honorine Blanc in 2024, is a spicy, boozy fragrance for men. Spice is what everyone notices; most also find it sweet, and a third pick up resin, herbs, amber and citrus.

Bergamot, apple and green apple open it bright and crisp, with violet leaf adding a sharp, green freshness and ginger and cardamom a warm, aromatic spice. Lavender keeps the middle clean and herbal, while saffron adds a dry, slightly leathery warmth and cognac a rich, brandy-like glow. The base is labdanum, suede and amber: dark, balsamic resin, soft leather and a warm, lasting finish.

It is marketed as masculine and suits autumn and winter and the evening, for someone who likes apple and cognac over suede and labdanum.

The Secret Absolu — for men fragrance by Antonio Banderas (released 2024). Notes: Amber, Apple, Bergamot, Cardamom, Cognac, Ginger, Green Apple, Labdanum, Lavender, Saffron, Suede, Violet Leaf. — Parfica open fragrance database