Launched in 2009 Noir de Réminiscence by the French costume jewelry and fragrance line, Réminiscence, is a unique, textured scent that always draws people closer.

Noir de Réminiscence opens with bergamot, sharp, citrusy and bitter, before a camphourous note of eucalyptus comes forward bolstered an aromatic, medicinal elemi. The combination is heady, indolic and gorgeously compelling! The green aspect of the eucalyptus is heightened by bitter, herbal galbanum and spicy, green coriander. A note of lemon gives it a welcome brightness. The opening has a unique texture that is aromatic, fresh, and resinous. As it blooms, a lush, sensuous rose note appears alongside a note of earthy, powdery violet. Then there are the woods – cedarwood and fragrant, aromatic Marrakech wood. The camphour is muted but still present so that the heart is floral, woody and balsamy. This is carried over to a resinous-rich base of ambery labdanum, and sweet, rich oppoponax and balsamy, woody frankincense. Vanilla and creamy sandalwood give it a sensual smoothness.

The drydown of this men’s fragrance is exactly the kind I like: quietly powerful, confident and compelling without swagger or arrogance.