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Giving the gift of fragrance is a high-risk, high-reward investment. Make a misstep, and you’re down in flames; but introduce someone to their new favorite scent, and they’ll never forget it. To make the process goof-proof, we’ve gathered 12 scents we’d love to unwrap, each with a personality different than the next. We guarantee you’ll come across something you want to add to your own wish list here, too.
Bottega Veneta Pour Homme
For a suit-and-tie evening, consider the Italian fashion house’s first fragrance for men. Notes like fir balsam, pine, and leather are both masculine and subtle—the perfect wingman for a Saturday night out.
Jay Z Gold
Hov’s first fragrance didn’t come easy. The master entrepreneur reportedly rejected 3,200 names before deciding on Gold. The juice, which Mr. Carter crafted with perfumer Ilias Ermenidis, is a blend of grapefruit with cardamom and bourbon vanilla—and is about as rich as the man himself.
Byredo 1996
The husband-and-wife photography team Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin originally teamed up with Byredo founder Ben Gorham to create a Christmas present for their close friends, but the resulting fragrance generated so much buzz that they’ve decided to make the bottle available to the public. The unique, woody scent (think: juniper berries, violet, and patchouli) is unisex, so you could technically give it to your lady and, uh, steal it right back.
Poler x Campfire Cologne
At only $13, this is the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your outdoorsy brother. The “cologne” is actually mini pieces of aromatic wood that you light with a match (so, maybe not the best for office dwellers) to be transported back to a summer campfire. See the stuff in action here.
Poler x Campfire Cologne, $13
John Varvatos Deluxe Fragrance
The designer’s namesake fragrance has been bottled up in a big way. Through the holidays the juice is offered in a deluxe size, so fans can spritz away the confident, casual-cool blend of tamarind tree leaves, clary sage, and leather with a little more abandon.
Kilian Apple Brandy
While it won’t be easy to get your hands on Kilian’s new unisex scent—it’s only sold at their NYC Meatpacking boutique—we swear the hustle’s worth the wait. The cognac isn’t too strong and the apples aren’t too sweet, and the two combined will leave even the biggest Grinch in the holiday spirit.
Kilian Apple Brandy, $235 in-store
Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men (Limited Edition)
If you’re already a fan of the famed tobacco, amber, and coriander blend, you’re going to love this re-release in an all-over platinum bottle. And if you missed seeing the fragrance’s Scorsese short with Scarlett Johansson and Matthew McConaughey, take a gander. Their chemistry is a little meh, but two points for creativity.
Hylnds Spirit of the Glen
This Brooklyn-born fragrance will warm a body up like a single malt scotch whisky, which happens to be the inspiration behind the scent. DS & Durga teamed up with the Glenlivet to capture the whiskey’s production process in Scotland, which is why you’ll detect hints of charred bourbon barrel, pineapple weed, and limousine oak. Holiday buzz not included.
Juniper Ridge’s Siskiyou Backpacker Cologne
For the guy who finds most fragrances to be a little too precious, check out Juniper Ridge’s brand new backpacker colognes. The small batch purveyor bottles the mountains (literally, their backpackers forage plants and tree pitch to infuse at their Oakland shop), so everything smells au naturel.
Juniper Ridge’s Siskiyou Canyon Backpacker Cologne, $55
Burberry Brit Rhythm
Christopher Bailey’s latest concoction is meant to invoke the energy rush of a live concert, and objectively speaking this scent rocks. Electric notes like basil verveina and cardamom are anchored by rich cedarwood, resulting in a sexy scent that’s as perfect for daytime as it is wild nights.
Odin 11 Semma
Cozy, warm, and slightly sexy, Odin’s first tobacco-based scent is like sitting by a crackling fire. The kick of chili pepper, cinnamon bark, and clove make this spicy fragrance a must-smell while you’re still bundled up.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Male
Fans of cult favorite Le Male will be pleasantly surprised by JPG’s fresh and sporty take on the classic with Le Beau Male. The mint and lavender-infused scent is light enough to transition you right through spring.
