11
Top Review
A Journey of Rediscovery
Journey Man is often referred to as "a tobacco fragrance by Amouage", but in my opinion this description is reductive and misses the point of this nuanced creation. It's a scent that embodies its name, with a slow-burning evolution that moves from a fiery start to a warm, contemplative finish.
Journey was my third purchase from the Omani house two years ago, a bottle I initially let go of, only to recently reacquire it. My renewed appreciation stems from the brilliant use of the cypriol note, which, despite the perfume's reputation, is quite structural in the composition's drydown.
The fragrance begins with a blast of bitter orange, Sichuan pepper, and cardamom. The combination feels like a dance between the spicy pepper and the cooling cardamom. A touch of opulent neroli adds further bitter-floral freshness. This initial phase is energetic, in contrast to its eventual dry down.
As the journey progresses, after around 1 hour, the scent becomes woodier and smokier, with a delicate, wispy frankincense and the earthiness of cypriol.
The supposed headliners - tobacco and leather - are diffused. The tobacco is dry, leafy and a bit smoky, weaving in and out of the incense trail, while the leather is soft, and fleeting.
As the drydown progresses, you may be able to perceive a slight sweetness perhaps coming from Geraniol and tonka.
In terms of performance, Journey isn't a loud scent. It is a quiet burn with a reserved scent bubble, good for formal settings. Longevity wise, 8 hours on skin and a bit longer if you spray on clothes.
Overall, Journey is a well blended 12-year-old composition from master perfumers Morillas and Negrin that hasn't aged at all. It might be only for those who appreciate hidden gems... but it should be on your frag-radar, especially if you like cypriol!
Journey was my third purchase from the Omani house two years ago, a bottle I initially let go of, only to recently reacquire it. My renewed appreciation stems from the brilliant use of the cypriol note, which, despite the perfume's reputation, is quite structural in the composition's drydown.
The fragrance begins with a blast of bitter orange, Sichuan pepper, and cardamom. The combination feels like a dance between the spicy pepper and the cooling cardamom. A touch of opulent neroli adds further bitter-floral freshness. This initial phase is energetic, in contrast to its eventual dry down.
As the journey progresses, after around 1 hour, the scent becomes woodier and smokier, with a delicate, wispy frankincense and the earthiness of cypriol.
The supposed headliners - tobacco and leather - are diffused. The tobacco is dry, leafy and a bit smoky, weaving in and out of the incense trail, while the leather is soft, and fleeting.
As the drydown progresses, you may be able to perceive a slight sweetness perhaps coming from Geraniol and tonka.
In terms of performance, Journey isn't a loud scent. It is a quiet burn with a reserved scent bubble, good for formal settings. Longevity wise, 8 hours on skin and a bit longer if you spray on clothes.
Overall, Journey is a well blended 12-year-old composition from master perfumers Morillas and Negrin that hasn't aged at all. It might be only for those who appreciate hidden gems... but it should be on your frag-radar, especially if you like cypriol!