Back to basics for fall with a classic men’s scent

Writer, editor Doug Wallace embraces elegant old-school ingredients when it comes to choosing a fall #TWTRspritz.

While I’m keen to continually try new scents, I go back to those that meet two criteria:

1. They have to stand out at the fragrance counter, and

2. They need to champion at least a few classic men’s notes: cedar, fern, sandalwood, lavender, patchouli, musk, etc.

One of my go-tos for fall is the fresh fougère Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur, created in partnership with fragrance heavyweight Dominique Ropion in 2009. Geranium and peppermint are spiced with cloves and cinnamon, all tied up with a white musk and sandalwood base. It smells like Grandpa is going on a date with Grandma the week they met in the 1930s, and by jove, he has to smell good!

Top notes: star anise, geranium, mint
Middle notes: clove, cinnamon
Base notes: incense, sandalwood, musk, benzoin

Frederic Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur, $298 (50 ml), www.holtrenfrew.com

Make sure to check back every Friday to see another #TWTRspritz from another one of our fragrance lovers. And make sure to follow us on Instagram and tag your own perfume-loving posts with the hashtag.