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I found some more samples that other day, that I had stashed away some time ago. Among these scents, was a few Amouage vials that I purchased around 4 years back. I never got to posting my reviews of these scents, so I figured that I’d get to work on writing. Today’s entry is the 2014 release, Journey Man. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?
What does Journey Man Smell Like?
Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, Sichuan pepper, tobacco, leather, incense, juniper berries, and more
Click here to try: AMOUAGE Journey Man’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz
My Full Wear Review
The opening of Journey Man brings my nose a blast of the Sichuan pepper, incense, and bergamot. These are the main notes for the first few minutes. Flanked by dry tobacco, cardamom, and leather.
It’s quite spicy and smoky at first. Though, as it moves further along it will become much smoother and less harsh. The bergamot is bright and adds some initial juiciness, which develops into a very dry scent.
After that initial couple of minutes, I really get a dry aroma of tobacco, with a cured smokiness. It’s a spiced warmth and freshness provided by cardamom and the emerging juniper berry. Juniper becomes more noticeable to me, as the scent develops on my skin. It is never the main focus, but I can pick up its smell throughout.
Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility
Sillage wise, Journey Man is quite powerful, much like the other Amouage fragrances. Though, this isn’t the biggest beast. It’s still in the upper echelons of projection, just not the elite of the elite. Nonetheless, it won’t disappoint with its power.
With the longevity, it hangs around on my skin for over 10 hours. Not sure the exact number, as I’ve always showered before it fades, but it’s a workhorse scent.
Seasonally, Journey is best for the colder months, but is fine in more moderate temperatures. I wouldn’t wear during the summertime. However, it works autumn through early spring.
This is a very traditionally masculine fragrance. It’ll most skew toward older guys. Not at all the typical teenager fragrance or what is usually on the best sellers list nowadays. It can be very bold and feel quite harsh, at times.
Mostly for semi-formal to formal wear. Go light with it at the office. Can be a nightlife fragrance, but it’s not a ‘club’ cologne. More niche, than popular.
My Overall Impressions of Journey Men
Do I like this fragrance? Somewhat. It really isn’t my style, so I’m not going to give it really high marks, but I also don’t want to disparage it. The fragrance is okay, but not super attractive. It reminds me of a mix between one of the PdM fragrances (Shagya? Maybe? or I) and Noir Anthracite by Tom Ford.
It’s more enjoyable than either of those, but doesn’t really do it for me. If this is the type of fragrance that you like, it will at least perform extremely well for you. Whether or not that’s worth the $300 or so for a bottle, that’s your call.
I’d rather pick up multiple bottles of other scent. I’ll pass on Journey, but I don’t hate it.
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.