How does it perform in the summer?

Most users find it too dense and earthy for high heat. Its balsamic richness and smokiness are designed to cut through the cold, making it a favorite for fall and winter.

Does the vanilla make it a sweet fragrance?

Not at all. The vanilla is used sparingly to add a subtle smoothness to the base, preventing the patchouli and frankincense from becoming overly harsh or bitter.

Fragrance Fragrance

Monsieur.

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle·2016

Monsieur.

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle·2016

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Classic Perfumes944 Masculine Fragrances1670 2010s Fragrances3361 Fragrances Starting With M479

Accords

Notes

HeartPatchouli//Frankincense//Suede//Cedar//Mandarin orange//Musk//Rum absolute//Saffron//Vanilla

What does Monsieur. smell like?

Monsieur. is a decisive study in patchouli, stripping away the "hippie" connotations often associated with the note and replacing them with a sharp, sartorial edge. It opens with an immediate punch of...

Details

House: Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Gender: masculine
Year: 2016
Longevity: 8.1 / 10
Sillage: 7.7 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Earthy, Spicy, Smoky, Leathery
Best Seasons: Fall, Winter
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Bruno Jovanovic

Community Insights

The community generally regards this as a high-performance fragrance, noting that it possesses significant weight and gravity, often lasting all day with a persistent, oily sillage.
It is frequently categorized as a "modern-retro" scent, with enthusiasts comparing its hyper-masculine profile to old-school classics like Givenchy Gentleman, though Monsieur. is seen as cleaner and more polished.
Common comparisons are made to Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu; however, users often point out that Monsieur. is more refined and less overwhelming than the Tom Ford counterpart.
Opinion is polarized regarding its character; while many celebrate it as a sophisticated and seductive take on patchouli, some find the dry, smoky aromachemicals to be too stark or "rough" for those who prefer sweeter, modern gourmands.
The consensus suggests it is best suited for cold weather and evening wear, particularly for professional or formal occasions where a mature, commanding presence is desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this smell like a typical "headshop" patchouli?+

No. By using a high concentration of molecularly distilled patchouli, the fragrance avoids the dirty, camphoraceous qualities of traditional patchouli oil, resulting in a scent that is earthy and woody rather than herbal or "bohemian."

Is this suitable for office wear?+

It can be used for business, but it is quite potent. Because of its smoky and boozy facets, it is more commonly recommended for evening events, leisure in cold weather, or formal night-out scenarios.

How does the rum note behave?+

The rum absolute provides a sharp, alcoholic bite in the opening minutes. It is not a sweet, sugary rum, but rather a dry, sophisticated spirit note that blends into the woody heart as the fragrance dries down.

Is Monsieur. considered a unisex fragrance?+

While anyone can wear what they enjoy, the fragrance community overwhelmingly classifies this as a masculine scent due to its heavy emphasis on cedar, suede, and smoky accords.