6 Winter Colognes To Get You Through the Cold Days Ahead

• Olfactory Family: Woody/aromatic/fruity
• Concentration: Cologne
• Personality: Seductive

I can honestly say there are very few colognes to have remained a permanent fixture in my fragrance wardrobe for more than a decade. Pomegranate Noir, though, is one of them. A seductive and intensely woody composition, it is the scent I turn to when I need comforting — but I only ever wear it in winter because its rich, plum-like pomegranate fruit notes warmed with patchouli and smoky guaiac wood seem to suit the colder months better. Dark and enigmatic, it is full-bodied and rich (think mulled wine), with accents of Casablanca lily and crackling pink pepper; connoisseurs will probably also detect some clove and Virginia cedar. Originally created in 2005, for me it is the ubiquitous Jo Malone London fragrance; a timeless classic that has stayed the course and transcends the ever-fluctuating trends in perfumery.

• Olfactory Family: Chypre/leather
• Concentration: Eau de Toilette
• Personality: Distinguished

When it comes to fragrance notes, nothing says winter better than leather. Rich, protective, and masculine, it has become a go-to ingredient for perfumers in need of something that will be both warming and familiar. Created in 1986, Bel Ami is one hell of a leather fragrance. Created as a provocative departure from the fougère (mossy/green/aromatic) fragrances that dominated at the time, it is refined and elegant but with a subversive side; unmistakably for men, but a bit ambiguous. I first discovered this fragrance back in the day: I actually bought my first bottle the year it launched. I’ve never grown tired of it since it gives that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from a woody/chypre/leather scent, but is classy and never overbearing; stealth luxury in the form of fine fragrance. Composed by perfumer Jean-Louis Sieuzac in close collaboration with Hèrmes, it launches with hesperides notes of clary sage, cardamom, and mandarin, leaving a memorable trail of leather, vanilla, and patchouli.

• Olfactory Family: Woody/spicy
• Concentration: Eau de Toilette
• Personality: Hedonistic

As a lover of scent, there is nothing I like more than introducing forgotten fragrances to a new generation. While the big perfume brands obviously want to push what is shiny and new, the unsung heroes from the past can often get overlooked. Égoïste, created in 1990 by Jacques Polge (head perfumer at Chanel between 1975 and 2015), is one of these timeless classics. As with most men’s fragrances launched in the early 90’s, it’s ballsy, intense and full of seductive power-dressing energy. Defined by its tempting blend of spicy woods and vanilla, it opens with Sicilian mandarin and coriander before exploring a heart of oriental rose and touching base with sandalwood and ambrette seeds from the Seychelles. Originally with limited distribution, but now available nationwide, it will forever be a firm favorite of mine; it’s determined, unapologetic ,and has fire in its belly.

• Olfactory Family: Amber/woody
• Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Personality: Dark and mysterious

This latest addition to Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection takes a walk on the dark side; a love-it-or-hate-it perfume that’s incisive and uncompromising. Inspired by the art of lacquering precious woods, it features two Tom Ford exclusive ingredient innovations: an incandescent black lacquer accord, which offers smoky, textured opulence, and a Makassar ebony wood note that evokes aspects of birch combined with leather. Perfect for winter, beneath its glossy surface blooms a mysterious dark peony accord, seasoned with black pepper and drenched in rum; elemi resin and olibanum highlight its undertones of incense. Created by perfumer Guillaume Flavigny, it’s not going to be to everyone’s taste, but fans of smoky, woody, resinous, slightly ecclesiastical scents will wonder how they ever survived without it.