Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Man Review (2024): Criminally Underrated

Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne is a woody, spicy fragrance for men. It was released in 2004 and created by Geza Schoen.

Before this hidden masterpiece, the only fragrance I knew from the brand was Nawab of Oudh, which I plan to add to my collection.

Admittedly, I initially hesitated to explore anything from them because of the seemingly introductory presentation of their fragrances, especially considering their premium price point.

I tend to be sensitive to value when it comes to luxury products. This is why this release hit me so hard and made me think twice before dismissing perfumes based on their presentation.

ORMONDE JAYNE ORMONDE MAN in three words: SOPHISTICATED – INTRIGUING – QUALITY

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After five months of thoroughly testing this perfume from Ormonde Jayne, I can confidently say that I’m almost 99% sure I’ve found my signature formal fragrance.

I’m eager to share my full thoughts about this superbly blended composition. Let’s dive in.

ORMONDE MAN FRAGRANCE INFORMATION

Created in 2004 by the famous Geza Schoen from Escentric Molecules, Man was released along with Woman as a duo for Ormonde Jayne’s first release.

Crafted with uncommon ingredients, this fragrance unfolds with freshness from juniper berry and bergamot and a touch of spice from pink pepper, cardamom, and coriander.

At its core lies a captivating blend of rare agarwood and the intriguing essence of black hemlock. As it settles, a warm and sophisticated base emerges, where vetiver, cedarwood, and sandalwood intertwine with musk.

The result is a complex and enigmatic scent, whispering of softwoods with a touch of old-world elegance and a character all its own.

This perfume is still in production and available in various sizes, from 10ml for $60.00 to 88ml for $288.00.

PERFUME THEME

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Ormonde Man, a most sophisticated fragrance, despite its unconventional ingredients.

Complex and full of character, sultry and mystical, the fragrance exudes soft woody notes, but it is the infusion of Oudh oil, the world’s most prized essence since time immemorial, that sets it apart, elevating the scent to one of true distinction.”

PERFUME NOTES

• Perfumer: Geza Schoen
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Woody Spicy
• Release Date: 2004
• Target Audience: Men
• Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
• Most dominant notes: Cedar, Cardamom, and Pink Pepper
• Age Group: 25+
• Seasons: Spring and Fall
• Occasions: Business and Leisure
• Longevity and Projection: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
• The recommended number of sprays: 4 – 6
• Compliments: Medium
• Likeability: Medium
• Uniqueness: 4/5
• Presentation: 2/5
• Value for money: 10/10
• Price: $$
• Accords: Woody, Aromatic, Warm Spicy
• Reviewed batch code: 4102202 – February 2020
• Reformulated: Yes
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
• Sample/Buy/Pass: Buy
• Testing Period: 5 months
• Production: Available

PERFUME NOTES
Top notes: Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Juniper Berries, Bergamot, Coriander
Heart notes: Black Hemlock, Agarwood
Base notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk

PERFUME PRESENTATION

By far, the weakest point of this fragrance is its underwhelming presentation. For a brand that has been on the market for so long, I’m surprised that they kept this basic design for so long.

It is not terrible, but it doesn’t justify its price. The bottle comes in a sturdy, bright red box that opens like a jewellery box. A magnet and an additional outer layer of cardboard secure it.

Inside the box, Jayne’s pamphlet(only in 120ml bottles) discusses the brand and this fragrance and includes a complete list of notes.

When the pamphlet is removed, you will see why the overall presentation received such a low score, and justifiably so.

The bottle sits in the cardboard cut-off, which feels cheap, and trust me when I say that the probability of your bottle getting scratched inside it is high.

As you have seen in the pictures, the bottle is what it is—a fragment of the past which can easily pass as a cheap-looking design.

It has some weight, but the font design and the colour choice scream outdated. The sprayer is okay, but nothing special.

Overall, the time to update all Jayne products should have been done a long time ago, and keeping them as they are will continue to confuse the general perfume public, as it did to me since I ignored them for almost the last 15 years.

TOP NOTES

• Cardamom
• Pink Pepper
• Juniper Berries
• Bergamot
• Coriander

The opening is so good that words cannot adequately describe it, but I’ll try my best.

Imagine a brisk mountain breeze gently touching your face in the early morning as you walk through a pine forest.

The spicy notes of cardamom, pink pepper, juniper berries, and coriander are made realistically, bringing out this citric and fresh quality.

The additional sweetness with a juicy lift comes from bergamot to round up the composition. Together, they provide a stimulating and sophisticated opening.

Even though the green qualities are not listed in the top notes, it is evident that they are present from the start, bringing out this foresty aroma immediately.

The closest thing this reminds me of is the mix of Creed’s Royal Oud and Frapin’s L’Humaniste.

HEART NOTES

• Black Hemlock
• Agarwood

The delightful blend continues into the middle notes as well. The citrusy and spicy nuances remain, and the overall greenness amplifies its power, but never into the old-school territory.

Black hemlock, also known as mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), isn’t natural here since the real deal is highly poisonous.

The use of black hemlock absolute (a concentrated oil extract) in Ormonde Man adds a unique and unexpected layer of complexity to the fragrance.

Even though Jayne’s marketing on their website boasts that Man is using natural Laotian Oud here, there is no agarwood in this composition, which is not bad.

Black hemlock is the star, which takes an intriguing turn. This note is earthy, slightly resinous, and green to my nose, as in forest floor green.

Imagine the scent of damp earth after a summer rain, mingled with the crisp, resinous aroma of pine needles. Just superb.

BASE NOTES

• Cedarwood
• Sandalwood
• Vetiver
• Musk

The base notes of Man are the anchor that grounds the fragrance and are the elements that work together to create a satisfying and unforgettable finish.

Hemlock is still present here but infused with an overdose of cedarwood, vetiver, and sandalwood, similar to those found in Escentric Molecules perfumes.

Contemporary, sexy, and warm, these base notes meld with my skin and become part of my core. They linger for a long time, like whispered promises, inviting me to explore their depths repeatedly.

After all this, Geza Schoen created a fragrance that would equally suit his line of perfumes like Bread and Butter and gave us another surprise.

PERFORMANCE

I get more than enough performance for a formal fragrance. Expect it to last anywhere between 6 – 8 hours.

Combining long-lasting base notes like vetiver and sandalwood and a high-quality mix of natural and synthetic ingredients ensures the fragrance remains detectable for a significant portion of the day.

The projection is just moderate, which is perfect for office fragrance. It creates a pleasant scent bubble around the wearer, but it’s not overpowering or will offend anyone.

Sillage follows the projection and allows others to catch a whiff of your scent as you pass by, adding a touch of intrigue and leaving a positive impression.

LONGEVITY: 6 – 8 hours
PROJECTION: Soft – Moderate
SILLAGE: Soft – Moderate

TARGET AUDIENCE AND COMPLIMENTS

This scent isn’t your average crowd-pleasing fragrance. It is a smooth and sophisticated perfume ideal for a more mature crowd who appreciates life’s finer things.

They understand the nuances of high-end perfumery and are attracted to scents that stand out from the mainstream.

So, if you are drawn to timeless elegance, Ormonde Man will probably resonate with you. It’s not about fleeting fads; it’s about enduring class.

Compliments may not pour in loudly, but when someone compliments you, you’ll know it’s genuine.

It all depends on the way you carry yourself since this is one of those compositions that either you’ll wear them or they will wear you.

AUDIENCE: Men
AGE RANGE: 25+
COMPLIMENTS: Low – Medium

WHEN & WHERE

The beauty of this product comes in its versatility—a work and leisure-oriented fragrance that you can wear almost every season.

Ideally, it is used in spring or summer, when these types of notes shine the most, but the smokiness and warmth of the base notes add depth and complexity for cooler months.

I would opt for something else, such as date nights or going to a club. It’s not that it wouldn’t work there, but many other occasion-appropriate fragrances out there work better.

SEASONS: Spring and Fall
OCCASIONS: Business and Leisure
ATTIRE: Tailored Suits, Tuxedos, Blazers and Dress Pants, Collared Shirts and Chinos, Leisure Wear

UNIQUENESS AND VALUE FOR MONEY

I cannot believe how a fragrance from 2004 can still smell modern like this as if it had just come out.

This says more about the current perfumery than for this Ormonde release without trying to downplay its importance and how great Geza Schoen is as a perfumer.

This composition combines familiar elements like citrus and wood with surprising notes like black hemlock.

This creates an exquisite and complex fragrance, unlike most things you have smelled before.

The ingredients here are typical for Ormonde Jayne: a couple of naturals mixed with heavy synthetics, which is not bad, as discussed previously.

Value for money is a straight 10 out of 10. I paid just a little above $100.00 for my 120ml brand-new bottle, and it’s a deal of a century.

The retail price also fits since Ormonde is not your new “influencer” brand, which I approve of.

Shop from discounters, and you are good since this costs as much as your average designer and is better than 99% of new designer releases.

UNIQUENESS: 4/5
PRESENTATION: 2/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10

PROS AND CONS

Each composition brings charm, complexities, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.

Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.

Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.

COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES

Ormonde Man is a part of the original Ormonde Jayne’s first releases. Although it doesn’t have any flankers as of 2024, a Women’s equivalent to this perfume is also available, which came first on the market.

COLLECTION

• Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman – an aromatic spicy fragrance released in 2002. The main notes include black hemlock, grass, and cardamom. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.

SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES

• Mancera Kumkat Wood – a citrus woody fragrance released in 2013. The main notes include grapefruit, cedar, and vetiver. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection.
• Costume National Homme – a spicy woody fragrance released in 2009. The main notes include cloves, cinnamon, and sandalwood. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

• Cartier Declaration – a spicy aromatic fragrance released in 1998. The main notes include cardamom, bitter orange, and caraway. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.

FINAL WORDS

My experience with Ormonde Man was among the finest discoveries I have seen in years. It has everything I want, from high-end perfumery and more.

This exceptional fragrance carves its path in the olfactory world, offering a captivating blend of classic and unexpected notes.

Since it can be purchased for a little more than $100.00 for a big 120ml bottle, this one gets my highest recommendations for everyone who has slept on this brand.

What do you think about this article covering Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Man? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.

If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, it is always a good decision to look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.

It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.

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Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists and other helpful reviews via the links below:

REVIEWS

• Creed Silver Mountain Water
• Amouage Imitation Man
• Xerjoff Accento Overdose
• Amouage Honour Man
• Sospiro Bel Canto
• Carner Barcelona Cuirs

TOP LISTS

• Top 10 Best Niche Perfumes For Spring
• Top 10 Best Cheap Summer Fragrances For Men
• Top 10 Most Complimented Men’s Fragrances
• Top 10 Best Fall Perfumes For Women
• Top 10 Best Summer Perfumes For Women
• Top 10 Best Summer Fragrances For Men

SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER

• Designer Vs Niche Fragrances
• How To Start A Perfume Collection
• Fragrance Discounters
• How To Wear Perfume
• How To Start A Perfume Blog
• How To Decant Perfume

Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!

Best, Marin!
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