I prefer fresh, citrusy fragrances all year round, and I’m sure I’ve mentioned this a few times already. But this year, I decided to explore deeper, spicier tones for the autumn-winter season to bring out warmth when it gets colder outside. I’ve tested some interesting fragrances and wanted to share my favourites in three categories: spicy scents, rich gourmand scents, and fresh autumn options for those who don’t enjoy heavier notes.

Woody, spicy, oaky, tobacco scents

Xerjoff - Ivory Route

Price: 50ml - 170€ – get it here

Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Incense, Vanilla

The combination of warm, aromatic spices creates a very complex spicy-woody scent. It is not heavy in any way, but it has some depth with a smoky layer and very subtle sweet vanilla kick.

Xerjoff - Richwood 

Price: 50ml - 380€ – get it here

Notes: Bergamont, Grapefruit, Rose, Vanilla, Pachouli, Labdanum

Another deeper, bolder scent with a very interesting blend of wood and spice. It reminded me of white chocolate which is not my favourite scent, but if you enjoy rich, smooth transitions between creamy and warm tones you might like this one.

Xerjoff - Tony Iommi Monkey Special

Price: 50ml - 275€ – get it here

Notes: Rum, Bergamot, Leather, Cinnamon, Caramel, Tonka Bean, Patchouli

This is one of the bolder scents on the list with very rich, smoky notes. I would describe it as very unique combination of spices, fresh citrus and creamy leather. I loved this one on paper, but as I sprayed it on my skin it became way to boozy so it is unfortunately not for me. But it did made me realise I enjoy deeper scents, so I will have to try out some other similar options.

BDK Parfums - Gris Charnel Extrait

Price: 100ml - 260€ – get it here

Notes: Fig, Cardamom, Black Tea, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean

This scent has a very surprising soft kick that is both spicy and creamy. Sweet and fruity fig makes this perfume a more casual everyday option in my opinion and I really enjoy how it develops with wear. The slightly spicy side with cardamom, sandalwood and black tea creates more depth so I would say this is a good option for everyone that is not into heavier spices.

Chanel - Coromandel 

Price: 75ml - 230€ – get it here

Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Cacao, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Amber

Very balanced option somewhere between spicy, woody and sweet. I would say this scent is one of the more formal, elegant scents on this list, with subtle spicy hints. So if you are looking for a more toned down fall option, versatile enough to transition from office to casual events you might try this one out.

Deeper gourmand scents

Fragrance Du Bois - Minuit et Demi

Price: 100ml - 295€ – get it here

Notes: Saffron, Bergamot, Rose, Amber, Musk, Vanilla

One of my absolute favourites, which is surprising as I never find sweeter fragrances appealing. They are usually too sweet and heavy for me but this fragrance has a very fresh combination of warm sweetness with citrusy and spicy undertones.

Xerjoff - Naxos

Price: 100ml - 245€ – get it here

Notes: Lemon, Lavender, Honey, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Tonka Bean

Another one of my favourites, but this one is not as deep so it’s perfect for warmer days during fall/autumn as well. It is the kind of scent you could wear for both casual and formal occasions which is what I prefer. You can spot the lavender in here and the combination of tobacco and Tonka bean create this very warm, nutty base perfect for autumn-winter.

Kilian Paris - Angel’s Share 

Price: 50ml - 245€ – get it here

Notes: Cognac, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Praline, Amber, Sandalwood

This is a very comforting scent with a hint of booze. If you are looking for something warm and sweet but not overpowering, you might want to try it out. The blend of these notes is very smooth and bright, which is perfect for everyday wear.

Serge Lutens - Chergui

Price: 50ml - 142€ – get it here

Notes: Honey, Tobacco, Amber, Resins, Leather, Musk, Woods

I would describe this one as a milder version of Xerjoff Naxos. It is sweet but also smoky and floral which makes it warm but with a softer finish. I could really smell the honey here, so if you are not a fan of a pronounced honey smell you might not like this one.

Gisada - Titanium

Price: 50ml - 99€ – get it here

Notes: Beramot, Lemon, Lavander, Nutmeg, Cedarwood, Amber

If you appreciate fragrances that blend fresh citrus with warm, slightly sweet elements you would likely enjoy this scent. The sweetness develops over time, so if you are looking for a scent that starts with green, woody slightly herbal notes and develops into a more warm, deep profile with time try this one out.

Fresh autumn-winter scents

Maison Margiela Replica - Autumn Vibes

Price: 100ml - 90€ – get it here

Notes: Cardamom, Chestnut, Cypress, Maple Syrup, Musk, Woods

In contrast to sweeter Chergui by Serge Lutens which also has woody undertones this fragrance leans into the complete opposite with fresh, green character. It is very earthy and all the spices and Maple syrup are more in the background here, so if you are looking for something more green and bright you might find this combination comforting.

Amouage - Reflection

Price: 50ml - 265€ – get it here

Notes: Jasmine, Bitter orange, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood, Amber

I would describe this one as a very elegant but fresh fragrance. The combination of citrus with creamy woody foundation gives it a more powdery finish but it it still the cleanest sort of minty option on this list. 

Widian - London 

Price: 50ml - 255€ – get it here

Notes: Bergamot, Apple, Cardamom, Rose, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Cedar

This fragrance stays fresh with wear, but it has a very noticeable smooth leather note with a subtle citrusy and woody undertones. The leather is not explicitly listed as a note but I think the smooth combination of all the notes mimics the texture of leather.

There are many scents I was not able to test as they were either sold out or not available in Vienna but I will list them below for you so you can try them out:

Hermes - Amber Narguile (apple pie, cinnamon)

Une Nuit Nomade - Amber Khadjar (plum)

Amouage - Journey men (more peppery)

Armani Prive - Ambre Eccentrico (amber, smells of raisin cookies!) 

Scents of Wood - Plum in Cognac (plum, rum, cinnamon, vanilla) - close to Tom For Japoinese

Pierre Bourdon - French lover (masculine!)

Lord Milano - Portofino (boozy spicy, sweeter)

Ojar - Encens Cuivre (incense, vanilla, musk) - bitter at the beginning, warmer later

Kajal Parfums - Sawlaj (leather based scent) 

Day Three - Filosofia (tobacco, sweet, spicy, coconut rum)

Profumum Roma - Arso (late fall/to the winter, pine cone vibe)

Amouage - Overture Man (very strong boozy spicy leather)

Amouroud - Golden Oud (champaign, tobacoo, caramel)

Qhue Lifestyle - Smoky Vanilla (oak musk, green) - unique character

Roja Parfums - Apex (cyprus, lavander, green scent)

Nicheend - Asteroid ( the spiciest, like dessert wine, honey)

Picking out a new scent is a very personal experience, which is why you should never blindly purchase a fragrance based solely on its description or without testing it on your skin. Your body chemistry can change how a scent develops, as you may have noticed in some of my experiences, so it’s always best to test a fragrance throughout the day to make sure it suits your style. I’d love to hear about your go-to autumn-winter fragrance! Let me know if there’s a scent I haven’t mentioned but should try.

If you are looking for citrusy fragrances for spring-summer, here is the list of my favourites.