by Issey Miyake
L'Eau Bleue d'Issey Pour Homme is a profoundly unique, herbaceous woody fragrance with a strikingly intense and long-lasting presence. It opens with a powerful, almost medicinal burst of rosemary, cypress, and citrus notes that can be overwhelming and polarizing. Over time, the sharp herbal intensity softens, revealing a complex, evolving composition of pine, lavender, ginger, and spicy base notes. The true character emerges as the drydown settles into a rich, slightly damp mossy and woody foundation with amber, patchouli, and cedar, creating a deeply aromatic, masculine character. While the blue bottle and name suggest an aquatic or aqua-like scent, it is entirely green and earthy, evoking a dense forest after rain. It performs exceptionally well, with strong projection and remarkable longevity that can last over 12 hours, persisting even on clothing. This fragrance suits mature men who appreciate bold, nature-inspired scents and are willing to invest time to fully appreciate its evolving character. It is ideal for cooler weather, particularly autumn, winter, and overcast days, but carries a significant risk of overwhelming stiver when worn in warm climates or enclosed spaces.