In the vast universe of male fragrance, woody scents stand tall and deep-rooted, reminiscent of ancient unexplored forests and the mysteries they hold.
The best woody fragrances for men are sometimes earthy and sweet, whilst others are warm, resinous and spicy. Whether it’s cedar, sandalwood, oak or oud, every guy should have a woody fragrance in his collection.
- Best Woody Fragrances For Men
- 1. Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum
- 2. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum
- 3. Azzaro The Most Wanted Parfum
- 4. Bvlgari Man Wood Essence Eau de Parfum
- 5. Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
- 6. Creed Royal Oud Eau de Parfum
- 7. Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum
- 8. Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice Eau de Parfum
- 9. Chanel Sycomore Eau de Parfum
- 10. Bentley For Men Intense
- 11. Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum
- 12. Lalique Encre Noire Eau de Toilette
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- Best Woody Fragrances Video
- Benefits & Drawbacks
- Conclusion
- References
- Further Reading
Best Woody Fragrances For Men
Warm and earthy, the best woody fragrances for men ooze confidence, refinement, and timeless style. Here are 12 to discover.
1. Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum
Review
Launched in 2023, Givenchy Gentleman Society is male elegance bottled. It’s a dance of modernity and masculine tradition.
A spicy blast of sage and cardamom evolves into a heart of bright narcissus and smooth vetiver. Wood and vanilla add a crowd-pleasing touch.
Top Notes:
Sage, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Narcissus, Vetiver
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
I’d say autumn/winter/spring evenings seem to capture its essence best: your companion for fancy bars and dinner dates. Lasts 6+ hours.
2. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum
Review
Grey Vetiver from Tom Ford is like a crisp morning in an ancient forest. It’s fresh yet profound, capturing the duality of nature in a masterful blend.
Fresh orange blossom and the warmth of saffron are first to delight. The base becomes a pure homage to vetiver, ensuring abundant woody depth.
Top Notes:
Orange Blossom
Mid Notes:
Saffron
Base Notes:
Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
Autumn, winter and spring are best for this scent; it’s versatile enough for both the office and a casual day out, lasting 7+ hours.
3. Azzaro The Most Wanted Parfum
Review
Bold, audacious, and unapologetically masculine, The Most Wanted range of Azzaro fragrances commands attention and is in my personal collection.
This parfum version starts with a spicy blast of ginger. I find the magic lies when it settles, unleashing a heavy dose of bourbon vanilla and wood. Wow!
Top Notes:
Ginger
Mid Notes:
Wood
Base Notes:
Bourbon Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
It’s a scent that promises to turn heads for 7+ hours in autumn, winter and maybe spring, no matter the occasion.
4. Bvlgari Man Wood Essence Eau de Parfum
Review
Created by perfumer icon Alberto Morillas, Bvlgari Man Wood Essence is a scent that feels like a gentle stroll through a sunlit grove.
It begins with the freshness of citrus with a woody trio of cypress, vetiver and cedar in the heart. Upon dry-down, it becomes resinous, adding a touch of mystery.
Top Notes:
Coriander, Italian Citrus Zests
Mid Notes:
Cypress Wood, Vetiver, Cedar Wood
Base Notes:
Benzoin, Ambergris Accord
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal for spring and autumn casual daytime outings, it’s a fragrance that will last you 5+ hours with average projection.
5. Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
Review
Luxurious, exotic, and deeply resonant, Tom Ford Oud Wood is a journey into the heart of the forest. I may be a Tom Ford fanboy, but this is classy.
The fragrance starts with spicy cardamom, leading to a heart rich with rosewood and oud. The base, with vanilla and amber, adds depth and warmth.
Top Notes:
Rosewood, Cardamom, Pepper
Mid Notes:
Oud, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Base Notes:
Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
Wear it during cold-weather evenings for formal events; it’s a scent that I find oozes sophistication. Expect 6+ hours of wear.
6. Creed Royal Oud Eau de Parfum
Review
Regal and sophisticated, Creed’s Royal Oud is luxury personified. Consider purchasing the small 10ml version if a full bottle is over your budget.
This beauty opens with citrus, pink pepper, aromatic angelica and galbanum. Becomes a woody affair of cedar, oud and sandalwood that’s confident and classy.
Top Notes:
Pink Pepper, Lemon, Sicilian Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Cedar, Angelica, Galbanum
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Oud, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
For autumn and winter days for upscale events, it’s a fragrance that speaks of elegance and lasts an impressive 7-8 hours.
7. Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum
Review
For the modern adventurer who wants a fresh, woody scent, Explorer is a Montblanc cologne that captures the spirit of discovery.
It opens with a blast of nose-tingling bergamot and pink pepper, leading to a heart of sumptuous leather. Patchouli and vetiver add a clean, woody finish.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Clary Sage
Mid Notes:
Haitian Vetiver, Leather
Base Notes:
Ambroxan, Akigalawood, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Cacao Pod
Seasons & Longevity
During spring, summer and fall, this fresh, woody scent promises to inspire, and I find it lasts 5+ hours.
8. Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice Eau de Parfum
Review
A fave of mine, Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice, is a classic blend of citrus, spice and woods that feels like a Mediterranean forest’s breeze.
It starts with zesty bergamot and raspberry, leading to a spicy heart of cloves and pink pepper. Rich woody oud dominates from the base, supported by sweet and smoky labdanum.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Raspberry, Rose
Mid Notes:
Cinnamon, Pink Pepper, Cloves
Base Notes:
Agarwood oil, Patchouli, Cisto Labdanum
Seasons & Longevity
It’s a scent that lasts 6+ hours for spring, summer and fall to ensure you smell as good as you feel.
9. Chanel Sycomore Eau de Parfum
Review
Timeless and classically French, Chanel Sycomore is a refined woody fragrance that gets better and better as time passes.
Chanel’s trademark clean aldehydes on the open, leading to a middle of woody vetiver and fresh cypress. Smoked cedar adds to the overall woodiness.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Vetiver, Cypress
Base Notes:
Cedar, Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
To me, this is an any-season scent lasting 7+ hours. It is not a full-on clubbing fragrance, but it is no shrinking violet, either.
10. Bentley For Men Intense
Review
Rich, opulent, and incredible value for money, Bentley For Men Intense feels like a Sunday drive through a winding forest road, roof down.
Black pepper, bay leaf and smooth leather are joined by sandalwood, cedar, smokey incense and boozy rum for a woody cologne sure to get compliments.
Top Notes:
Black Pepper, Bay Leaf, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Rum, Woody Notes, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, African Geranium
Base Notes:
Incense, Leather, Benzoin, Patchouli, Cedar
Seasons & Longevity
Lasting 6+ hours, I’d wear this during autumn and winter nights for upscale events; it’s a Bentley fragrance that promises luxury and delivers.
11. Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum
Review
Modern and dynamic, Burberry Hero is for the contemporary man who wants a woody fragrance that’s fresh yet deep.
Forest fresh pine needles and sweet resinous benzoin are soothed by a wave of warm, woody cedar and masculine smokey incense.
Top Notes:
Pine Needles
Mid Notes:
Benzoin
Base Notes:
Cedar, Incense
Seasons & Longevity
Autumn, winter and spring are when this fragrance is at its best. Wear this Burberry fragrance for casual outings where it will last 6+ hours.
12. Lalique Encre Noire Eau de Toilette
Review
Lalique’s Encre Noire is a nocturnal scent that takes you deep into the heart of a mysterious forest.
Fresh cypress and grassy/woody vetiver are soon joined by rich aromas of Cashmere wood. Exotic musk ensures this fragrance lives up to its Noir name and will reel in compliments.
Top Notes:
Cypress
Mid Notes:
Vetiver
Base Notes:
Cashmere Wood, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Autumn and winter evenings; think cool bars or an evening at the theatre (looking through those little binoculars on a stick). Lasts 7+ hours.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice
All of these woody fragrances are incredible; however, for me, Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice Eau de Parfum is my top pick as its woody, spicy and slightly smoky persona smells expensive and performs well.
Best Woody Fragrances Video
Still craving a woody fragrance? Check out the best woody fragrance video review from TLTG.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Here is my helpful pros & cons list for each of these fragrances.
| Fragrance | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
| Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Long-lasting, versatile Drawback: Can overpower in hot weather |
| Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum | Benefit: Elegant, sophisticated Drawback: Perhaps too subtle for some |
| Azzaro The Most Wanted Parfum | Benefit: Sexy, bold Drawback: Not really for casual wear |
| Bvlgari Man Wood Essence Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Warm, woody Drawback: Too heavy for hot weather |
| Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Luxurious, exotic Drawback: Quite expensive |
| Creed Royal Oud Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Rich, sophisticated Drawback: Quite a mature scent |
| Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Fresh, invigorating Drawback: It’s a light cologne |
| Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Elegant, sophisticated Drawback: Quite expensive |
| Chanel Sycomore Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Woody, sophisticated Drawback: Very strong at first |
| Bentley For Men Intense | Benefit: Masculine, powerful Drawback: Very strong at first |
| Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum | Benefit: Fresh, invigorating Drawback: Quite light |
| Lalique Encre Noire Eau de Toilette | Benefit: Dark, mysterious Drawback: Eveningwear only |
Conclusion
In the world of men’s fragrance, woody scents will elevate your scent game to the next level of refinement. The best woody fragrances for men are confident, ooze sophistication, and whisper tales of ancient forests.
Also read: 10 Best Winter Fragrances For Men: The 2023 Edition
Whether you’re a seasoned fragrance enthusiast or just starting your masculine olfactory journey, there’s a woody scent out there bound to resonate with you.
Don’t go for the generic vanilla bomb to get compliments; become the man of woody mystery.
References
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
Thanks for this summary of woody fragrances. Can’t wait to try out Tom Ford Oud Wood. Heard it’s amazing!
Awesome!