Mandragore by Goutal

It is a pleasant fresh spicy scent. It has good evolution, starting with a potent citrus freshness from bergamot that softens into a light spicy touch with an oriental note. It has something powdery and dry, feminine, but it changes and finishes on my skin with a ginger balanced by anise, very pleasant and distinctive. I find it oriental and light, and I like it because the final scent of ginger harmonised with dominant anise is perfect. Totally unisex, ideal for a stroll or work with informal style and without being loud. The evolution is optimal, but the trail is moderate. The longevity is good on my skin (8 hours of work and I still perceive it, though gently). A light spicy oriental. Good fragrance.

Mandragore pays homage to the mandrake, that plant of legends and rituals. It is a magical interpretation blending the energy of bergamot and ginger with black pepper. Its essence is herbal, like a medicinal potion: freshness of mint and bergamot mixed with spices like anise and ginger. Although its projection is sparse in the dry-down, it is a beautiful fragrance. It is built on mint, bergamot, and spices that create cold, rounded textures with sharp edges. The notes are natural and elegant, with a touch of anise reminiscent of cinnamon and a brief ginger burst. The pepper isn’t as aggressive as some say, but rather rounded. It reminds me of autumn pines or Celtic potions. The green bottle evokes magic. Although the trail is weak, the longevity isn’t. It is abstract, minimalist, and ethereal, breaking the cliché of overwhelming greens. Perfect for many occasions, though perhaps not for cold weather. It honours its niche price.

At first, it smells of pepper and bergamot, then comes the anise and a bit of mint. Afterwards, I notice something green, I suppose it’s the boxwood, which I don’t like much; it’s a bitter green, like hedges, without freshness. The performance is poor: it projects little and doesn’t last long. I prefer it this way because the scent simply didn’t agree with me. It is unisex and suited for hot climates, if you like the style.

In Annick Goutal’s Mandragore, there is a clean, sweet, and citrusy aroma, with a balanced unisex personality. Although the scent profile is linear and could be boring, the beauty of the smell makes it passable. The opening is vital, like a cascade of limes and citrus with anise and ginger, perfect for daily wear and lasts through three seasons. At times it reminds me of Cartier’s Declaration or Hermes’ Voyage, both by Ellena. It is minimal, ethereal, and not a must-have for collectors; I bought it on sale at the start of winter and still use it today. Medium longevity and a discreet trail.

From start to finish, bergamot dominates with a touch of anise. It is unisex, and although I prefer perfumes defined by gender, this one appealed to me. Where I live it is very hot, and it is special for that climate; it stays fresh for hours with that citrus sensation, like lime, very clean and pleasant. On my skin it lasted about 12 hours with 4 applications on the diffuser (the last ones near the skin but still perceptible). It is unisex, slightly sporty, for hot or temperate climates, for those over 20. Unlike Nuit Étoilée, this has very good longevity and projection. I recommend it!

My first thought was: this is what D&G tried to achieve with The One and failed to do. Here, the iris is much more decent. Mint, star anise, and ginger? Exactly, it is exquisite. With Annick Goutal there is no truce: you either love it or hate it. It is perfect unisex (more feminine, but I would wear it). The bottles are rectangular or oval depending on whether a man or a woman buys it.