There is nothing I like better than finding......or stumbling......upon an impossible to find old school masculine that is not only intact with its integrity, but smells excellent as well.
I had been looking for "Man" by Jovan for a few years now and as you'd expect, it rarely rears its head on ebay or anywhere else for tht matter. The notes intrigued me initially since I'm a sucker for leather scents, but after awhile and having no success, I no longer cared about the accords. I wanted a bottle, mini or whatever because this juice truly is hard to find.
Lo and behold a few weeks ago, I snagged a 15ml bottle of not only "Man", but it came with its counterpart "Woman" which was also 15ml and perfectly intact. The image is of the actual set with "Man" being on the left thet fits perfectly into the "Woman" bottle. Very sexist, cheeky and 1970's retro. Not pictured is the weird little box they both came in.
Jovan Man is a leather Chypiental that is constructed in such a way as to signal that this is a 1970's era implementation once you smell the accords unfold. The notes listed below are courtesy of ScentDirect.
Top : Anise Oil, Basil Oil, Begamot Oil, Lavender, Lemon, Petitgrain
Heart : Carnation, Cedarwood Oil, Cinnamon, Fern, Geranium, Orris, Patchouli, Rose, Sandal, Vetiver
Base : Castoreum, Labdanum, Leather, Moss, Musk, Tonka, Vanilla
"Man" begins with a smooth opening of dense citrus, basil and wood. It's retro no doubt, but that term has gotten a bad rap. Not all fragrances that denote the past are crude or brutish. This leans lush with the cedar and spicy citric accord leading the way.
Underneath is a heart that's passive, but noticeable. There' whiffs of green note and cinnamon along with an appearance from vetiver that (on me) trump the floral notes and even the patchouli. There's a slight nod here to Aigner No.1 ( also a leather chypre), but just a nod since Jovan Man is more like a blue collar brethren.
The leather slowly but surely works its way into the accord and teams up with a clean rendition of vetiver that isn't used much anymore. The castoreum and labdanum are a nice addition because they are used very, very sparingly and simply augment an already hefty scent. Only in extended drydown does any oriental notes soften Jovan Man and take it to the finish line.
All in all, I am very pleased to have these in my collection and no doubt will look for more half-ounce bottles or larger. There's just something about well made retro scents that put me in a happy nostalgia. There's plenty of vintage juice out there that does the opposite. Big thumbs up for Jovan Man from Aromi.
That is such a kickass find! I LOVE how those bottles fit together, it's worth it just for the bottles alone, I think. Very glad you're happy with the juice too, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie!!! I know I've been a stranger, but I've been busy and needed time off from blogging.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Jovan set and like you said, the bottles are way cool. Even the Woman rendition smells good with a more pronounced rose note than the masculine. It can definitely be worn by men.
I may have to give the feminine a full wearing !!!
You love your retro fragrances, don't you? ;-) It's great to see such long forgotten gems being reviewed. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI loved this fragrance and have been angry with Jovan ever since they discontinued it. I actually wore the "Man" as a perfume as it was one of the few that didn't fade on me. There is something really sensuous about the smell and would love it if they brought it back.
ReplyDeleteMy father got this when I was a kid.Still love the fragrance.Have a bit left in that unique bottle.Really something to be annoyed about since they discontinued it.
ReplyDeleteMy father got this when I was a kid.Still love the fragrance.Have a bit left in that unique bottle.Really something to be annoyed about since they discontinued it.
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