Inis (1998)
by Fragrances of Ireland

Not bad at all!

I'll admit -- the snobby appeal of niche fragrances keeps me dedicated to the likes of L'Artisan, Penhaligon's, Diptyque, et al. Mostly it's because the designer or cheaper fragrances tend to use synthetics that are headache-nausea inducing on me.

Eau d'Issey is not exempt. I find the smell to have admirable qualities, but it quickly becomes cloying and it's not something I could wear.

I was rather surprised by Fragrance of Ireland's "Inis" ... a rather palatable fragrance, cool, refreshing, aquatic. I detect the muguet very easily, and I can see how the other notes build upon it. I get what almost feels like an anise node, mixed among the aquatic accord.

I wouldn't say I'm the hugest fan of aquatic scents. Creed's Erolfa doesn't do it for me. L'Artisan's Navegar does, with the interplay of lime, greens, anise, pepper, and the aquatic note. Similarly, this one appeals to me. It's not quite as risque or quirky as L'Artisan (but really, who is?), but it is perfectly enjoyable. And at around US $35 a bottle, it's a steal. Definitely something I'll be buying a bottle of.

I used to spend my summers in Ireland and sometimes a few weeks in the winter, and always saw this for sale and smelled it in hotels here and there - I think it is more popular with tourists than natives, but it is a nice, somewhat weak aquatic scent. If you're averse to strong smells and just want something very light and clean, this is for you, but don't expect it to last beyond an hour or two tops.

Unfortunately, the "energy of the sea” (their phrase) has no sea smell. The spray bottle has an acrylic cap. Called a “cologne,” but is weak even for an after-shave. Lasts a very short while (1.5 to 2 hours on me). 6-8 sprays needed for effect. Smells a bit like CK One to me, but not as good. If you want a good sea/marine fragrance, try Mare, Aqua Motu, or Oltre.

While I LOVE this scent, I cannot wear it. My sister gave this to me two years ago and I keep trying to wear it every couple of months because it smells so wonderful. I feel like it is slightly too masculine for me, with that being said...it would drive me wild on my husband...now if only he would wear it:)

"I just purchased this fragrance recently and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! It smells exactly like Issey Miyake's 'L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme, but lighter and with less "tang" to it; the lemon and marine top notes are clean, fresh and crisp while the woody-clove dry-down make it a perfectly masculine scent. It is an easy scent to wear whether to the office, on the weekends or a casual night on the town. I highly recommend this fragrance!

A woman at work wears this and it is stunning on her! I just ordered it and can't wait to have it. I'm usually drawn to orientals, but if this smells as good on me as it does on her, then this is one fresh scent that I plan to have in my collection for a long, long time. It truly does transport you to the edge of the sea on a cool, spring day. Amazing.