New York (1989)
by Parfums de Nicolaï

Smooth. Classy. Masculine. Sweet. Spicy. Oriental. Classic.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

A smooth classy citrus-vetiver oriental with woods and spices that morphs between different phases while still retaining its elegant (and very powdery) vanillaic character. Very well-done, but the progression it goes through feel familiar, orthodox, and conventional -- reminiscent of classic Guerlain's. (which turned out to be a pretty good thing!)

The first niche scent I tried where all the phases are completely noticeable and outstanding, blending seamlessly together to form one outstanding fragrance. A perfect citrus opening with some nice spices showing up quickly. Then, a magnificent moss and vetiver followed by an ambery/vanilla drydown. A Habit Rouge for this generation (and better in my opinion). This has perfect sillage and longevity. I love the fact you can purchase 30ml bottles for the unreal price of 45$. A must have. Five stars.

I had high expectations of PdN's New York, largely due to the frequent comparisons to Creed's Bois du Portugal. I own and really like BdP, but was wondering if New York might prove to be a better match for me. What I had hoped (and not by anyone's particular comment) is that New York would have a mellower opening than BdP, but match its drydown, which I find to be perfect. Or from another vantage point: I wish BdP had a less potent opening.

I would note that while the scents wear similarly, they are very different in constuction. The notes for New York are as follows:

Top: lemon, petitgrain, lavender, armoise
Heart: pepper, pimento, patcholi, cedar
Base: leather, amber, vanilla

The Nicolai website characterizes this scent as a "spicy oriental".

In BdP they are cedar, sandalwood, lavender and vetiver (there are certainly others, I don't see them listed at the Creed website though).

To me New York is a dense spicy scent, smooth, very classy and masculine and while one could never confuse it with BdP, there is a definite similarity. I would suggest the opening in New York is sweeter than BdP and the drydown is more centered on spices, compared to BdP which is more wood-centered.

Definitely a classy masculine worthy of consideration. I don't think I will be replacing my BdP with it, but it certainly is quite good.

My old standby, friend, and signature frag for fifteen years now. Have never once - ever - not been complimented when wearing it. I'm guessing that's because someone about it mixes perfectly with my body chemistry, but it also feels like a perfectly constructed work. Every note blends into the next and it develops in the most organic and beautiful way. Sillage is brilliant without overkill.

Not quite the holy grail as described by others, though perfectly safe and wearable. Easier to wear than, say, Bois du Portugal, with which it's often compared, and sure not to offend, I wear New York as I wear a favorite tie; comfortably and confidently.