Mat; Very Male (2005)
by Masakï Matsushïma

I forgot to rate this. I love love love this fragrance. It embodies woody masculine in its dry down in a way that is honest (no pretense). To avoid being boring, there is a sweet anise and licorice in the opening. This causes the jus to pale in comparison to one of my holy grail frags, Encre Noir. But where Encre Noir is strong and downright overpowering, Mat; Very Male is soothing. What does Encre Noir and Mat; Very Male have in common? just the vetiver bond really, but I find myself bouncing back and forth between the 2 sometimes, just depends on my anise/licorice tolerance at the point in time.

If you like Lolita Lempicka's Au Masculine, I don't see why you wouldn't love this. Same for Givenchy Play Intense.

26th October, 2011.

A bit strong at first, with a clear, sweet anisette liqueur note. Then subtler bamboo and lotus flower notes chime in, along with other woody notes. Finally, patchouli. licorice, and cedar complete the scent. Overall, quite captivating; I would say almost addictive, because of the anise and licorice complemented by cedar and other woods. A stroke of perfumer genius made to flatter the male ego.

29th April, 2011.

Fan of anise notes? This one's far more subtle in its use of anise than are Rive Gauche (star anise) and Lolita Lempicka for Men (traditional anise times ten).

Still, I would think twice about buying this one for a romantic frag or a "party" frag as it's got longevity, yes, but very little sillage. Nice office choice for colder climes.

4th December, 2008.

Mat; very male is a stronger fragrance than mat; male, and I think that’s a good thing mat; male disappeared on me. The anise note that takes over the opening accord is fresher than many anise notes I’ve experienced in different fragrances: The first several times I tested the fragrance, I thought it was quite interesting and well done – I really enjoyed it. But now with repeated testing, the anise opening seems to be getting sweeter and sweeter. The fragrance no longer impresses me, because the sweetness is beginning to wear on me. The middle accord of lotus, bamboo, and woods still carry with it vestiges of the anise note – it’s quite nice, but I would prefer more lotus, bamboo, and woods. The base is my favorite part – mainly patchouli supported by cedar. Mat; very male is a very competent fragrance. I like it but it ends up being a little too sweet for me.

12nd November, 2008.

Anise, vetiver and musk. The sweetness comes from the musk I smell and the herbal and licorice note comes from a combination of vetiver and anise. Didn't seem to last long on me but it was wonderful.

1st November, 2008.

One of the best uses of Anise I have come across. Recommended.

17th July, 2008.