M Génération by Mauboussin, 2010

Mauboussin M Generation (Génération M in French) is a spicy woody fragrance, embellished with fruits, then incense, and enjoying the subtle complexity of labdanum. It is an eau de parfum and is an excellent value, especially if purchased online from one of the many discounters. With 2 sprays on my neck and 3-4 under my shirt on my chest, I get approximately 8 hours of longevity, though the base notes can last as a skin scent for up to 12 hours and raised body temperature from a workout seems to revive the projection a bit, even at the end of a day. The projection is a polite, fairly consistent 12 inches or so, which for me makes this a good scent for work or school where I dont want to draw too much attention to my fragrance. The top notes have the aromatic spiciness of Szechuan pepper and nutmeg, while the bergamot and ginger seem almost like they were used in making a paso doble wine. As the fruit/root fades and the heart notes come out, the incense makes its appearance, emboldened by cinnamon. The spices persist, even as the cedar and sandalwood base notes take over for the incense. Throughout the development, the labdanum adds a slight tobacco and leather accent that balances out the spices, woods, fruits, and incense. It also gives a subtle hint of something naughty or animalic that can only be detected at the fullest depth of a deep sniff almost like pheromones that are perceived without quite being conscious of them. M Generation is a reasonably complex scent and neither too mainstream nor too far out; it just smells really good. It is apparently widely available in France, though in other places it seems to be more difficult to find at the shops.