Best Introduction Fragrances to Each Family

[Liisrandom]

Hey guys, I'm new to Basenotes (been reading since summer) and have been trying to sniff my way around all different kinds of scents. The question I wanted to ask was: "What are the fragrances you guys would recommend for a beginner to smell to get introduced to each family?" I've gotten my hands on a few EDT's ( L'Homme by YSL, Dreamer, Le Male), and i'm really starting to get interested in sniffing out what else there is out there that I might like. I'm just looking for a place to start with each family; one or two from each would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Patrick

[hednic]

Gourmand - Perhaps Rochas Man

[cacio]

That will depend a lot on which types of stores you have nearby. The easiest way to start is to spray around in stores and go back home with the paper strips. And of course do not forget perfumes marketed to women. Some ideas of stuff that's usually available at Macys or Sephora here - but one could have chosen other stuff:

Fougere: Azzaro ph, YSL Rive Gauche
Citrus: Terre d'Hermes, Eau Sauvage
Vetiver: Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
Balsamic-patchouli: Aramis 900
Leather: Estee Lauder Azuree (or Aramis, though I find it a little crude)
Herbal: Tuscany
Gourmand: A*Men
Aquatic: I don't like the category, plus, there are too many of them

On the female counter
Oriental: Shalimar
Aldehydic floral: Chanel No 5
Green chypre: Chanel Cristalle

cacio

[walkdogg]

OUD--------------------Agar Musk by Ramone Monegal
Gourmand------------ Serendipitous by Serendipity3
Vetiver---------------- Molecule 03
Citrus------------------Kenzo Power

[MikeJ]

Gourmand: A*Men and Pure Malt
Fougere: Diesel Fuel for Life
Aquatic: Nautica Voyage
Woody/Spicy: D&G The One and Boss Bottled

[rubegon]

I mostly agree with cacio's suggestions for readily sniffable things. If you are interested in ordering samples, you have many more options

Fougere: Rive Gauche, Penhaligon's Sartorial or English Fern
Citrus: Eau Sauvage, YSL Pour Homme
Gourmand: A*Men, L'Instant PH Extreme, Dior Homme Intense
Chypre: A huge category worth exploring

Leather chypres: Derby, Azuree, Aramis (I like it's crudeness)
Citric chypres: Parfums de Nicolai New York, Chanel Pour Monsieur - not the Concentree
Fruity chypre: Mitsouko
Green chypres: Chanel Cristalle, Estee Lauder Alliage. I hear Aramis Devin is similar if you don't want to try the femme stuff.

Oriental/Woody: Egoiste, Guerlain Heritage, YSL M7
Amber: Ambre Sultan, Ambre Russe

[rum]

Citrus: Acqua di Parma Colonia is the benchmark here!!
Gourmand: LIDGE
Woody: Terre d' Hermes, Sycomore
Leather: Knize Ten

[senore01]

Now this is a helpful thread. Thanks so much for the information.

[Master-Classter]

check out the resource archive link in my signature... look for the PDF document for Masculine fragrances and you'll see a basic taxonomy with good examples (larger font size) of each group

press control+F and search for PDF or MALE and you'll see them...