To me, this is a “breakfast” perfume. It’s supposed to evoke a Japanese temple but I find its woody incense notes come across like a really nice shaving cream—masculine but not aggressive. Combined with the hint of coffee, the vibe is that you’re a guy who has a beautiful apartment in Kyoto (maybe your high rise has a view of the temple), tastefully furnished in Danish teak modernist furniture. Your stereo system is hi-fi. You have a subscription to Monocle. You’re waking up on a sunny day in a great mood because your creative projects are coming together just as you planned. You’re excited to get to work.

This is probably my favourite scent in the world - it’s austere and meditative and calls to mind a dark prayer in a cool, shadowy forest temple.