The story of Nautica
David Chu was born in Taiwan and moved to New York to study fashion. In 1983 he launched Nautica with a small line of sailing-inspired outerwear. The spinnaker logo says it all: seaside, regattas, navy blue. The brand soon spread across the whole men's wardrobe and then into home goods. Fragrance followed in the 1990s. Voyage arrived in 2006 and changed Nautica's standing in perfume. It was composed by Maurice Roucel, not a name you expect on a cheap bottle. Nautica has changed owners several times. It now belongs to Authentic Brands Group.
An olfactory signature
Voyage smells like clean laundry dried in a sea breeze. Green apple and a leafy note open onto an aquatic heart of lotus and mimosa. The base pairs cedar and moss with an ambery musk. The result is fresh, crisp and a bit soapy without ever turning harsh. It has aged better than many nineties-style aquatics. Its big strength is value for money.
Which Nautica perfume to choose?
Voyage suits men who want an everyday fresh scent without spending much. Wear it in spring and summer, at the office or the gym. Spray generously, since four or five sprays are not too many given its average staying power. It also makes a good first fragrance for a teenager. To place it, smell it next to Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò, which is more marine and pricier. Davidoff Cool Water, more aromatic, is the other natural reference.