Our take
What does Only The Brave smell like?
Diesel launched Only The Brave in 2009 in a bottle shaped like a clenched fist, which nobody misses on a shelf. Three perfumers signed it: Aliénor Massenet, Olivier Polge and Pierre Wargnye. The opening is bright. Lemon and mandarin lead, with coriander adding a slightly peppery grain. Violet takes over fast. It has the sugary, powdery feel of old-fashioned pastilles, and lavender pushes it toward the barbershop. A quiet rose and some cedar fill out the heart without drawing attention. The base is the best part. Leather blends with cistus and styrax into something smoky and resinous, rounded off by benzoin and amber. On skin, the contrast between sweet violet and dark leather holds for hours. For an eau de toilette it projects hard.
When to wear it
Autumn through spring, for relaxed days or evenings out. Two sprays on the chest, since three get heavy indoors.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Only The Brave is one of 18 creations by Diesel in our encyclopedia.