Our take
What does Pi smell like?
Givenchy launched Pi in 1998, named after the mathematical constant and sold in a bottle shaped like a shell casing. Alberto Morillas composed it. The opening is unexpected. Tart mandarin, tarragon, rosemary and basil smell like an herb bed after rain. That green edge does not last. Anise and neroli take over, with geranium keeping a classic masculine tone. Then the base settles in for good. Vanilla, almond and tonka make a sweet paste close to marzipan, held up by benzoin and a little cedar. The interest of Pi lies in that clash between fresh herbs and dessert. People often set it next to Jean Paul Gaultier's Le Male from four years earlier. Both put vanilla on men, but Pi has less lavender and more sugar. On hot skin the sugar can feel cloying, so it really belongs to cold months and heavy fabrics.
When to wear it
A winter evening scent that works well on a wool sweater. Two sprays are plenty since the vanilla projects hard.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Pi is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.
