Our take
What does Rochas Man smell like?
Rochas Man arrived in 1999, created by Maurice Roucel. At the end of the 1990s men's fragrance was ruled by marine notes. This one went for coffee instead. The idea is a contrast. Aromatic lavender and bergamot open, then a well-roasted mocha takes over in the heart. Jasmine and cedar add a little light without really softening it. The base slides into an ambery vanilla, backed by patchouli and sandalwood. It smells like a sweet espresso drunk in a wool jacket. Mugler's A*Men, released three years earlier, comes to mind because of the shared coffee. Rochas Man is lighter and more lavender-led, and far less tarry. It has been somewhat forgotten since, even though it foreshadowed the wave of sweet men's scents in the 2010s. For anyone who finds A*Men too heavy, it is a gentler way in.
When to wear it
A cold-weather scent for evenings or weekends. Two sprays on the neck are enough, the vanilla handles the rest.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Fougère family. Rochas Man is one of 21 creations by Rochas in our encyclopedia.
