Mediterranean Cypress.

Angel Schlesser’s Mediterranean Cypress was conceived as a fragrant tribute to the wind‑swept pine‑covered hills of the Spanish coast. In 2022, perfumer Alexis Grugeon of DSM‑Firmenich set out to bottle that landscape, centering the composition around sustainably sourced cypress from the Pyrenees. The result is a unisex Eau de Toilette that opens with bright Mediterranean citrus, then unfolds into a green, aromatic heart that mirrors the region’s sun‑lit herb gardens.

What makes the scent stand out is the juxtaposition of sharp bergamot and cardamom with a cool, herbaceous mint that evokes sea‑spray‑kissed cliffs. Iris and jasmine add a powdery, floral veil that softens the mineral edge, while geranium injects a subtle rosy freshness. The base grounds the airy top with cypress, cedar and sandalwood, enriched by the sweet, almond‑like warmth of tonka bean, delivering a balanced yet unmistakably Mediterranean finish.

The opening bursts with bergamot’s citrus spark, instantly brightening the senses, while cardamom adds a peppery bite and lavender offers a calming herbaceous thread. Within the first ten minutes the mint lifts the composition, mingling with jasmine’s honeyed bloom and iris’s soft powder, while geranium whispers a faint rose‑green nuance. As the heart settles, the cypress core emerges, supported by cedar’s dry wood and sandalwood’s creamy depth. By the hour mark the tonka bean’s sweet, vanilla‑like warmth becomes the lingering echo, softening the dry woods into a smooth, lingering trail that stays close to the skin for six to eight hours, with a moderate sillage that whispers rather than shouts.

Since its 2022 debut, Mediterranean Cypress has become a go‑to for those seeking a sun‑kissed, gender‑fluid scent that feels both crisp and grounded. Wearers often note its suitability for summer evenings on Mediterranean terraces, where the citrus‑spice opening feels like a sea breeze and the cypress drydown echoes the surrounding pine groves. Its balanced profile has earned it a steady following among collectors who value subtle elegance over flash.