The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Alberto Morillas created Sport Mint in 2014. The fragrance opens with pink grapefruit and bergamot, their bright citrus notes striking quickly and delivering an immediate sense of clarity. As the top notes settle, mint and geranium move into the foreground, bringing a cool, green character that carries the wearer through the heart of the composition. The mint is crisp and present, while the geranium adds a subtle floral quality with just a hint of bitterness. Vetiver arrives quietly in the base, providing an earthy foundation that grounds the brighter elements above. The overall effect is one of progression, the fragrance unfolds as a sequence of sensations rather than presenting a single, static impression.
Pink grapefruit and bergamot form the opening, creating a bright and sharp introduction that makes its presence known immediately. Mint carries through the heart of the composition, supported by geranium's slightly bitter green edge that adds depth and complexity. The base reveals vetiver and blond woods, offering a minimal but grounding warmth. The overall composition avoids any sweetness, presenting itself in a clean and stripped-back manner. Every material in the formula has a clear purpose, contributing to a fragrance that feels purposeful and cohesive rather than decorative.
The evolution
The opening arrives fast, pink grapefruit and bergamot sparking bright and sharp. As time passes, mint takes over the composition, joined by geranium's quiet floral-green undertone. Vetiver settles in as the fragrance develops, staying close to the skin while the mint continues to weave through the background. The drydown is intimate, lingering near the wearer. What surprises is how the mint never fully disappears, it stays present in the skin-warm base, a cool current running underneath the vetiver. Moderate projection means it stays with you, not the room.
Cultural impact
Sport Mint occupies a specific corner of the Issey Miyake men's line, the athletic, the functional, the stripped-back. It shares some DNA with the original Sport but diverges significantly through its mint-forward architecture. The fragrance works well for the commute, the office, or any scenario where the wearer needs to feel alert and unobtrusive. Community ratings for scent quality are solid, while longevity and sillage both score modestly, a trade-off that suits those who prefer refreshment without presence.
