AMOUAGE
LYRIC MAN

2008

PERFUMER
Daniel Visentin

Lime
Bergamot

Rose
Angelica
Ginger
Orange Blossom
Saffron
Nutmeg
Galbanum

Musk
Incense
Pine
Sandalwood
Vanilla

If you look at the notes and the presentation for Lyric Man, you might expect this to be a darker rose-forward scent, but that’s not the case. Lyric Man is one of the most easy-going Amouage fragrances that I’ve tried, yet it’s completely unique.

It’s actually a fresher one, more in the direction of Reflection Man, but even brighter, with the rose being in the background. More prominent however are notes of lime, bergamot, musk, pine and ginger. The musk is clean and gives it an overall classy, gentlemanly vibe.

The opening is dominated by the lime and bergamot, but those fade in the drydown, although it remains fresh. I don’t get much incense or sandalwood, which are both listed; in the drydown I get more of a spicy musky pine tree scent with the rose still in the background. The rose I picture is light pink and it’s soapy, but I can’t state enough how subtle it is compared to my expectations; this is nothing like many of the roses that I’ve tried before; it might be closest to the rose in Gris Dior. The rose could give this a more feminine touch for some, but I think it has an elegant masculine touch as well, so it’s unisex to my nose.

Sidenote: Amouage Lyric Woman might be a darker, heavier take than Man.