ROJA PARFUMS
MANHATTAN EDP

2022

PERFUMER
Roja Dove

Bergamot
Lavender
Basil

ROSE DE MAI
Jasmine
Heliotrope
Violet
Coconut

Ginger
Pink Pepper
Cinnamon
Clove
Patchouli
Oakmoss
Tobacco
Vetiver
Cedarwood
Pine
Benzoin
Vanille
Musk

‘On this small island of iron and cement, Manhattan can only expand upwards. A visible symbol of aspiration and hope. Despite the noisy and gritty grid of Manhattan, there is a sense of belonging to something cosmopolitan, mighty and unparalleled. An energy that takes root in you. This NYC-inspired fragrance evokes this unmatched sensation. At night the buildings shimmer vertically, against the dark sky. In the morning the sun rises over Manhattan illuminating the city that never sleeps. Big, bold and poetic, Manhattan Eau De Parfum pays tribute to the mythical city of dreams. Like glimpsing its iconic skyline from across the river, the invigorating freshness of Bergamot, Basil and Lavender capture attention. Plunging one into the pace of a city that’s constantly moving, Cedarwood, Pine and Patchouli create the foundation of a fragrance with immense presence. Amidst towering skyscrapers, steam seeps through gaps in the street, evoked through the dry, smoky tones of Tobacco. To reflect the relationship one has with New York, an addictive sweetness counterpoints the bold, dry tones of the base; With its playful nod to American Cherry Pie, a heart of Heliotrope melts into the indulgent smoothness of Vanilla, Benzoin and Coconut. A love affair you’ll never forget, the magic of Manhattan is captured in fragrant form’ – Roja Parfums

First released as a limited edition Parfum, Manhattan was already quite beloved and it doesn’t take long to see why. Straight away you get a stronger and drier tobacco than for example in Enigma; it’s spicier and while it doesn’t have as much of a citrus tinge, it’s still fresher and cleaner.

Manhattan opens closer to a Ciro Columbine or Maison Violet Un Air D’Apogee, but contrary to those, it warms up and sweetens up a lot more.

To my nose the most prominent thing about Manhattan is the cinnamon. The more I wear it, the more I perceive a strong cinnamon throughout. It’s spicy, with a ton of clove as well and perhaps some pepper or nutmeg for added sharpness. It grows closer to the traditional Tobacco Vanille DNA to me, but more mature and spicy.

I don’t think Manhattan is that different or unique as many people seem to find it; I do, however, find it gorgeous and it could be up there with my favorite Roja releases, although not near the very top. It’s not quite as nice or intriguing as Enigma Pour Homme for a tobacco Roja either.