The second major Gucci fragrance line is a more recent collection– 2019’s Alchemists Garden capsule. This customizable line is inspired by the art of alchemy, designed to be mixed and matched and layered into a personalized scent. Gucci Guilty Oud is inspired by a walk in the forest, and it certainly delivers on conjuring up a woody amble by night.

You could definitely get away with it at work, layering it onto a suit in the office to exude professionalism and understated power. It defeinetly shares similarities to its predecessor Intense Oud, which also used a similar dry and woody oud. In some way you could see it as a fruitier and more playful version of the intense Oud. They’re the brainchild of master perfumer Alessandro Michele, who does a great job of summing up his mission statement: There’s a musky bed of smoldering ash, that turns to campfire wood over an hour or two. It’s a little like a weekend campfire excursion, huddled up with a luxury single malt. It’s a semi-formal aroma perfect for a cool night out in the city, walking home from a bar with a new flame on your arm. It’s a complex woody and spicy medley, with a musky base akin to midnight stroll – but that’s where the similarities end. In the heart, there’s a note of smokey incense that’s neatly balanced by a little rose herbality. The spice here is a hint of ginger, adding a welcome aromatic tinge to proceedings.While decadent in their own right, Guilty fragrances are the most straightforward in the Gucci stable. They’re also the most affordable range on offer from the House, so this is the place to start while you’re getting your bearings. Best Gucci Cologne for Newbies – Gucci Guilty Parfum Pour Homme There is no sweetness and not a floral accord to be found, so if that’s what you’re looking for, steer well clear. The base is cedarwood and vetiver- think hot wood, like a sauna- mangled up with dirty old leather and a touch of smoke. Oakmoss holds the base notes in place, evoking lush Tuscan forests and keeping the fragrance from wandering too far off into feminine territory.

The Guilty moniker is bathed in irony. The message here is that you’re free to be whoever you are, do what you want to do, and live life on your terms guilt-free. These scents are all about guilt-free freedom and self-expression. There are 7 Alchemist Garden products available; here are my personal top three. Best for Nostalgics – 1921Best for: Something Special. Hortus Sanitatis is, for me, the best Gucci cologne out there. It’s understated, and the perfect choice for projecting masculinity and sophistication without seeming like you’re trying too hard. Top notes: Hortus Sanitatis is unlike any other fragrance I’ve ever come across. It’s expensive, but the quality is extraordinary and definitely worth the outlay. A midnight stroll is exactly that – it’s supposed to evoke a mysterious stroll through an enchanted garden, and it’s an admirable effort. was released to mark the centenary of Gucci and certainly lives up to the expectation surrounding such a landmark release. It’s inspired by the Tuscan city of Florence, the hometown of founder Guccio Gucci all those years ago.

Best for: A romantic stroll through the city. With Gucci Guilty Oud, the classic woodiness has been brought up to date for 2023 in a way that refers to the past – but doesn’t rely upon it. Top notes: It’s a unisex line, but don’t let that put you off; these scents are certainly not feminine. The Eaux de Parfums are presented in ornate lacquered flacons (read: fancy bottles) that were inspired by the antique flasks and containers that would line the shelves of apothecaries in times gone by. They’re beautiful objects in their own right- like a haul from an Indiana Jones movie. Best for: A sophisticated, candlelit dinner. If you want to dress to impress, make A Midnight Stroll part of your outfit. Top note: Gucci Guilty is the quintessential Gucci cologne range, featuring a handful of non-rotational fragrances. The Guilty range was launched in 2011 and has since developed a loyal following.

Parfum Pour Homme is the baseline offering in the Gucci Guilty range. If the range was an ice cream parlor, consider this your gourmet vanilla. Top notes of church incense evoke antiquity and ritual as if coaxing you into an occult ceremony from which you might not return. It’s calming but dangerous- like being hypnotized. A heart of tar-like Cade oil is held down by green Cypress in a woody and lush wonderland, with a tough freshness snapping you out of your slumber. It all comes together really harmoniously. The projection here is powerful, so it’s a real compliment collector. It will last all day too, so there’s decent value here even if a bottle is a little on the pricey side. In any case, you’ll only want to use 1-2 sprays, max. The longevity on Absolute is excellent and will pump out scent from dawn until dusk.

If you’re new to fragrances, Absolute might not be the way to go. It’s very unique, with a herbal, minty accord that comes off a little medicinal to some. It can be a little divisive, so handle with care if you’re trying to stay under the radar. Having said that, I really love it- but you should definitely give it a test in-store rather than going for a blind buy. The fresh scent revolves around Limone Cedrato, a zesty fruit native to Florence that is more floral than typical lemons. This is combined with the Neroli flower, which harbors sweet notes and an earthy green element.This modern and cosmopolitan state of mind is reflected in the palate of these contemporary and daring fragrances. They’re energizing and crisp, while still maintaining a sense of mystery, intrigue, and ultimate luxury.