Let’s hear it for the boys: my pick of Father’s Day fragrances

September sees the Father’s Day celebration dominate the first Sunday of the month, but I reckon dads deserve a round of applause all year round. In light of both of those statements I have rounded up my favourite men’s fragrance releases of late, which are as unique as the line up of dads out there.

First up, a cologne from one of my favourite brands – Jo Malone London. If you've ever been into a Jo Malone London fragrance boutique (and if you haven’t then I sincerely recommend that you do, and ASAP), then you'll have noticed that the much-loved company is keen not to label its fragrances by gender. A new Jo Malone beauty that is suitable for both genders is the heady Black Cedarwood & Juniper, a once-limited edition fragrance - from 2014’s Rain Collection - that has just been added to the main line. Designed to be evocative of “midnight rain”, it is spicy and seductive with what the brand calls the “carnal” touch of cumin and chilli leaves (I love that). The fragrance’s base note is Black Cedarwood, and it is Jo Malone London at it most urban in my humble opinion.

I love that Jo Malone London fragrances can be layered up with bath and body products or another of the brand’s fragrances to create something a little more complex and unique to the wearer. Black Cedarwood & Juniper can be combined with Lime Basil & Mandarin to give it a fresher feel - it gives the dark wood a herby, citrus twist - and it can also be combined with Wood Sage & Sea Salt to give the heavy wood a really aromatic, just-blown-in-off-the-sea vibe.

Next up is a very new fragrance from Giorgio Armani, Armani Code PROFUMO. The latest addition to the Armani Code range of scents for men, it is reportedly inspired by the “impeccable excellence of a Giorgio Armani tuxedo” and the bottle even comes with its own metal tuxedo-style belt inspired by the Armani Tuxedo Cummerbund - one of the iconic elements of Armani’s style and a nod to the brand’s heritage. As far as a men’s fragrance goes, it smells pretty damn good to me. Alluring, powerful and fiery, it has the classic Code base of tonka bean but amplified by a sensual woody fragrance and notes of cardamom and a woody amber accord. 

Another new release from a major fashion house, YSL’s L’Homme Ultime is beauty of a scent that has definitely been designed to make a statement. A flanker to 2006's L’Homme – which has been a bestseller ever since its release – the new eau de parfum was the work of perfumers Anne Flipo, Dominique Ropion and Juliette Karagueuzoglou. Notes include ginger, cardamom, grapefruit, rose, geranium, clary sage, cedar and vetiver, making for quite the modern scent and surprisingly fresh (for an EDP) to boot.

Last up, Ralph Lauren has introduced a new intensity into the popular world of Polo fragrances with the arrival of Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Parfum. Another great pick for gifting, this was inspired by the classic Polo Blue fragrance but is longer lasting, more sophisticated and intense. The addition of bergamot in the top notes brings a fresh, uplifting and energising burst, whilst the heart notes are enhanced with Blue Orris Accord, a powerful aromatic scent that brings a sweet sensuality to proceedings. Finally the base notes are intensified with notes of Vetiver for an enveloping, sophisticated dry down. The new bottle is sleek, stylish and luxurious too, and inspired by a modern sterling hip flask with polished silver metal surrounding the bottle.

So, where to start? Rest easy, I think dads will love them all.