by L'Artisan Parfumeur
Mon Numero 9 is a crisp, clean, and distinctly unisex citrus-green fragrance that captures the essence of a Mediterranean summer afternoon. It opens with a vibrant burst of citron and sharp green notes, evoking a cool, stone-tiled kitchen or a sun-dappled olive grove. The fragrance develops into a subtle herbal complexity, with a prominent shiso leaf-like note giving it a slightly tangy, green, almost vegetal character—clean but not sterile. The dry-down reveals a soft, slightly peppery cedar and vetiver base, creating a refined, weathered elegance rather than a bold statement. Unlike many traditional colognes, it avoids a soapy or linear feel, instead offering a more natural, lived-in freshness with a subtle incense hint that adds depth without sweetness. It performs best in warm weather, particularly late afternoon or evening outings, and wears beautifully on both men and women with minimal sillage and moderate longevity. Some find a faintly sour or laundry-like nuance, but this is typically short-lived and doesn't dominate the fragrance.