by Issey Miyake
L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Edition Bois is a refined reimagining of the iconic original L’Eau d’Issey, primarily distinguished by its wooden bottle and slight shift toward a deeper, more wood-infused character. It opens with a sharp, zesty citrus burst—lemon, yuzu, bergamot—accented by coriander and sage, creating a bright, almost electric freshness that lingers for about 15 to 30 minutes. The middle phase evolves into a sweet, floral-woody heart dominated by lily-of-the-valley, saffron, and nutmeg, giving it a delicate, softly feminine quality that becomes more intimate as it dries down. While the base notes of cedar and sandalwood provide a softer, warmer structure, the woody character is subtle and not immediately prominent—some users report barely detecting it, while others note a more complex dry-down compared to the original. The scent is best suited for daytime wear, especially in spring and summer, and performs with moderate to strong sillage. Longevity is solid, lasting around 6 hours for many, though some find it fades quicker. Overall, it’s a modernized version of the classic that maintains the original’s refreshing, unisex identity while adding a touch more depth and warmth.