by Mancera
Mancera Deep Forest presents a strikingly complex and polarizing fragrance that leans heavily into floral-woody-amber accords with a strong sillage. The opening is intense and bold, combining leather, oud, incense, and clove in a way that can be overpowering and even unpleasant for some, giving off a sharp, medicinal, and slightly soapy aroma front-loaded with strong powder notes. Yet over time, the fragrance settles into a soft, elegant ossification of florals—especially violet and orange blossom—with smooth, powdery, and ambery base notes that create a sensual, almost narcotic aura. Performance is exceptional, lasting over 12 hours with intense projection that fills a room. The transformation from an initially confrontational scent into a refined, harmonious blend is what many fans praise—particularly the shift from aggressive top notes to a smooth, glowing greenish-sweet dry-down. Despite the name suggesting a green, woody forest atmosphere, most agree it more closely resembles a lush, storybook glen of flowers and incense rather than an actual forest. It’s unisex but leans feminine, sparking debate over gender assignment. The magic lies in patience: those who wait for it to unfold discover a radiant, deeply layered, glowing scent far more pleasing than the opening suggests.