Cardamom: The Secret Sexy Ingredient in Men Fragrances

One spice that has been gracing perfumes since the Egyptian times is cardamom. It is rumoured that Cleopatra used to burn cardamom perfume before meeting her lover Marc Antony (Marcus Antonius). As the third most expensive spice in the world after vanilla and saffron, cardamom continues to be one of the most sought-after accords in modern perfumery. Aromatic with a slight hint of sweetness, this spice is quite versatile when it comes to its usage in perfumes.There are two different types of cardamom that are widely used in perfumes, and each of them plays a different role. Black cardamom smells earthy and smoky, while green cardamom is quite fresh, minty, and enlivening to the senses. In perfumes, they can be blended in a variety of ways to match the overall scent profile.The general odor of cardamom is considered to be sweet and resinous, often having that slightly spicy note that leads to a bitter aftertaste. It can be used in perfumes of all olfactory families quite seamlessly, but it really shines in woody, chypre and oriental perfumes because of its aromatic and spicy accord. Cardamom complements gourmand notes like chocolate and coffee. It is the perfect companion to woods and spices, and it forms a gorgeous contrast with citrus notes.There is no doubt that cardamom adds to the sensuality of many men’s fragrances. While it often resides in the background, it interacts with every other note to create an addictive scent that enthrals everyone around.Here are a few popular men’s fragrances that have cardamom, and are better for it.

Bortnikoff Oud Sinharaja Extrait de Parfum

Seductive and alluring, this amber-woody perfume smells mysterious and exotic in a way that few perfumes do. With a complex composition that celebrates the smooth spiciness of cardamom, Oud Sinharaja juxtaposes floral and fruity notes with spicy accords for a long-lasting veil of sensuality. The oud, in particular, exists in perfect harmony with the cardamom, allowing it to seep into the perfume from time to time for that irresistible sweetness.

Etienne Aigner White Man Eau de Toilette

A delightful scent for anyone who loves aromatic fragrances, this woody-floral deserves a special mention in this list. Launched in 2007, Aigner White Man opens with sweet and spicy cardamom, juxtaposed against lush grapefruit and green coriander. The beauty of this combination is reflected even in the heart and the vase of this perfume. The floral-chypre composition, with violet, oakmoss, and vetiver dominating, owes its raw appeal to the cardamom.

Masque Milano Tango Eau de Parfum

Tango by Masque Milano boasts the holy grail duo of aromatic spices, which makes it one of the sexiest perfumes on this list. As cardamom and black pepper come together to set the stage for an excellent fragrance story, bergamot rejuvenates you in anticipation of what is to come. Delectable, rich honey swirls into rum to create an intoxicating scent spiked with a spicy warmth. Sweet, cold vanilla provides the perfect contrast.

Amouage Dia Man Eau de Parfum

Capturing the spirit of winds gushing through the silent streets of Muscat, Amouage Dia has a precious combination of bitter orange and cardamom, that is complemented by frankincense and labdanum. An eclectic chypre fragrance, Dia by Amouage infuses the sweetness of plum into a floral heart of candied peony and ylang-ylang. With warm amber and cold leather tussling to establish supremacy in the base, this perfume is quite memorable.

Etat Libre d’Orange Remarkable People Eau de Parfum

Fresh and spicy, this fragrance is quite possibly one of the most beautiful creations by the perfume house, both in terms of formulation and its message. The fragrance house describes their inspiration for Remarkable People as follows: “New heroes are born every day. They believe in something different, something better.”The opening is an unforgettable combination of juicy grapefruit, fizzy champagne, and spicy cardamom. With black pepper and jasmine prominently making their presence known in the heart, this perfume is a sensual delight.

Xerjoff Starlight

Created to offer a seductive olfactory experience, Starlight by Xerjoff is one of the most beloved perfumes from the brand’s Spotlight collection. Opening with notes of enlivening bergamot and fresh cardamom, the perfume slowly shifts to a warm and comforting heart that boasts almond, cinnamon and clove. Finally, the balsamic accords the base, mainly amber and cedarwood, tie in with the cardamom to create a sensual and charming fragrance.

Tom Ford Oud Wood

One of the most iconic combinations of oud and cardamom, Oud Wood by Tom Ford is smoky, rich, and alluring. The flawless concoction brings together exotic woods with spices for a raw and smoky aura, which then slowly mellows over time as the sweet and creamy sandalwood begins its dominance. The fragrant rosewood and warm amber create an enveloping effect, while the sweetness of the cardamom remains intact.

YSL La Nuit De L’homme

Intense, bold, and masculine, La Nuit De L’homme by Yves Saint Laurent is a mesmerizing scent that reveals a series of contrasts as it develops over time. While aromatic lavender is juxtaposed against the warm and spicy cardamom, refreshing lemon and bergamot find depth in the woody cedar. As the sparkling citruses bring elegance to this perfume, the rich spices create a sensual and seductive aura.

Le Labo Rose 31

This floral-woody fragrance by Le Labo is a clean and elegant fragrance that will symbolize ultimate sophistication as you step into a room. The perfume was created with the aim of rendering the feminine Grasse rose into something that defies gender norms and sets itself apart at every step. With the ambiguous rose dominating the fragrance, it is the presence of cumin and cardamom that creates harmonious disruptions at every step. With Gaïac wood and cistus creating an animalic accord in the background, this perfume certainly sets itself up as a mystery to unravel.

Nishane Ani

One of the most brilliant vanilla-cardamom fragrances you can find on the market, Nishane Ani has quickly established itself as a staple in every perfume lover’s collection. This warm spicy-floral scent by Nishane exudes calmness and is often touted as a sensual delight. Opening with bright bergamot and spicy pink pepper, the fragrance ventures into a heart of blackcurrant, rose, and cardamom. With cardamom forming an irresistible combination with rose, the perfect foundation is laid for the sweet, creamy vanilla and sandalwood to announce their dominance. Which would be your cardamom pick?