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The best woody colognes for men add a touch of warmth when the days get shorter and the nights get cooler. It’s time to put away those fresh citrus fragrances and get to terms with these earthy and musky options, perfectly designed for cocktail dinners, date nights, and everything in between. Each scent on our list of the top woody fragrances for men offers a beautifully layered experience rife with timeless masculinity.
Best Woody Fragrances for Men at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following:
- Best overall: Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
- For value-for-money: Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
- For something luxurious: Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
- For wearing every day: Gentleman Society by Givenchy
Now that we’ve looked at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
RELATED: Looking for a great fragrance? These are our favourites, as chosen by our editors.
1. Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
Price: from AU$237
| Pros | Cons |
| Great value for money, and one of the best-smelling woody colognes for men we’ve tested, thanks to its addictive earthy and spicy accord. We’d recommend the Parfum option over the EDT as it has greater longevity. | The initial projection is strong and potent, so you have to be careful about how much you apply. We found 2-3 sprays plenty, too much, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the sweetness of the grapefruit. Longevity is good at 4-The initial, but not great. |
Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes has a cult-like following amongst fragrance collectors because of its addictive woody and spicy accord. In our testing, we loved the way the fragrance dried down on the skin with firm notes of Vetiver, flint, and base notes of oak moss that helped it achieve 4-6 hours of longevity, which is good, but not great when compared to niche brands like Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Comme Des Garçons.
Nevertheless, this is a more affordable option that smells great and is often available at a discount. It offers some comparisons to Gentleman Only by Givenchy because of its earthiness, but we much prefer TdH Parfum for its fruity grapefruit, balanced by dry, herby woods like cedar. Some reviewers online call it “signature scent worthy”, and we tend to agree after wearing this for a few weeks. If you’re looking for a woody, spicy, and earthy cologne, this could be your next signature.
Top notes: Orange and Grapefruit
Middle notes: Flint
Base notes: Oak Moss and Benzoin
2. Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Price: from AU$303
| Pros | Cons |
| Fresh and woody is a tough combination that’s only truly achievable by one of the world’s great fragrance houses, and MFK has knocked this one out of the park. Performance is equally difficult to achieve, and while it’s on the softer end of the spectrum, it’s long-lasting and potent with 4 to 6 sprays on the skin. And most importantly, it smells expensive. | Some reviewers online say the projection is lacking, as the lavender note is quite soft and may not be smelled by some people. |
Long-time wearers of Baccarat Rouge 540 should check out this alternative from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. It often gets compared to CK One Eternity and Barbershop by Maison Margiela, but after testing it ourselves, we think that’s selling it a little short. The combination of lavender, patchouli, Vetiver and wood doesn’t scream excitement, but they’re perfectly balanced in a way that only MFK can achieve. There’s a notable lack of spice, but that’s fine because it allows the woody nose to play with the lavender heart before leather and patchouli take over after drying down.
It smells expensive because it is expensive. That being said, the price is matched by excellent performance with outstanding silage, projection of up to 3 metres, and longevity that seems to last all day on clothes and 6 hours on skin. We’d happily wear this in the office all day, and it’s our favourite woody cologne to match with a crispy white t-shirt. Some would call it too ‘minimalistic’, but we think it’s perfectly aromatic.
Top notes: Lavender
Middle notes: Patchouli and Vetiver
Base notes: Cedar and leather
3. Gentleman Society by Givenchy
Price: from AU$200
| Pros | Cons |
| Creamy and vanilla-scented without being too sweet, thanks to the mint and sage notes that emerge as the fragrance settles. The scene is enduring, and the vanilla essence lasts throughout the entire wearing experience. | The mixture of notes can be a bit confusing. The scent is not very unique and doesn’t come across as particularly masculine. |
Once described by a friend as a cologne that “good-looking men wear,” Gentleman Society by Givenchy has become our go-to men’s fragrance. Woody and aromatic, the initial smell is that of cardamom and sage before two varieties of Vetiver reach the heart notes from Haiti and Madagascar. After resting on the skin, the base becomes clearer with vanilla and balancing cedar. Similar to Givenchy Boisee and Gentleman with a twist of Givenchy Invictus, all we can think about is mature bubblegum.
This is the perfect choice for men who are looking to wear something every day, and while some fragrance critics might point the finger at the general lack of complexity, we strongly disagree. We think it’s unique enough to stand out, without pushing the boundaries into the daring and strange areas of perfumery. Gentleman Society by Givenchy nails the brief, creating one of the best woody fragrances for men.
Top notes: Cardamom and Sage
Middle notes: French Narcissus, Haitian Vetiver and Madagascar Vetiver
Base notes: Vanilla, Palo Santo and Cedar
4. Endymion by Penhaligon’s
Price: from AU$250
| Pros | Cons |
| Projection and silage are great during the dry-down stage, and with longevity marked at 4 hours on the skin, it’s a strong performer. The smell is ‘fresh’ but not in the citrusy sense, more the play between lavender and coffee that balances the woody base notes to perfection. | You’ll have to experiment with the number of sprays. While the initial projection is strong, it fades to a skin-smell only scent within hours, and you’ll struggle to get more than 6 hours on the skin. There’s little to no citrus, so it’s best suited for an older man. |
If you’re a slightly older gentleman and the smell of Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian doesn’t appeal, check out Endymion by Penhaligon’s. It seems a little counterintuitive because Endymion was the handsome son of Zeus. Still, this scent achieves an undeniable allure, blending lavender and wood with a sweet, refreshing drydown. It’s ‘clean’, but not in the traditional sense of a citrusy scent, more the interplay between coffee and lavender that screams ‘high-end department store’.
We’ve always found Penhaligon’s performance commendable, and this is no different. Its longevity is around 4-6 hours on the skin and a little more on clothes. Like Masculin Pluriel, we’d wear this to work with a clean, dry-cleaned white shirt and probably avoid it on weekends or in the summer when fresher, zestier, citrus-led fragrances are preferred.
Top notes: Lavender, Bergamot, Sage and Mandarin Orange
Middle notes: Coffee and Geranium
Base notes: Sandalwood, Leather, Nutmeg and Musk
5. Philosykos by Diptyque
Price: from AU$187
| Pros | Cons |
| Lovely, luxurious fig accord that’s balanced by coconut in the middle and woody cedar at the base. Projection is good for the price, as is longevity at around 4 hours on the skin. | You’d better like the smell of figs because this is hyper-realistic. Some reviewers online found it a little feminine for their liking, but if you want to blind buy, there’s nothing stopping you from layering this with a spicier scent. |
This woody fragrance for men is, in simple terms, a hyper-realistic recreation of a juicy ripe fig in its most luxurious form. Despite all this, it’s one of the more affordable options and stands out for its heart of coconut and woody cedar that balance the unique fruit scent. Some reviewers online note its similarity to Matiere Premiere Parisian Musc; however, we found the profile a little lighter and more masculine-leaning because of the green middle. We love throwing this one on before heading out to run errands on a lazy Sunday in the colder months.
Top notes: Fig Leaf and Fig
Middle notes: Green Notes and Coconut
Base notes: Fig Tree and Cedar
6. Les Roches Noires by Moncler
Price: from AU$295
| Pros | Cons |
| Great value for money and unique enough to fit in anyone’s collection. With 4 to 6 hours of longevity (a must at this price point), it’s complemented by a lather and woody base. Projection is also perfectly balanced; four sprays should do the trick. | Some may find the leathery boozy notes too harsh and strong, but we think it’s best reserved for special occasions. It’s not something we’d recommend wearing every day because of the musk and leather accord. It’s a fragrance that can also change dramatically on the skin, so it’s not the best blind buy option on our list. |
We’re suckers for a nice bottle, so we had to get our hands on Les Roches Noires by Moncler. The scent keeps things smart and simple, with a leathery wood note and a rum-like aroma. The Indonesian Patchouli is to blame for a lovely, strong, masculine bite that we could easily see on someone wearing a neat Western-inspired outfit. Like an elevated classic, this Eau de Parfum offers warm, sensual amber notes of labdanum, which blend with the woody patchouli for a peppery base after settling on the skin. We’d reserve this one for Fridays in the colder months, where dinner parties are held indoors with plenty of whisky and wine.
Top notes: Patchouli
Middle notes: Labdanum
Base notes: Pink Pepper
7. Wonderwood by Comme Des Garçonsç
Price: from AU$200
| Pros | Cons |
| If you’re looking for a woody scent, it doesn’t get much woodier than this. It has a distinctive scent that is great for everyday wear. Great performance and skin scent. | For an expensive fragrance, it should last longer. For something quite subtle, it can often go unnoticed. |
It’s hardly surprising that one of our favourite men’s fashion brands delivers a sexy, masculine, woody fragrance for men. While we usually opt for the original scent, Wonderwood stands out for its extreme spiciness (not to the level of Spicebomb) and a level of creaminess to even out the playing field. Other notes ofVetiverr, sandalwood, Virginia cedar, and cypress are merely along for the ride, but that’s okay because the scent is balanced to perfection. Somehow, this combination of potent notes isn’t overkill.
In terms of performance, it’s something to be desired. No matter how strong these notes are, they don’t last long, and this woody cologne turned into a skin scent after 2 hours. You’ll find yourself topping up regularly, but that’s okay because it’s great value for money and often available for under $200.
Top notes: Patchouli
Middle notes: Vetiver, Incense, Nutmeg and Bergamot
Base notes: Cedar, Sandalwood and Cyprus
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8. James by Atkinsons
Price: from AU$280
| Pros | Cons |
| New and niche in its performance and heart, but old school and classic overall, with base notes of violet leaves and white flowers. Perfectly balanced florals with soft spice on the top by way of pink peppercorn. | Not particularly cheap. You’re paying for a classic scent that fits into a new niche. Longevity is good but not great; we’d like a little more performance at this price point. |
We’d recommend James by Atkinsons to men who want to project a strong aura of masculinity thanks to its irresistible patchouli, musky wood, and vetiver accord. A strong character comes through the top notes, with bergamot and pink peppercorn offering soft spice, before musk emerges in the heart, layered with white flowers and violets.
Performance is good, lasting 4-6 hours in our testing. Considering the price point, we’d like a little more, but the silage and projection are perfect. Like the brand itself, this is a little bit of a throwback scent, a classic, and it demands the wearer to match. A great choice if you’re an older chap who wants a new, niche scent that takes you back to the 1960s at the same time.
Top notes: Bergamot oil, Finger Lime, Pink Peppercorn, Clary Sage Absolute
Middle notes: Vetiver oil, Patchouli oil, Musk, Akigalawood
Base notes: Elemi Oil, White Flowers Accord, Violet Leaves
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9. Wood Essence by Bvlgari Man
Price: from AU$210
| Pros | Cons |
| There’s a lovely play between wood resin and citrus here. It performs well for its price, with 4 hours on skin and more on clothes. It’s an excellent option for those who like vetiver. | Some reviewers online noted that there’s nothing particularly unique about the notes, and we tend to agree; however, that makes it great for gifting. |
It’s in the name, so it’s cliché, but we love the mixture of wood bark and resin in Wood Essence by Bvlgari Man. Those looking for the best citrus-woody fragrances for men will love the Italian citrus zest accord, which balances these notes and adds aromatic freshness and spice. Unfortunately, being an EDT rather than a Parfum, the performance isn’t excellent, but the 4 hours on the skin we managed are suitable for the amount of money you pay. This woody fragrance would also make a fantastic gift option, as the smell is relatively inoffensive and suits all occasions.
Top notes: Citrus, Lemon, Coriander Leaf
Middle notes: Cypress, Cedar and Vetiver
Base notes: Benzoin
10. Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford
Price: from AU$250
| Pros | Cons |
| Supremely masculine, this scent performs outstandingly for 6-8 hours. Three vetivers were used to create this luxurious scent. We’d recommend wearing this sparingly at night or for special meetings. | Very hard to fault this woody cologne; we’d recommend spraying it only two or three times on skin and clothes, as it’s very potent. |
One of the great, clean, citrusy, and refreshing woody scents for men. There’s not one or two, but three different vetivers used in this cologne, and you can instantly tell with epic luxury. Some reviewers online noted the fragrance is simply a bolder iteration of the original. As such, it’s not for the faint-hearted, with a potent but refined balance of orange blossom and saffron in the heart. Our testing shows that you should reserve this one for date night or evening cocktail events where you can fully appreciate the strong projection and eternal longevity.
Top notes: Orange Blossom
Middle notes: Saffron
Base notes: HaitianVetiverr
11. 40 Knots by Xerjoff
Price: from AU$299
| Pros | Cons |
| Potent and rich, but, in typical Xerjoff fashion, it stays bright and fresh throughout the drydown. We’ll also make special mention of the beautiful design on the bottle, which makes it feel extra special. | Once again, you must be careful with how much you spray and where you wear this woody cologne because it’s powerful and has excellent projection and silage. It is not recommended for younger gentlemen; it is very mature. |
Capturing the essence of yacht clubs and Mediterranean beaches, 40 Knots by Xerjoff is a woody cologne for a man of extreme class. With a salty breeze on the first spray, it stands out on our list because of these aquatic undertones. The exact ingredient list is kept secret in typical Xerjoff fashion, but we found notes of amber sweetness, dark rum, and baby powder. Some reviewers say it’s a little too ‘baby powder-like’ for their taste, but the warmth and coziness of the wood make it an obvious choice if you want a unique, niche wood cologne.
Top notes: Herbs
Middle notes: Salt and Sea Water
Base notes: Cedar
12. Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
Price: from AU$143
| Pros | Cons |
| One word – sexy. The musk notes give a sensual scent that we can’t fault. It is also quite subtle, which makes it versatile. Pretty good for the price. | Unsurprisingly, this fragrance is not known for its projection and longevity, given the lower price point. Over time, it is hard to smell any notes at all. |
We’ve been loving Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir in EDT form for years, so when the Parfum launched, we had to get a bottle for review. It’s uncomplicated, like a great blue fragrance should be. While it draws constant comparison to greats like Dior Homme Intense and Valentino Uomo, it’s unique in its own right with softness and creaminess that stand out amongst the best woody fragrances for men. The scent is highlighted by Narciso Rodriguez’s musk signature, beautifully rounded off withVetiverr, amber, and zest from cardamom and citrus.
Performance is outstanding, and we’ve managed to get more than 8 hours of arms-reach projection and longevity out of 4-6 sprays.
Top notes: Ambery and Ebony
Middle notes: Musk
Base notes: Cedar and Vetiver
13. Gentleman Reserve Privée by Givenchy
Price: from AU$194
| Pros | Cons |
| You can never go wrong with this fragrance for a night out. It is potent and long-lasting with a very similar vibe to Dior Homme Parfum, or a less sweet version of Gentleman Boisée EDP. | Despite its delicious scent, its permanence is relatively poor. While the overall longevity is excellent, the whisky note disappears after only a few hours. |
If we’re speaking about woody colognes for men that draw from the world of whisky, then you can’t go past GBoiséean Reserve Privée by Givenchy. Of course, we love a good whisky here at Man of Many, so many of the gents in the office are proud wearers of this fragrance. In terms of scent, you’ll find a complex array of woody, floral, and candied fruit notes just like your favourite dram. Longevity is substantial at over 6 hours, and projection is excellent after 3-4 sprays. Compared to crowd favourites like Valentino Uomo or Dior Homme Intense, this is very dry and powdery with even a hint of chocolate.
Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Iris and Chestnut
Base notes: Whiskey, Amber and Woodsy Notes
14. Bowmakers by D.S. & DURGA
Price: from AU$300
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect for autumn and winter, and almost makes us want to cosy up with a cup of tea. The scent is very masculine, and you can tell the ingredients used are high-quality. | Upon opening, there is a super-strong varnish smell that can be overpowering. We also find that woody notes are almost too much to handle during the dry down and seem to lose much of their body after a few months of use. |
Bowmakers by D.S. & DURGA effortlessly transports one into the woods with notes of moss, cedar, and chestnut, offering a warm, cosy, and addictive scent. Traditionally masculine, the rich, forward nature of this woody cologne means anyone, regardless of age, can wear it. You’re paying a lot of money for a niche, unique fragrance here because the longevity is good but not great, at around 4-6 hours. On the other hand, sillage and projection are good at arm’s length.
Top notes: Mahogany and resin
Middle notes: Iris, Maplewood, Cypress and Chestnut
Base notes: Whisky, moss, cedar
15. Oud Wood by Tom Ford
Price: from AU$280-$330
| Pros | Cons |
| A modern classic. Smooth, smoky woods without the barnyard edge that puts some people off “oud”. Versatile enough for date nights, dinners and cold-weather office wear. | Not cheap, and performance can feel a little soft for the price if you’re used to loud niche oud bombs. You may want 4–5 sprays for good projection. |
Oud Wood is the fragrance that converted half the world to oud. Instead of leaning animalic, Tom Ford softens the edges with sandalwood, tonka and warm resins, giving you a creamy, smoky take on the note that feels refined rather than heavy. It opens with a subtle spice, settles into a warm woody heart and stays close to the skin in a way that feels effortlessly expensive.
If you want a woody fragrance that works for dates, dinners, and cold-weather evenings without ever smelling too aggressive, Oud Wood is a future classic for a reason.
Top notes: Cardamom, Sichuan pepper
Middle notes: Oud, Sandalwood, Rosewood
Base notes: Vetiver, Tonka bean, Amber, Vanilla
16. Super Cedar by Byredo
Price: from AU$250
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely versatile, office-safe woody fragrance that still feels niche and interesting. The cedar smells clean and dry rather than smoky, so it works year-round. | If you like big, sweet, heavy woods, this will feel too minimal. Longevity is decent rather than beast-mode; expect around 4–6 hours on skin. |
Super Cedar does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s a modern, minimalist take on pencil-shaving cedar that smells like Scandi furniture, fresh paper and clean skin. It opens with a quick hit of rose and bright notes before settling into a very linear, dry cedarwood accord. We like this as a go-to for smart-casual outfits, creative offices and daytime dates. It layers beautifully with smoky or incense fragrances if you want to add more depth in winter.
Top notes: Rose
Middle notes: Virginian Cedar
Base notes: Haitian Vetiver, Musk
17. Halfeti by Penhaligon’s
Price: from AU$360
| Pros | Cons |
| Luxurious, complex woody-amber with a dark rose twist. Big presence, great for evenings and cold weather. | Strong and sweet; not everyone will want this much drama. The price puts it firmly in “special occasion” territory. |
Named after a Turkish village known for its dark roses, Halfeti is a deep, spicy, woody-amber with a dramatic presence. It opens with bright citrus before diving into a heart of rose, spices and herbs, drying down into a dense mix of oud, cedar, vanilla and amber. Think exotic markets, leather-bound books and warm, plush fabrics.
This is not a shy scent. Wear it in cool weather, wear it at night, and wear it when you want people to ask what you’re wearing. Halfeti is one of the most luxurious woody fragrances you can buy without stepping into extreme niche territory.
Top notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Green notes
Middle notes: Rose, Spices, Cypriol, Nutmeg
Base notes: Oud, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla, Amber, Tonka bean
Alternatives to Woody Fragrances for Men
- Encre Noire by Lalique (from AU$65): Launched in 2006, Encre Noir translates to “Black Ink” and the packaging sure takes that name to heart. Inside the bottle of this woody cologne for men is a trend-focused fragrance that excites spice at first spray, thanks to top notes of cypress. We found that it takes a little longer than most to find the heart ofVetiverr; however, the base notes of cashmere wood and musk play beautifully, offering rich, earthy notes. If you’re looking for a great, masculine woody scent at an affordable price, check out Encre Noire by Lalique.
- Bourbon Amber by The Art of Shaving: If Gentlemen Givenchy is Scotch, then you’ll need a sharper-edged Bourbon scent to follow, and The Art of Shaving team responds. This woody cologne for men is directly inspired by cask-aged bourbon. Bourbon Amber from The Art of Shaving brings nature to the forefront by way of select raw ingredients, bursting with earthiness, from the laced herbal undertones to the rich woody base, it’s intense yet sophisticated. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced in comparison to most designer options on our list.
- Intenso by Dolce & Gabbana (from AU$90): From renowned luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana comes Intenso, a bold men’s fragrance with a creamy texture and a crisp, aquatic opening. However, it’s ultimately a long-lasting dark chocolate-and-tobacco scent that dominates this earthy, masculine cologne, courtesy of a newly discovered wood-based ingredient called the Moepel accord.
- Armani Eau d’Aromes by Giorgio Armani (from AU$150): Armani, you’ve done it again. A favourite amongst the team here at Man of Many, we love Eau d’Aromes for its warm aromas of patchouli,Vetiverr, and sage, along with citrus notes like bergamot and mandarin. That said, you had us at Armani – a brand that has a history of great pheromones. If you’re looking for a great woody cologne for going out, this is our pick.
- Guilty by Gucci (from AU$130): This woody perfume for him has committed the crime of creating an unabashedly masculine scent awash with bold, seductive allure. Here, Gucci stands guilty as charged with this wildly popular woody fragrance, housed in a formidable bottle of metal and glass. This Pour Homme blends floral and citrus top notes with a beefy base of cedar and patchouli.
- Guilty Absolute by Gucci (from AU$140): Co-created with master perfumer Alberto Morillas, Guilty Absolute is an unapologetically dry, smoky woody-leather that smells more niche than most designer releases. It opens with a blast of cypress andVetiverr before drying down into a rugged mix of leather and a very smoky, almost tar-like patchouli. Performance is strong, so go easy on the trigger, and keep it for evenings and colder months rather than the office.
- Royal Oud by Creed (from AU$539): From one of the biggest names in perfumery comes Royal Oud by Creed. If we’re talking about rare ingredients, Regal Indian oud helps create this woody cologne for men. One can’t look past Creed when it comes to quality fragrances; they’re widely regarded as THE best brand on the market, though you’ll pay for the luxury. Royal oud sits upon a woody foundation, joined by generous amounts of grass, smoke, citrus and spice for an overall profile that’s as profoundly versatile and masculine as it is earthy. Inspired by luxurious elements of a Persian palace – wood, leather, marble and gold – it is a woody perfume for him designed for all occasions.
What is a Woody Fragrance?
Woody fragrances often have citrus or aromatic headnotes, crisp woody notes in the heart, and resin or wood in the base notes. These scents will usually contain pine, patchouli, or cedarwood.
Why You Should Trust Our List
When it comes to our list of the best woody perfumes and colognes for men, it goes without saying that expertise is key. While the editorial team here at Man of Many has had the chance to test every fragrance on this list (often thanks to our friends in the industry), we’ve also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings.
This list has been written and curated by Ben McKimm, who is a fragrance expert and has spent more time collecting and researching men’s colognes than he’s happy to admit. In compiling this list, he considered three major perspectives to determine the overall rating.
In addition to his own opinions, he also considered reviews on the perfume forum Fragrantica and those from Australian retailers Myer and Chemist Warehouse. From there, he collated the information and measured the fragrances based on overall scent profile, reader ratings, and commercial availability.
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