Tom Ford Noir Anthracite

Noir Anthracite is cold steel and black pepper, the scent of a dark city street right after the rain has stopped. Where much of the Noir line goes warm and sweet, this one runs cool.

Bergamot, ginger and Sichuan pepper open with a bright, tingling bite. The heart surprises with white florals, jasmine sambac and tuberose, cut with galbanum's green bitterness so they feel sleek instead of lush. The base is dry wood: cedar, patchouli, Macassar wood and sandalwood.

It suits men who prefer sharp over sweet, and it works well for evenings in spring or autumn. Against Noir and Noir Extreme, it is the austere, modern one. That cool, peppery edge either feels sophisticated or stark, so it is worth wearing a 5 ml before deciding.

Notes. Top: bergamot, ginger, Sichuan pepper; heart: jasmine sambac, tuberose, galbanum; base: cedar, patchouli, Macassar wood, Ceylonese sandalwood. Launched in 2017.