Incident Diplomatique

The scent is really fantastic. It has a smoky quality with sweet sandalwood that balances everything out. I think it somewhat reminds me of Hindu Kush by Mancera—it gives off a similar earthy vibe.

It’s absolutely fantastic! To be honest, I was a bit skeptical when I first spritzed it from the decant. The vetiver hit me hard, and I wasn’t sure it would work for me either. Then I came across a recommendation from Justin Copeland on YouTube, whose taste in fragrances I really admire, and we share a lot of the same preferences. This made me curious because he described it as a comforting smoke scent, almost like the feel of someone who’s had a cigarette but in a way that’s not overwhelming. This made me want to try it more. I decided to try it on the right occasion, and a chilly, overcast December day seemed perfect. There’s something about the smoky vetiver paired with its dark, mysterious aura that feels perfect for days like that. I was surprised by how refined it turned out to be. As it settles down on my skin, it develops a rich, leathery depth. Even though there’s no leather listed in the official notes, you can still feel that essence in the drydown. Worn on the right day or occasion, this is a truly great scent. If you’re on the fence, I’d definitely give it a try—I think you’ll be glad you did!

A great introduction to vetiver-based fragrances. The scent starts with a refreshing citrusy vibe before evolving into a mix of earthy vetiver and woody patchouli. I initially thought black pepper was present, but it seems like nutmeg is responsible for the spicy, peppery undertones. Overall, the fragrance feels aromatic, green, woody, and slightly spicy, giving it a mature and sophisticated vibe. The longevity could be better—it fades after about an hour and sticks close to the skin, lasting about 5-6 hours. I personally love wearing this scent when I'm in the mood for something fresh and masculine.

Jovoy has a unique talent for crafting elegant, long-lasting natural perfumes. Incident Diplomatique is among the most exceptional vetiver and woody fragrances I’ve encountered. It’s not like the green, herbaceous vetivers from brands like Hermès or Guerlain. Instead, Incident Diplomatique offers a deeper, earthier, nuttier, damp, and soil-like quality. Nutmeg adds a touch of fresh spice on top of a creamy sandalwood base, while patchouli subtly intertwines with and complements the vetiver, never overwhelming. This fragrance has decent longevity, keeping its presence close without being overpowering. This sophisticated scent is intimate and special, perfect for someone deliberate and confident. It’s not for the masses—it’s classic, luxurious, and truly remarkable.

An expertly crafted blend centered around vetiver and patchouli. This is like the younger sibling of Private Label—something I’d say die-hard vetiver fans might prefer over the original. If your budget permits, it could make sense to have both in your collection! Fall/Winter days, $30+.