Geez, Iceberg Man is so smooth, stylish, and romantic like Marvin Gaye's quiet soul! This is a kind of like leathery scent with hints of pepper, tar, coffee, light tobacco, and so forth, while not smelling just like any of them.
It has a beautiful opening that comprises lemon and nutmeg goodness, though I don't get too much zestiness from the lemon. It tingles and sparkles like light brown amber crystals, with a soft touch of mild pepper that makes the scent sharper, spicier, and edgier.
Not long after the initial opening, the light spicy aroma warms as a wonderful creaminess smooths out the sparkle. Here it comes, the tricky part... Cistus, labdanum, and rock rose. Some people think it must be the smell of heaven, and others believe it's the smell from hell. The rock rose is deep, diffusive, musky, and sweet balsamic reminiscent of true labdanum, with a dry, warm, earthy, herbaceous undertone. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. And just a pinch of lavender, not all too much.
Anyhow, if you wear Iceberg Man and wait about 3 hours after application when most of the sweet notes have faded, and the slightly leathery, woody base is prominent, that's mostly labdanum. There is a hint of patchouli and styrax, which combined gives a kind of dark chocolate like tone, but most of the woody and thick, resinous, syrupy or tar-like notes are primarily thanks to labdanum.
In the base, eventually, the perfume moves away from the enjoyably edible and takes on a more traditional amber and powder tone. Benzoin and styrax control the stage, they are mixed stupendously. Iceberg Man feels as if it should be bulky and hefty, but it remains restrained and contained. In the end, Iceberg Man endures an amber hue of masculinity wrapped up in gentle sophistication.
This is the second time I'm wearing Iceberg Man, the very first time was a night out for attending an event, and I got tons of compliments, this time at the office... the sillage is moderate and close to my arms, which is pretty good for co-workers. Still, the longevity is ridiculously incredible, 12 hours I would bet, seriously. I prefer wearing Iceberg Man in cold weather. The richness in spices, resins, and woods makes this cologne ideal for fall days and evenings out. So hardest days and nigths, Fall, Winter, and early Spring, definitely.
In a few words, Iceberg Man is calming, warm, sensual, deep, and uplifting. I love it, a stunning fragrance. Beautifully woody, dry, warm sophistication with a perfect, never pushy yet long-lasting performance. It lingers and pleases the wearer for the entire day and leaves a trail of masterfully blended bright, humorous and vibrant aura. It can remind you of others' fragrances; people compare it to Rochas Lui, which I am not aware of, yes, but no comparison here because this one exceeds and supersedes them all. Bravo Iceberg!! I've ordered a tester backup online, before it gets discontinued.
This review bases on a 100ml (3.4 Fl. oz) bottle I own since November 2016.
-Elysium