Rocabar is a men’s eau de toilette from 1998, composed by Gilles Romey for Hermès and named after the horse blanket. One of the older men’s fragrances the house still has in circulation, and the 100ml is the size the store carries.

Cedar essence, juniper, coriander, lemon and bergamot open it. Italian cypress, cedar, cardamom, carnation and violet fill the heart. Canada balsam, benzoin, vanilla, oakmoss and patchouli build the base.

Five, five and five. Perfect symmetry across the tiers is rare, but the thing actually worth noticing is that cedar is listed twice: as cedar essence in the top and as plain cedar in the heart. The same wood is deliberately placed in two different stages, in two different forms, which means it is present from the first minute to the middle of the wear without a gap. Add Italian cypress next to it in the heart, and you have cedar in two forms and cypress, all coniferous woods, running simultaneously. That idea runs the whole fragrance. Not a citrus that dries down to wood. Wood from the start, with lemon and bergamot thrown over the top for ten minutes.

Disclaimer:
* The lasting power of perfumes can vary based on skin type, environment, and usage.
* The expiration of perfumes varies depending on storage conditions and usage.