Yardley London Gentleman Classic EDT for Men 100ml

Gentleman Classic is the spicier of Yardley's two Gentleman fragrances. It opens on cardamom and black pepper over citrus, which gives it a sharpness in the first few minutes, then softens through a floral heart of wildflowers.

Where it gets interesting is the drydown. Sandalwood and amber do the heavy lifting, with musk holding it together and a sweet touch of white chocolate that stops the whole thing from turning dry and severe. That sweetness is subtle rather than gourmand, so it reads as warm instead of dessert-like.

Classic or Urbane? Both are Yardley, both 100ml, both launched in 2019. Urbane is the fresher, greener one built on lavender and thyme, better for daytime and hot weather. Classic is warmer and spicier, and it comes into its own in the evening and through winter. If you only buy one and you mostly wear fragrance to dinners and weddings, take Classic.

Suits: evening wear, cooler months, and men who find fresh citrus fragrances too light to register. It also layers well over an unscented moisturiser.

Worth knowing: it is an Eau de Toilette, so expect a few hours of real projection before it settles close to the skin. Yardley has been making fragrance in London since 1770, and this line is vegan and cruelty-free.