10 of the Best Niche Fragrances for Men

Few fragrances adapt effortlessly to any occasion, from a morning meeting to a night on the town. Goldfield & Banks x Harrods Silky Woods is one such scent – an elegant expression of Australian craftsmanship. Known for using native botanicals, the perfume house blends sustainably sourced Australian agarwood with smoky tobacco, saffron and creamy vanilla. This warm composition is made even more special by its exclusive presence at Harrods. 

If confidence could be bottled, it would look like Ojar’s Solar Flair. A tribute to bold self-expression, this radiant composition awakens your senses with pink peppercorn and vibrant mandarin, leading into a heart of honeysuckle and osmanthus, all grounded in creamy vanilla. Dynamic and undeniably charismatic, this is the fragrance to wear when you want to feel as good as you smell. 

Brush up on your knowledge of Aztec mythology with God of Fire by Stéphane Humbert Lucas. Inspired by the Aztec serpent deity, each spritz kicks off with a bold mix of spice and citrus before revealing an intense oud, smouldering amber and deep woods. This bestselling fragrance is a must for those who like to command attention. 

There’s nothing reserved about Fragrance du Bois Rude Oud – this is oud with an edge. Crafted exclusively for Harrods by perfumer Christian Provenzano, it opens with a bold fusion of juicy raspberry and spiced saffron. As the fragrance deepens, leathery oud and dark woods take over, adding intensity, while a base of amber and resins leaves a lingering warmth. As its name suggests, it’s audacious in the best possible way.  

Sweet, but not in a candy shop kind of way — Nicolaï’s Macaron Bourbon is for those who like their luxury with a side of indulgence. Opening with creamy vanilla and almond, this tantalising scent boasts a heart of bourbon and tonka bean, adding depth, while amber, sandalwood and a hint of smoky caramel linger in the base. Like the small but mighty macaron that’s notoriously difficult to perfect, this fragrance reveals layers of complexity. 

Santa Maria Novella created its first perfume in 1533: Catherine de’ Medici’s wedding gift for Henry II of Valois, quickly becoming the favourite scent at the court of France. Infused with bergamot, amber and myrrh, this Ambra Eau de Parfum is inspired by the winter gardens of the Medici family – the rulers of Florence from the 15th to 18th centuries.   

Its citrus notes pay homage to the family’s passion for citrus fruits, famously grown at the Villa di Castello.

Pristine beaches, the Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque, the newly opened Louvre: there are so many reasons to visit Abu Dhabi. The next best thing? Memo Paris’ exclusive fragrance evokes the UAE capital with notes of cardamom oil, vetiver oil and – its special ingredient – dates, the Emirati emblem of life and generosity. Crafted in France by perfumer Mylene Arlan, it’s housed in a patterned flacon inspired by Al-Sadu – the country’s traditional weaving technique.    

How is your Ancient Greek? ‘Nostos,’ the word for a hero returning home, is the name of Etat Libre D’Orange’s Eau de Parfum – and the root of the word ‘nostalgia.’ Few things can powerfully stir our memories like scent, recalling our childhoods, perhaps, or particular moments of happiness. With notes of mandarin, jasmine and sandalwood, it’s designed to evoke youthful summers – and is sure to make memorable moments to come.  

In Arabian legend, Allah fashioned the Arabian Horse from the South Wind saying: “You shall be the Lord of the other animals. You shall fly without wings; riches shall be on your back and fortune should come through your meditation.” Made in tribute to this legendary breed, Montale’s Arabians Tonka Bean Eau de Parfum is a luxury blend of spices, amber and oud for a fiery, audacious scent our customers love. 

“One sniff and you want the whole bottle,” says Escentric Molecules founder Geza Schoen. “It’s like a drug.” The key to each of the brand’s fragrances is one particular aroma molecule that doesn’t exist in the natural world. Created in a lab in the 1970s, Isa E Super features in low concentrations in many popular fragrances. Schoen decided to use it in unheard of strengths. This H01 Eau de Parfum, designed exclusively for Harrods, is a unique scent of wood, leather and musk intended as moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life.