Nuit d’Issey by Issey Miyake
Men 2014
Main accords
Description
Nuit d'Issey by Issey Miyake is a woody-spicy fragrance for men. Launched in 2014, this composition was created by Dominique Ropion and Loc Dong. The top notes reveal the freshness of grapefruit and bergamot; the heart unfolds an enveloping combination of leather, woody nuances, spices, black pepper, and vetiver; while the base notes settle with the elegance of incense, ebony,…
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When to wear it (votes)
- Winter 36%
- Spring 19%
- Summer 8.0%
- Autumn 37%
- Day 25%
- Night 75%
Key notes
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Top
grapefruit
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Heart
leather
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Base
incense
Community
2,238 votes
- Positive 76%
- Negative 16%
- Neutral 8.4%
The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I own it
5,967 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Like it
2,238 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Autumn
2,655 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Night
1,421 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Nuit d’Issey
Nuit d’Issey by Issey Miyake is a woody-spicy fragrance for men. Launched in 2014, this composition was created by Dominique Ropion and Loc Dong. The top notes reveal the freshness of grapefruit and bergamot; the heart unfolds an enveloping combination of leather, woody nuances, spices, black pepper, and vetiver; while the base notes settle with the elegance of incense, ebony, tonka bean, and patchouli.
Musk, amber and animalic Woods and mosses Spices
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
More from Issey Miyake
Related editions
More from Dominique Ropion
How it wears
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
Longevity
Leading answer Moderate
1,265 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Moderate
1,435 votes
Character
Leading answer Traditionally masculine
833 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
745 votes
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Community reviews
40 reviews
Share what you noticed: opening, drydown, sillage and the moments when it works for you.
Not for everyone, don’t buy it blindly. At first, it smells like incense and myrrh, but within minutes it turns fresh, like expensive soap. Projects for 4 hours filling the room and leaves a trail for 6 hours after. Just 7 sprays on the skin are enough. Works in cold and heat; it’s dry so it doesn’t bother, though it performs better in summer. In winter, it fades quickly. Ideal for formal wear, it projects an image of good breeding and wealth. I don’t recommend it for anyone under 35, but that’s just my opinion.
I had higher expectations since reviews put it on a podium. I bought it blindly; I’m a huge Issey fan and own 7 fragrances from the brand. Back in my youth, I lived in Colombia, and my aunt sold perfumes by catalog; in 2010, Avon launched a Black Suede Essential lotion that smells similar. La Nuit is more refined and complex, but it shares the same DNA. ⚠️ It’s not a bad perfume, it smells great, it’s masculine, nocturnal, and for special events. It’s not versatile enough for daily use. La Nuit = Night in French.
On skin, it’s extremely dry, dominated by vetiver with barely noticeable incense, leather, or spices. I expected something more woody; it reminds me a lot of Encre Noir by Lalique. Try it before buying.
Elegant aroma with balanced leather, woods, and incense, plus light citrus notes that add brightness without losing the mystery. Ideal for autumn or cool spring nights. Maybe the performance leaves me wanting more, but I totally recommend it solely for the scent. Greetings to the community.
After reading so many reviews, I bought it in February and it was a great surprise. Masculine, casual, and elegant aroma. I love the blend of woods, incense, leather, pepper, and the sweet touch of tonka bean; I barely notice the declared citrus. Lasts about 2 hours projecting well, then stays close to the skin until the fifth hour. If it lasted longer, it would be better, but it’s an EDT; I’d love to try the EDP. Ideal for cold, temperate, and rainy climates, and obviously for nights. Curiously, I notice the incense and leather a lot, which please my nose; even at 6 hours, I search for the shirt where I applied it. I already own 4 Issey Miyake fragrances (Classic, Intense, Bleue, and This Nuit), the last three bought blindly, and they are rich scents. Highly recommended.
Fabulous fragrance. My only complaint is I wish for better performance. The citrus opening is brief, quickly moving to the mid-notes where all the ingredients shine: soft suede-like leather, spiced woods, gentle vetiver, and subtly sweetened patchouli by tonka bean, plus ebony wood and a low incense note. It’s not for people under 25, not because they can’t wear it, but because it escapes youthful trends and requires presence and more serious attire. Excellently balanced, elegant, and masculine. Although it says ‘Issey Night,’ in cool weather it’s even suitable for the office. I see it as more versatile than just for special occasions. I’ll use it in winter and fresh autumn-spring. I can’t understand its low rating.
The only issue is that it’s not versatile, only for special occasions or events with formal wear. Otherwise, it’s a 10 in trail, longevity, quality, price, and aroma, 100% masculine. I don’t know why it has such low ratings when Arab perfumes have much more. What stands out most is the well-made incense, giving off a vibe of sobriety and mystery, like someone busy and interesting. Addictive.
If you’re looking for a black, nocturnal, elegant, original, masculine fragrance that people like, this is yours. It’s mysterious, masculine, and interesting; in my opinion, exclusive for nights with cold weather. Citrus opening with a bitter part, imagine bitter grapefruit peel and fresh bergamot, with background incense accompanying all stages, especially in the base. Then in the heart, the citrus drops to give presence to the perfume’s soul: accorded, woody, and spiced notes with a touch of smoky, bitter incense. In the base, the most aromatic part where incense, patchouli, and ebony wood take the spotlight. Good longevity; on my skin, the first 2/3 hours are great with projection, then it stays close to the skin, but lasts hard on clothes for days. It’s not a beast mode; I’d say longevity is the only ‘problem,’ but the scent compensates. It’s complimentary; I’ve received compliments. I recommend it, but don’t expect sweet aromas like Invictus or One Million; it’s a 100% gentleman’s perfume, distinct from the current market. I give it 8/10.
Very original, unique, elegant, nocturnal, and masculine. Aromatic opening of black pepper and bergamot, vintage scent. Dry-down is woody with vetiver, patchouli, and incense. Dominance of an incense and leather blend. Extraordinary longevity, powerful projection. Complimentary. Inconceivable that it’s discontinued.
Excellent blend of citrus and pepper. The incense in the base tones down the character, moving it away from Scandal or Invictus. I like it a lot. Good projection and longevity. It has a curious evolution: first citrus, then peppery, and finally calmer citrus. For dinners and informal nights with a black shirt and leather jacket, it’s a very good option.
La Nuit de Issey doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivers that dark, mature vibe Miyake is known for (made by Shiseido). It’s not youthful, sweet, or generic like the average perfume. It’s not even a ‘rabanesca’ trying to please everyone. The opening is citrusy and sparkling, drying down in 20 seconds to reveal a constant base of tamed leather—not as rough as Gucci Guilty, not as luxury-shoe-like as Ombré Leather, nor as blue as Ferragamo. The incense is also tamed, with a strong herbal touch from patchouli and vetiver that reminds me of my mom’s geraniums on the balcony. In short: dark, mature, and nocturnal. You can wear it once you get past the ‘firingolo’ phase, but it’s better in fresh weather; heat and sweat make it suffocating. But tastes vary. Among Miyake’s offerings, this is one of the best performers (many last as little as a white-label gel, which is pathetic these days). 5-6 hours without issues, 3 hours of good presence and close sillage. Moderate price, 50-60€ for 100ml in Spain. Compliments? ‘Bajapanties’ aroma? Let’s be serious. This EDT with L’Eau d’Issey is my favorite from the house among its dozens of discontinued flankers. Has anyone received compliments from real leather or incense perfumes? Health and carpe diem. P.S.: Ideal for layering with Armani Acqua di Giò.
Not bad, it carries Miyake’s distinguishing touch in a standard designer profile. The opening is a bit strident but pleasant. Amber, sweet, and spicy profile, you can feel the leather. Correct but nothing standout. I wouldn’t buy it. Performance and projection are moderate.
I’m a user, not an expert, and I enjoy this world. This Nuit d’Issey is the most particular in my collection and the one I use the least, not because it’s bad, but because of that sense of darkness and mystery. It smells like night; I have to be careful with sprays so I don’t suffocate myself. It lasts all day and projects well; its sweet spot is between 2 and 4 hours, then projection drops but people still notice it. What does it smell like? When used sparingly, every time I apply it (max 2 drops), it’s addictive and I can’t stop smelling myself. Opens with citrus that fades quickly, leaving a smoky leather with patchouli, my favorite part. It’s for mature people (30+). I would buy it again.
Excellent fragrance, just acquired and with a super rich aroma. Guaranteed compliments. Projection: noticeable at 1.5 meters for the first two hours. I put it on at 7 AM and it’s still perceptible at 8 PM. It doesn’t get boring; it’s one of the best from Issey Miyake. 100% recommended.
A blend of notes seen a thousand times but that doesn’t look like any other. I don’t know how they did it. Masculine smell but sophisticated. It has become my favorite, though not for all occasions. I bought a 2017 second-hand bottle almost unused. I put it on when I leave and it still smells in the morning. At least 8 hours. Sometimes it pays to buy used fragrances; current ones seem to last less and less.
Reminds me of Jo Malone 154: dark citrus notes, high-quality Asian incense, and patchouli with spices in the dry-down. Definitely requires character. Fragrance: 8.0. Sillage: 5. Duration: 8+. Age: 25+. Time: Afternoon-Night. Season: Autumn-Winter. Ideal for dates, cafes, and work meetings.
Very rich for cool climates. The grapefruit and bergamot opening evaporates quickly, giving way to leather and woods. After 2 hours, patchouli and sandalwood dominate to finish. I would buy it again because it smells different; a good proposition.
I stopped by a perfumery and tried it, knowing the brand from the classic (exquisite, a marvel…). I smelled it repeatedly; it wasn’t bad, but my partner was delighted. I found it at a good price and bought it: 125ml pack + 40ml. Certainly good, especially the opening, but it fades very quickly in my opinion. That heavy, dark citrus opening disappears to give way to a very skin-close woody accord. Should I recommend it? Yes, the aroma is worth it. Its weak point is duration, but if it’s at a good price, go ahead; its delicious first hour and a half pays for the investment.
I never expected the surprise I had. It’s an exact mix between Tom Ford’s Ombre Leather and Bleu de Chanel: starts with citrus at full blast and turns sweet and smoky, quite smoky, without losing the citrus scent. Very good perfume. Moderate sillage and medium-high duration.
I’ve known the scent since its launch. The day I tried it, I remember its power and great aroma. In 2014 I didn’t understand perfumery like I do today, so although I liked it, it wasn’t what I wanted to convey. Today, as an owner, I really like having it; it smells extremely well. 100% masculine combination, no half-measures, sparkling and penetrating. A magnificent creation, it could easily be in the top 5 of the best designer scents. But… unfortunately, its performance has dropped significantly. It was never outstanding in performance, but since its launch it has received reformulations. For me, a favorite must offer quality in everything. If it were based on aroma alone, I recommend it to any man, perhaps not someone young, but once you’re past your mid-twenties, flirting with thirty, don’t even think about it.
Tested it yesterday; it’s not bad, but after 10 hours the dry-down smells very much like dry leather, similar to Fahrenheit. I like it, though between the two, I still prefer Dior. They’re different: this one is sweet and dark. Not bad, but it didn’t really surprise me.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a hidden gem in perfumery. I’m surprised so little is said about this Nuit d’Issey. It’s a masculine scent—sexy, mysterious, dark, sensual, gothic… wow. It’s my number one for going out at night: it turns heads, it’s different, original, and unique. It has everything I’m looking for. It easily lasts 7-8 hours on skin, and if you spray it on clothes, it will last for days. 100% recommended.
A lovely fragrance, very masculine, sensual, with a potent citrus opening. I like the dry-down even more.
Sensual, potent, it generates confidence and women love it. Ideal for cold climates and evening wear. The opening is explosive with citrus, spice, and energy, leaving a broad trail that’s impressive in the first 15 minutes. Then it settles into something sober and elegant with a strong note of pepper and wood. Its longevity is noble and harmonious; an incredible blend of resin, leather, and a hint of almond. You can smell it from over a meter away for the first two hours, lasting up to 6 hours on skin. Perfect for formal outdoor gatherings or intimate dates. Not recommended with folkloric or cheerful outfits, nor for the office, because it’s designed to complement a conquering aura. Buy blind for romantic but overwhelming gentlemen; very cost-effective given the results. I’ve had a 200 ml bottle for over 5 years and it still performs.
No technical jargon: sober, masculine, and out of this world. For gentlemen, not for trying to be funny. Heat? No. Temperate or cold climate? Yes. Night? Yes. Elegant sport for evening wear, dates, and nights out. Suggested age: 30+. A masterpiece of the base of the Nuit series.
Nuit d’Issey by Issey Miyake: without a doubt one of my favorites. It has masculinity built into every note; it’s elegant, dark, and has a standout personality. Ideal for a date; it will make you stand out and create a total difference. It’s a unique style, very sensual. One of the few scents that don’t emulate anyone else, having its own soul and leaving a mark as one of the best I’ve tried. Scent: 11. Projection: 7.0. Longevity: 8.0. Recommended.
My experience is curious… it was 2016, I was single, I met a girl at a bar and we started dating. On one date, I took her shopping in Liverpool; while she was buying things, I headed to the perfume section. I stumbled upon this Nuit d’Issey and loved it at first sniff. I don’t usually buy in those stores unless I can’t find the fragrance elsewhere, and that day was no exception. I thanked the saleswoman, and when I turned around, the girl was there and asked if I wasn’t going to buy something. I said no for the moment, and immediately she told the saleswoman: ‘You can give this gentleman the fragrance he just released, in the largest presentation you have (at least 200 ml)’. She loved it so much she bought it for me. When that fleeting relationship ended, I decided to wear it to the office because I planned to go for a drink with my new conquest. I think I’ve never received so many compliments from women… needless to say, my date was a success, even though the relationship didn’t materialize. About the fragrance: citrusy, leathery, with that touch of incense that I generally don’t like but here it fascinates me. Decent longevity and projection that allows you to go to places without too much olfactory pollution or causing an addictive effect in the dry-down. (9/10).
I like risky fragrances, not conservative or easy ones, and this one is. The opening is beautiful: herbal, bright, and dark at the same time. It plays with contradiction and paradox. It’s an excessively deep, sober, cold, even phlegmatic perfume. What I like most is the incense note that lingers in the distance. The dry-down base is too powerful (with too much leather for my taste) and is barely colored by the other notes (patchouli…), though it’s beautiful. It suggests a cold, distant, phlegmatic, and calculating person, elegant but somewhat boring, not passionate at all, one who doesn’t let emotion take over. Could be a modern James Bond. As for the presentation, a 10.
I admit I’m very critical of contemporary designer fragrance proposals; most are bland scents like unsweetened mint candy. With exceptions. And luckily, Nuit d’Issey is one. This creation distances itself from the original L’Eau d’Issey: Nuit is woody, smoky, and musky, while the original is aromatic, fresh, and slightly aldehydic. The smoky nuance comes from incense, which doesn’t feel liturgical but rather urban. It teleports me to a stroll down a city avenue at dusk, perhaps due to a ‘tar-like’ nuance. Ideal fragrance for autumn, winter, and night. Despite being smoky, it has versatility. It’s not for daily activities like buying bread, but you can wear it to the office since its longevity, projection, and sillage aren’t overwhelming.
You’ll always need in your collection a fragrance that smells like a man; not necessarily an 80s fougère, but something dark, slightly fresh, and spiced. This is Nuit d’Issey: opens with a spiced citrus top, with a base of incense and woods; way in the background, a sweet touch of tonka bean that gives it balance. The leather doesn’t stand out, but the ebony wood lends that necessary bitter touch. If you like fragrances that step out of the routine of sweet and fruity scents, or those full of vanilla, and want something more acidic and dark (though they don’t resemble Encre Noire, they carry that intention). A citrus-spiced burst with woody and smoky touches; this is your fragrance. Lasts just enough on skin and projects better at night; not recommended for heat. Scent: 9. Longevity: 7. Sillage: 7. Price: 10.