Cooper Square by Bond No 9

Here’s what you get: juniper berries, lots of wood, a dash of cognac, and spices on overdrive; everything else fades because these three notes dominate. It smells rich, like a barbershop scent but lighter. It reminds me of a perfume my dad used in the 2000s, though I don’t know which one it was. Yes, it has that slightly metallic smell that older men (50+) tend to have, so it’s not exactly youthful. Lasts about 8 hours: projects strongly for the first three, then settles into a more personal sillage.

Thanks to Shiseido, I was able to smell this. Many thanks! Juniper berries, lavender, and frankincense stand out; there’s also a cognac or liquor note. The drydown feels a bit ‘smoky’ to me, with labdanum and cashmere wood providing a pleasant depth in the trail, alongside that ‘light sweetness’ Shiseido mentions. It’s delicate and elegant, though it doesn’t stand out for its originality or ability to surprise like other Bond No. 9 creations. Imagine a typical juniper, lavender, and ‘something else’ fragrance, but refined and improved nine times over. With my eyes closed, I picture a spacious room with wooden furniture, some art objects, books, and a fireplace for cozy conversation. Cary Grant and Gregory Peck also come to mind… could it be that they smelled like Cooper Square? I’m left with the feeling that it’s better suited for sharing at close range rather than projecting a significant trail.

I love this fragrance and it goes straight into my select group of favorites. That said, and warning you that this is positive, let me specify. On the English version of Fragrantica, it’s compared to Calvin Klein One, which I don’t know (and, as usual, it’s discontinued), but I think they’re right; it’s very ‘CK’ in style. It’s sporty, refined, cheerful (not juvenile), light, very American (with juniper berries and woody notes), ideal for classy occasions without overdoing it, like a suit without a tie. The scent isn’t very familiar, yet not extraordinarily original, which is a plus. It has a light sweetness that I like. The metallic bottle is exquisite. I identify with my ‘metalhead’ spirit: at times, I sense a smell close to metal, polished instruments, or tools. It’s a neutral, light scent that you have to press your nose to notice, a ‘cold’ aroma. Maybe it gives it a synthetic touch (I’ve read negative reviews on Fragrantica saying this, but I think they exaggerate or it’s prejudice). The cognac note is clear, the spices give an ‘oriental’ touch, but ‘Arabian oriental’ if you’ll allow me (Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Armenia, Turkey…). I don’t want to mix religion, but I was reminded of religious texts because of the incense, myrrh, and ‘exotic’ spices. All this rests on a woody base, which is much appreciated. For me, testing and using it was almost a mystical experience. I don’t want to influence, it’s possible I’m not objective, but I’m saying what I think. Age range: 20 to 50 (flexible but cheerful). Climate: Warm and breezy or fresh spring. Gender: Unisex, though I see it as more masculine. Strong point: not everyone has it, it gives you a personal touch. Bottle: Top 10. Scent: Delicious. Sillage: Soft. Longevity: I’ll let you know later.