First Instinct by Abercrombie & Fitch for Men

First Instinct Cologne by Abercrombie & Fitch, Created in 2016 by Phillippe Romano for Abercrombie & Fitch, First Instinct is an oriental-inspired fougère for the man with the confidence and strength to be vulnerable.

The fresh, crisp top notes of a gin-and-tonic accord combined with melon are sweetened and spiced by middle notes of violet leaves, citrus, and Szechuan pepper, and then warmed by animalic base notes of suede, musk, and amber.

Born in Grasse, France—and himself the son of a perfume maker—Phillippe Romano is a perfumer for the fragrance house Drom, where he developed 08 Seylon for Odin, as well as fragrances for Anna Sui, Lalique, and others. His motto is, "Patience and Passion."

With moderate longevity, and its gin-and-tonic accord evoking cocktail hour, First Instinct is most suitable for daytime and early evening. Its sillage is assertive but not aggressive, and its cool, citrusy elements, with a hint of oriental spice, are most appropriate for spring and summer.