Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur Review (Manuel Cross) + A Fragrance for James Bond’s Day off  Draw

 

Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur is a gentleman's fragrance with an edge

Daniel Craig as James Bond might  wear Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur (Promo shot Spectre 2015)

“A gentleman is never rude—except on purpose.”  — Christopher Hutchins

It is at once ironic and perfectly appropriate that one can respect the rules of classical perfumery by breaking them. The aptly-named Rogue Perfumery draws a sword to modern regulations to protect the integrity of olfactive heritage—and the result is wickedly spectacular.

Manuel Cross of Rogue Perfumery

Manuel Cross of Rogue Perfumery Image Courtesy Manuel Cross

Earlier this year,  in the CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery Series culinary chef-cum-perfumer Manuel Cross, founder of Rogue Perfumery, shared with readers that he draws inspiration from classical perfumery, the bubbling pots in his kitchen, his and his family’s cultural roots and his love of music. One need only experience his beautiful Chypre Siam—with its opening blast of Kaffir Lime and Basil orbiting a time-honored chypre base—to celebrate this glorious unification.

Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur and Vetivfleur, Chypre Siam

Rogue Perfumery Chypre Siam, Mousse Illuminee, Bon Monsieur and Vetifleur © Manuel Cross

Already a huge fan of Mr. Cross’ work, particularly Mousse Illuminee, Chypre Siam, and Fougere L’Aube, I was excited to learn of the 2020 release of Bon Monsieur. Described as “a fragrance of pure nostalgia,” this ode to the great fougeres of the 1980’s (à la Drakkar Noir, Tsar, Carlo Corinto and Duc de Vervins) is his greatest work to date. While Bon Monsieur playfully, yet respectfully, draws inspiration from bygone powerhouses (many of which have been reformulated to abide by IFRA regulations), the fearless “Cross-ness” of the composition separates Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur from the fragrances it emblematizes. As in the culinary world, a successful recipe is predicated on the quality of its ingredients and it’s clear that this rogue perfumer’s risks have paid off. It’s also clear that Mr. Cross must have been a hell of a chef.

Best James Bond Movies

James Bond relaxing on the set of Dr. No 1962 still

Bon Monsieur unfolds in distinct measure, respecting the perennial triumvirate of bergamot, lavender and oakmoss, modernized by deft and clever additions of geranium, fir balsam, carnation, lily of the valley, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli and musk. The bergamot is bright, blithe and distinct while the lavender is sumptuous, refined and expensive-smelling. In lesser hands, the composition might have come off as too starched or humorless, but Mr. Cross’ choice of ingredients, particularly a silky sandalwood accord that ribbons throughout, softens every edge. A gorgeous patchouli note forms a warm, approachable base. The affair is sophisticated, yet spirited. It’s adventurous and elegant, yet surprisingly relaxed—like James Bond on his day off. I’ll be the first to say that perfume is genderless, but Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur is unabashedly a gentleman’s fragrance. Moreover, it’s a fragrance that a gentleman would want others, perhaps his children, to associate with him. At a very reasonable $85.00 for a 30ml bottle or $156.00 for a 75ml bottle, it’s easy to make Bon Monsieur a signature fragrance while supporting small-batch, American-made artisanal perfume. Visit Rogue Perfumery to purchase.

Bon Monsieur is an Eau de Toilette with 10-12 hour longevity and moderate, tasteful projection.

Notes: Lavender, Bergamot, Fir Balsam, Geranium, Oakmoss, Carnation, Lily of the Valley, Cedar, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Musk

I own my own sample, and the opinions are my own

Michael Devine, Contributor

Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur

  Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur Courtesy Rogue Perfumery Instagram

Thanks to Manuel Cross of Rogue Perfumery, we have a draw for a 50 ml bottle of Rogue Perfumery Bon Soir. To be eligible you must be a registered reader (register here) in the USA and EU, you must be registered or your comment will not count. Please leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Michael’s review, where you live and your favorite James Bond/or Rogue Perfume. Draw closes 10/26/2021

All photos belong to Manuel Cross unless otherwise noted

Please read  Sr. Editor Lauryn’ Beer’s reviews of Rogue Perfumery Tuberose and Moss, Jasmin Antique and Chypre-Siam

Deputy Editor Ida Meister reviewed Vetifleur here

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @michaelpdevine @rogueperfumery

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42 comments

  • I enjoyed the photos and amazing information and details in Michael’s review. I live in Poland, EU. My favorite Rogue Perfume is Tabac Vert.

  • joshuabrian says:

    I’m a big fan of Manuel. I think he’s one of the finest perfumers of modern times. Fougeres are my favorite type of perfume as well. My favorite from the house so far would be Chypre-Siam. What a beauty this must be. Thanks for the draw. From Indianapolis.

  • Michael! ❤️ What a fantastic review! We LOVE Rogue perfumery!! Manny Cross makes brilliant fragrances! It’s fantastic that an artist follows the art and not regulations driven by industry capture. We are SO happy these scents are being created & we can enjoy them! In terms of a favorite…. that is literally impossible. We can narrow it down to: Chypre Siam, Champs Lunaires, Mousse Illuminee, Fougere L’Aube, Vetifleur, Tuberose and Moss, and Flora & Fauna. Now, I think Michael has convinced us we need Bon Monsieur! ❤️ Thank you for this amazing draw! USA

  • jmmcmenamin says:

    Rouge is a fantastic perfume house. I loved this review – so detailed – excited to try it. I enjoy fougeres, but love white florals, so Champs Lunaires is a favorite. In Louisiana USA.

  • This review reminded me of my Dad. He loves a classic yet distinctive fragrance, and James Bond! I’m not fond of the masculinity presented by the films, but I’m sure he smells great! I am in the US.

  • Rachel Part 2
    If you wonderful people will excuse my small rant… I think luxury fragrance used to be enough big business backing to afford the best materials & the protection of time. Now, I see real luxury fragrance as freedom from multinational-conglomerate pressure to be a high income source (to constantly decrease quality & increase prices). Manny Cross & Rogue are a wonderful example of this freedom to create & maintain quality luxury perfume.

  • I’ve seen a multitude of reviews that tout Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Essenza as a James Bond fragrance, but I just can’t see it. Floris Santal and 89, Penhaligon’s Sartorial or the original Dunhill for Men maybe, but the lack of backbone or grit in most Colonia variants is more like an echo of a hard-fought past. Or, as Michael put it, James Bond on his day off. lol Now Chypre Siam…there’s a fragrance. Stunning. Love that Bon Monsieur pays hommage to Tsar too – my personal favourite from VC&R. The silky sandalwood sounds lovely. All the right ingredients for a gentleman’s signature par excellence! Manuel is a brilliant creater. Highly recommend his work. USA

  • I own and enjoy “Bon Monsieur” and “Mousse Illuminee”, and Michael’s review gave me additional insight into Rogue Perfumery. I found Manuel Cross to be very nice, he is a skilled perfumer, and he has very good customer service. I got to sample six other fragrances from him, and out of all the samples and the ones which I purchased, my favorite was “Bon Monsieur”, but I also enjoy “Mousse Illuminee”, “Fougere L’Aube”, and some other ones too. “Bon Monsieur” reminds me of what “Drakkar Noir” used to be like, and to the extent that I would layer the new formulation of “Drakkar Noir” with “Bon Monsieur” in hopes of making the new “Drakkar Noir” more like it used to be like. I hope that I win. I live in MD., U.S.A. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  • Nice review Michael. I fall in love with Manuel Cross work when tried Chypre-Siam. I loved the ingredients, so used in Thai food such as holy basil and kaffir lime. I understand his past as a chef and as you say in this review: !in the culinary world, a successful recipe is predicated on the quality of its ingredients”. It seems that Bon Monsieur is his tour-de-force and as in a restaurant uses the tradition of bergamot, lavender and oakmoss and he adds his touch with the clever additions of geranium, fir balsam, carnation, lily of the valley, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli and musks. Sophisticated, adventurous, elegant and surprisingly relaxed: A James Bond of old times, full of nostalgia of Sean Connery!. I Live in Spain, EU.

  • I Very much appreciate that Michael wrote how long this fragrance lasts, for me that’s one of the most important factors and 12 hours is a very good bragging point. Michael did a wonderful job on getting me intrigued about this fragrance and house for this is the first time I’ve heard anything about it. I wear a suite everyday so I am more than excited to try a James Bond Fragrance. I live in the USA

  • wandering_nose says:

    Manuel seems to never fail to amaze! What a brilliant approach with honoring the classical perfumery by creating fragrances with the gentlemanly notes and accords that new generations will have the chance to remember their fathers and grandfathers by. Fair dues! I would love to gift Bon Monsieur to my SO for him to wear with delight. Thank you from the Republic of Ireland, EU

  • wandering_nose says:

    I forgot to add I have not had the chance to experience Rogue Perfumery fragrances but I have a strong feeling it would be Chypre Siam. Thank you again!

  • emorandeira says:

    I LOVE how Despina compares the scent with the typical image of a Gentleman. A classic scent, with some 80’s vibe but with a high quality and a new visión. I really would like to try It.
    My favourite perfume by Manuel Cross is champs Lunaires, one of my favourite tuberoses scents.

    My name is Edgar and I am writing from Tenerife, Spain (EU)

  • Enjoyed reading the description of Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur in Michael’s review. Classic notes in a modern perfume that pays homage to the classics of the past, especially Drakkar Noir, a favorite of mine. It’s interesting how sandalwood softens the edge throughout the composition of Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur. Having a culinary background certainly enhances a perfumer’s deep knowledge of the ingredients that go in a perfume, many of whom overlap at times. Price point is not scandalous or elitist, so many a gentleman may hope to be Le Bon Monsieur whenever the urge strikes one. Thanks for the review – certainly hope to try Rogue Perfumery Bon Monsieur one day. I am from USA.

  • Forgot to mention above that I have not had any experience with Rogue Perfumery before, but look forward to it some day. Please combine my two comments into one. From USA.

  • This sounds like a proper alpha male scent. Also Daniel Craig is amazing! Never smelled Rogue perfumes but I did sample some EoS James Bond fragrances.
    EU.

  • I’m a big fan of the classic, powerhouse 1970s and 1980s aromatic fougeres (favorites of mind include Le 3e Homme and Azzaro pour Homme), so this sounds like it would totally appeal to me. And if that doesn’t tell you something about my age, the fact that my favorite bond is still Sean Connery will probably seal the deal. I live in Oklahoma, USA. As always, thanks for the draw.

  • HiMyNameIsWaste says:

    A silky, sophisticated gentleman’s fragrance sounds perfect for the season.

    My favorite Bond is Daniel Craig.

    I live in Nashville, TN USA.

  • The imagery in Michael’s review…both visual and literary, elludes to the class and overall sense of style this fragrance must exude. Although I have not experienced any fragrances from Rogue Perfumery, Bon Monsieur sounds like a fantastic fragrance and I will look to sample it soon. I’m in the USA.

  • I first learned of Rogue Perfumery through a recent Cafleurebon review and was moved to purchase a Discovery Set. All of Manuel Cross’s compositions were exceptional. Bon Monsieur is a classic masculine fragrance with the welcome additions of geranium and carnation. My favorite from the ones I’ve tried is Mousse Illuminee. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • I love the everything classic about this fragrance yet is remains “timeless”. My favorite Rogue Perfumes are Tabac Vert, Derviche, and of course, Bon Monsieur 🙂 USA

  • Thanks Michael for bringing this house to our attention once more and to Manuel Cross for the kind giveaway. I’ve had Mousse Illuminee on my must-try list for a couple of months. Bon Monsieur does sound quite gentlemanly and I’m glad Mr. Cross drew inspiration from old powerhouses like DV. I’m in USA

  • Like many have said, I am a fan of Rogue Perfumery and find them to be a great cross between retro and modern chic. This sounds like such a great signature scent and I’d love to smell it on my husband!

  • I love Manuel’s work. All of his perfumes are amazing. I’ve tried Bon Monsieur and it is amazing. Perfect James Bond fragrance. I don’t own a full bottle yet but I’d love to. ” It’s adventurous and elegant, yet surprisingly relaxed” I could not agree more. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • I always love reading about independent perfumery! I’ve been a longtime fan of Mr. Cross’ perfumes, ever since I smelled Chypre Siam and Mousse Illuminee, which I absolutely loved! This sounds just right up my alley, an old school gentlemanly scent, the kind the modern designer perfumery doesn’t release anymore. My favourite rogue perfumery perfume would probably be Chypre Siam, but I can see Bon Monsieur becoming my favourite! I live in Croatia, EU.

  • Thank you for this wonderful article on rogue perfumer Manuel Cross.
    I have been a long time fan and love derviche and fougere d’aube.
    I like Sean Connery the best but Daniel Craig is my second favorite.
    I just saw No time to die and it’s epic
    Also I read Michael Devine’s recent article on September 11. Thank you for your service to all us Americans especially NY
    Hello from Brooklyn

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Interesting transition Mr. Cross has made from chef to perfumer. I used to rock Drakkar Noir way back in the day…one of my first scents as a boy. I’ve returned to an affinity for gentlemanly fragrances after transitioning to more modern scents on my scent journey. Michael’s breakdown of this scent is detailed to the point of being almost tactile. I’ve never tried anything from Rogue but looking forward to trying a sample set…would love to win this though. Appreciate the giveaway opportunity. Blessings from Virginia, USA!

  • I enjoyed the Christoper Hutchins quote, “A gentleman is never rude – except on purpose” in Michael’s review. Also the description of Bon Monsieur as a fragrance that James Bond would wear on his day off. Wow! Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond. If I won I would gift this Rogue fragrance to my hubs. Bon Monsieur would suit him. I am in USA.

  • Rogue Perfumery got on my radar after I tried Chypre-Siam. It could very well be the best chypre since Mitsouko. It is evident that Manuel respects the artform of perfumery and the quality of his raw materials. I would love to have this classy scent.
    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I have read about Manuel Cross for some time and his maverick status as a perfumer. What interests me here is his taking of familiar materials and combining them in a way that sounds like it is his own. I think James Bond peaked with GOLDFINGER and I have not tried any of Cross’s scents, but am eager to. I live in North Carolina in the USA.

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Great review Michael! What I enjoyed about the review was the description of the fragrance as more than just a “James Bond” fragrance, but specifically “James Bond on his day off” – which implies a suave, gentlemanly manner, but with an air of relaxation and casual elegance, rather than a suited and booted stuffed up fragrance. It sounds like a thoroughly fantastic fragrance for the consummate gentleman!

    I live in the US. My favorite Rogue Perfume is definitely Derviche, a stunning floral amber with cunning animalic facets.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I liked the breakdown that Michael gave: “Bon Monsieur unfolds in distinct measure, respecting the perennial triumvirate of bergamot, lavender and oakmoss, modernized by deft and clever additions of geranium, fir balsam, carnation, lily of the valley, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli and musk. The bergamot is bright, blithe and distinct while the lavender is sumptuous, refined and expensive-smelling. In lesser hands, the composition might have come off as too starched or humorless, but Mr. Cross’ choice of ingredients, particularly a silky sandalwood accord that ribbons throughout, softens every edge. A gorgeous patchouli note forms a warm approachable base.”

    I live in Waldorf, Maryland, USA, have never experienced anything from Rogue Perfumery, but would like to try Bon Monsieur, Chypre Siam, and Tabac Vert.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I really like Michael’s breakdown of the fragrance

    I live in Waldorf, Maryland, USA, and have never experienced anything from Rogue Perfumery, but would like to try Bon Monsieur, Chypre Siam, and Tabac Vert.

  • Claumarchini says:

    Thank you very much for this review, you draw my attention by simply saying James Bond…yes, I am a HUGE fan of the spy’s style, elegance, attitude, and of course Sean Connery remains my favourite one although I must say that I am sad Daniel Craig is not playing the character any more since he grew on me and his Bond turned out to be great too! I love fougères, I like to wear them myself and – alas – I am not familiar with Rogue Perfumery although I have read fantastic reviews about them (starting by Cafleurebon of course) and I am aware I need to make up for this! I love small businesses in general and try to buy as much as I can from them. Thanks so much for the draw, I live in Italy

  • James bond was a man’s man & movies are classic. Love the review, pictures & sounds like an amazing fragrance as well IMO. Becoming a big fan of rouge Perfumery house, already was big fan of Manuel Cross!! I have Tabac vert so far that’s it but sampled some others. This one sounds nice as well & I love the longevity of it 10-12 hrs awesome!!

    USA, thanks Cafleurebon for this very cool draw an the reviews always helpful an interesting for us fragrance lovers… Good luck people!!!

  • Andrei Artimon says:

    Rouge is a fantastic perfume house. I loved this review – so detailed – excited to try it. I enjoy fougeres, but love white florals, so Champs Lunaires is a favorite. In New York.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Michael.

    I enjoy a lot of Manuel Cross’s work and this one sounds like an interesting piece. It’s always fascinating when someone plays around with a classically fougereish structure and throws in an interesting note with a deft hand, just like Caron’s Le Troisiemme Homme with the clove note.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • doveskylark says:

    I love the spirit of Manuel Cross. He doesn’t compromise with his use of ingredients as he blends some of the finest fragrances available today. I am crazy about Vetifleur. I would love to try Bon Monsieur. I have fond memories of fougeres like Drakkar Noir.
    I live in the USA.

  • I really like how Michael broke down the way the notes interact in this fragrance. I sometimes have trouble connecting artisan scent notes to the way the perfume actually smells, and Michael does a great job of helping me imagine this one in action.

    I’m in the midwest, USA, my favorite James Bond is Daniel Craig for his physicality in the role, and Mousse Illuminee is a personal favorite.

  • Great review. I loved the line about this fragrance being like “James Bond on his day off.” The perfect way to describe this one. Rogue Perfumery is my favorite house, and Bon Monsieur is one of my favorites from Cross. However, my absolute favorite was and always will be Mousse Illuminee! Cheers from NC, USA.