Frederic Malle Uncut Gem was created by Maurice Roucel and launched in Fall 2022. Even though it comes from a more masculine start, it is very much unisex. Maurice Roucel originally created this scent for himself. Malle asked him for it, and Roucel refused. Until now. With some modifications - like adding Ambrocenide Crystal. Malle says ""Maurice is a very masculine guy and because it started from his perfume, I see [Uncut Gem] as very rugged, very manly... We've never labeled perfumes masculine or feminine... People [are] free to see themselves wearing them or not." Even though it carries the name of the film, Malle says it is not about the film, he just liked the name. Roucel is also the creator of the stunning Musc Ravageur for Malle. Uncut Gem is intended to be a more muscular companion to Musc Ravageur.
From the brand - "The result is both straightforward and enigmatic: raw sex appeal gives way to a lingering subtlety. The result somehow renders the smell of skin deeper, warmer, cleaner. Uncut Gem is a study in contrasts. It’s rugged and sensitive, classic and fresh, first impression and haunting echo."
Notes of ginger, bergamot, mandarin orange, angelica, nutmeg, vetiver, olibanum, leather, amber and musk. make up this EDP, eau de parfum.
Fragrantica - " have been collecting since the early 90’s, I have seen the trends come and go. This fragrance works in all situations. This scent is clean and timeless. In my opinion, this fits right in the FM line."
Fragrantica - "From that point of view, Uncut Gem is a perfect addition to the line. It's got lasting power, it's timeless, it's crowd-pleasing. Is it special? No. Is it revolutionary? No. Is it original? No! But it excells at what it's supposed to excell at. A somewhat safe but perfectly executed men's fragrance. Uncut Gem has its roots in Vétiver Extraordinaire and French Lover but goes beyond those scents when it comes to accessibility. Combining those two, adding a somewhat trendy opening and really focussing on longevity makes this a great option for days you want to smell nice to right about everyone... One thing to note, to applaud, is the transformation Uncut Gem goes through from top to bottom notes. The amount of time spent on the two halves cannot go unnoticed. For me, this is what does make this a worthwile thing to try. All the freshness of the first hour get's wiped away like morning fog to reveal a detailed and addicting drydown. I can 100% imagine this will get some head turns from people who aren't as obsessed and arrogant about fragrance as we are. This is a great fragrance. Will it blow anyone away? I doubt it. But it's so good at being safe. It's perfect, even."
Fragrantica - "The marketing images for this are spot on, too. The picture of Roucel in a leather jacket and of a gloved hand gripping a shift knob are exactly what Uncut Gem conjures in the mind. I could also picture Ryan Gosling in the movie Drive, or Ansel Elgort in the movie Baby Driver, wearing this."
Fragrantica - "It is a curious one. Definitely not easy as it doesn’t seem harmonious. But, make no mistake, it is a fine piece of craft.
I feel Uncut Gem is for us like Pablo Picasso in the art world. Arriving from nowhere, unexpected, imposing itself, negating all that we assumed. I’ve been wearing it for the past few days and still can’t figure it out. The complexity is unrivaled among FM perfumes. The difference between the opening and the finish is something I have never seen before.
The contrast between ginger-citrus at the start and raw, dry musk at the end is something quite new. One thing I noticed, is that I didn’t like it the first day, but it grew quickly on me. And I like it more and more."
