Bond No 9 Governor’s Island Review – Do You Need It?
Governor’s Island.
A more versatile fragrance than you may think.
Bond No 9 Governor’s Island was released in 2018. It is based on ambroxan, wood, and musk. It lasts ten hours on the skin with above-average projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does Bond No. 9 Governor’s Island Smell Like?
Governor’s Island is confusing from the start. Why are there base notes in the top notes? The first spray is a warm resin and incense combination. It is balsamic, balmy, and smooth. Think more of an ambery warmth than woody. The incense is a nice smoky addition; it rids the resins of a medicinal nature.
As someone who’s smelt many, the opening is unique and interesting. It keeps my attention, making me wonder what will come next.
The incense darkens as the scent develops. It pushes the resins aside and adds sweet ambroxan. They portray the same idea as the resins but with an amber-focused aroma. The background has cedar nuances and an earthy vetiver and smoky incense pairing. These darker faucets are the perfect partner for ambroxan. Yet, they never take away from its warmth.
This darkness continues to get more intense in the base. Vetiver gets more intense, bringing subtle musk notes with it. Both support the dominant cedar and ambroxan duo. This is what you’ll smell for the rest of the wear.
The official Bond No 9 Governor’s Island notes:
TOP NOTES
- Incense
- Resin
MID NOTES
- Ambroxan
- Cedar
BASE NOTES
- White Musk
- Vetiver
Performance
The performance is excellent. Governor’s Island lasts ten hours on the skin with above-average projection. In the first few hours, it pushes out well. Multiple feet the first few hours then recedes closer to the skin but never becomes a skin scent.
The versatility is odd. It is an all-season wear but only in the mild temperatures. Spring and fall it is a rockstar. However, on the coldest days of winter and hottest days of summer, it is either too little or too much, respectively. The perfect fragrance for 55 degrees and jeans and a sweatshirt.
You’ll get virtually all-year-round wear if you live in a four-season climate.
As for occasions, it is all. It is mild in the office, with fewer sprays, and alluring for a date or formal occasion.
Lastly, the mass appeal and likability are excellent. This is a fragrance that will never offend anyone. The sweetness of ambroxan is a unique take that will set you apart.
Final Words
The final burning question is, is Bond No 9 Governor’s Island worth it? Maybe. I talked about in the performance how I enjoy it as a sweatshirt and jeans fragrance. So, I do find it quality and comforting, but… a 100mL bottle costs $250 even on discounters. At this price point, I can live without it.
It is one of the better Bond No 9 fragrances and has blue fragrance-like qualities. But even then, I enjoy Parfums de Marly Percival and Roja Elysium more for around the same price point.
Do you like the idea of owning a Bond No. 9 fragrance? Well, don’t limit yourself to Governor’s Island. Check out my review of the best Bond No. 9 colognes; you might just find your signature scent.