L'eau d'Issey Eau D'Ete Summer Edition for Men Issey Miyake 2009 male 37

The Verdict

L'eau d'Issey Eau D'Ete Summer Edition for Men 2009 has achieved something rare in the fragrance world: near-universal acclaim as the definitive summer flanker from its parent line. Released as a limited edition in 2009, it distinguishes itself from other Issey Miyake summer releases through a composition that is both more complex and more refined than its siblings. Community members consistently rank it as the best Issey Miyake summer flanker, and it has become a highly sought-after collector's item.

Where most summer flankers prioritize lightness and simplicity, the 2009 men's edition delivers genuine complexity. The incorporation of spices like saffron, cinnamon, and coriander alongside citrus and amber-tobacco creates a fragrance that works for warm weather without sacrificing depth or sophistication.

What It Smells Like

The opening is a refreshing citrus burst led by tangerine, yuzu, and verbena. Unlike simpler summer fragrances that might stop at the citrus stage, this composition immediately begins layering in complexity. Cypress adds a green, slightly resinous quality that bridges the citrus top into the spiced heart.

The middle notes are where the 2009 edition truly separates itself from the pack. Coriander, thyme, geranium, and blue lotus create an aromatic, herbal core that feels sophisticated rather than merely fresh. Nutmeg, saffron, and Ceylonese cinnamon add warm spice that gives the fragrance unexpected richness. The drydown reveals an amber-tobacco base anchored by vetiver, sandalwood, and musk that provides the impressive longevity reviewers consistently praise.

When to Wear It

Despite its complexity, this remains a warm-weather fragrance at heart. Spring and summer are its prime seasons, though the spiced, amber-tobacco base gives it enough weight to extend into early fall. Summer evening gatherings are where it excels, providing the freshness the season demands while offering the sophistication that separates evening from daytime wear.

Outdoor dinner parties, weekend social events, and warm-weather dates are all ideal occasions. The fragrance is refined enough for upscale settings but casual enough that it never feels overdressed for a relaxed summer atmosphere.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of this edition's strongest attributes and a key reason for its elevated reputation. Reviewers consistently report approximately eight hours of wear time, which is exceptional for a summer-oriented fragrance. One reviewer described it as going on for a solid eight hours, with the yuzu and tangerine staying present throughout before the sandalwood, saffron, and coriander take over in the drydown.

Projection is described as good, particularly in the opening hours. The fragrance creates a noticeable sillage without being overwhelming, which is the ideal balance for warm-weather wear when overprojection can become cloying.

The Community Says

The community consensus on this fragrance is remarkably unified. It is described as not only unique among the summer flankers but also of a very high quality. Reviewers who have sampled multiple years of Issey Miyake summer releases consistently place the 2009 edition at the top of the hierarchy.

The combination of more elegant and sophisticated composition with excellent performance makes it stand apart from what are often dismissed as disposable seasonal releases. It is described as an excellent addition to the summer wardrobe and recommended as a blind buy, though that recommendation is complicated by its current rarity and price.

Who Should Buy This

This fragrance is ideal for Issey Miyake devotees and collectors who want the definitive summer edition from the line. If you have sampled other summer flankers from the brand and found them too simple or fleeting, the 2009 edition delivers the complexity and longevity you were looking for.

However, the practical reality is that finding a bottle at a reasonable price has become increasingly difficult. The 2009 edition has become very rare, and collectors command premium prices. If you encounter one at a fair price, the community would advise not to hesitate.

The Bottom Line

L'eau d'Issey Eau D'Ete Summer Edition for Men 2009 is the rare summer flanker that transcends its seasonal limitations to become a genuinely impressive fragrance in its own right. Its blend of citrus freshness, aromatic spice, and amber-tobacco depth, combined with eight-hour longevity, make it the gold standard against which all other Issey Miyake summer releases are measured.