Mugler Fragrance review
Mugler A*Men Urban Edition Review: Gourmand Revisited
A collector's repackaging of the iconic A*Men, with a slightly refined patchouli twist.
In this review
There are fragrances that transcend trends, and then there are legends like Mugler's AMen. Since its debut in 1996, this gourmand powerhouse has divided opinion and captivated devotees with its audacious blend of coffee, vanilla, and patchouli. In 2014, Mugler introduced the AMen Urban Edition—a market-specific re-release housed in a rechargeable 'urban' flacon with a distinctive greenish juice. But is this simply old wine in a new bottle, or does it offer a nuanced twist on the classic? As a fragrance reviewer who has followed the AMen lineage for years, I was eager to delve into this elusive edition.
The Urban Edition is not a new composition but rather a packaging and market variation of the original AMen, released outside the US. Community consensus, particularly among Fragrantica reviewers, suggests that it smells essentially like the classic AMen, only slightly less sweet and synthetic, with a more harmoniously worked patchouli. This subtle refinement piqued my curiosity. In this review, I will explore every facet of this collector's item, from its olfactory architecture to its performance and value, to help you decide if it deserves a place in your collection.
Join me as we unravel the sensory tapestry of Mugler AMen Urban Edition—a fragrance that promises the familiar comfort of a gourmand embrace with a whisper of something new.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first spray is a vibrant overture. Citrus and mint sparkle, lifted by the aromatic lavender. A subtle fruitiness emerges, reminiscent of dried fruits, while coriander adds a piquant green edge. It's fresh yet intriguing, a prelude to the gourmand feast ahead.
As the heart unfolds, the fragrance transforms into a creamy, honeyed delight. Milk and caramel blend seamlessly, creating a luscious, almost edible quality. Jasmine and lily-of-the-valley add a soft floral touch, preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. Cedar and patchouli introduce a woody, earthy depth, grounding the composition.
The base is where the Urban Edition truly shines. Amber and musk provide a warm, skin-like sensuality, while styrax adds a smoky, leathery facet. Coffee and tonka bean create a rich, roasted aroma that lingers on the skin. Vanilla and sandalwood smooth the edges, leaving a creamy, woody finish. The patchouli remains present, but it is more harmonious and refined than in the original—a testament to the reported tweaking.
Performance Dashboard
7-9 hours on skin, with a community score of 7.1/10.
Strong for the first 2-3 hours, then settles close to the skin.
Moderate to strong, with a community score of 6.8/10.
When to Wear
Pros & Cons
- Rich, complex gourmand composition
- Slightly more refined patchouli than the original
- Excellent longevity and projection
- Unique collector's item
- Discontinued and expensive
- Very similar to the original A*Men
- May be too sweet or heavy for some
- Packaging may not appeal to all
Price & Value
“For collectors and devoted fans of the original A*Men, the Urban Edition offers a slightly refined take, but the premium is steep for what is essentially a repackaging.”
Reformulation History
As a re-release, the Urban Edition is reported to be slightly less sweet and synthetic than the original A*Men, with a more harmonious patchouli. Batch variations within the Urban Edition itself are not widely documented.
Who It's For
Ideal For
- Men who love gourmand fragrances with a patchouli backbone
- Collectors of Mugler A*Men flankers
- Those seeking a cozy, sweet yet earthy scent for cold weather
Not Recommended For
- Those who dislike sweet or patchouli-heavy scents
- Fans of fresh, citrus-dominant fragrances
- Anyone on a tight budget given the collector pricing
The Family
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Clone Alternatives
You May Also Enjoy
Aura
A*Men (Original)
Angel Eau de Toilette (various concentrations/limited editions)
Alien
Blow It Up
Angel Eau de Toilette Parfum
Layering Ideas
- Layer with a pure vanilla or tonka bean fragrance to amplify the gourmand base.
- A spritz of a citrus cologne can add freshness to the opening.
