Bond No.9's Island

The Verdict

Bond No.9's Island, composed by Claude Dir and released in 2024, positions itself as a summer homage to New York City. The fragrance has received polarized opinions from the community, with some comparing it favorably to established fresh fragrances like Bleu de Chanel EDT and the discontinued Y Eau Fraiche, while others find its seaweed note problematic and its price difficult to justify.

At $440, this is a significant investment for a fresh aromatic-aquatic fragrance, and the community remains split on whether it delivers enough uniqueness and quality to warrant the Bond No. 9 premium.

What It Smells Like

The opening pops with effervescent energy, as white ginger and water mint create a spicy-cool freshness joined by aromatic basil. One reviewer described the initial impression as if Bleu de Chanel took a tropical vacation and came back refreshed and improved. The combination is bright and clean without being generic.

The heart is where things become more interesting and more divisive. Seaweed, green notes, and champaca add lush depth and a marine quality that gives the fragrance its unique character. However, the seaweed note is the element that some find problematic, with one reviewer describing the drydown as "a bit nauseating" specifically because of this accord.

The base settles into creamy sandalwood, salty amber, and moss, creating a warm, grounding finish that contrasts nicely with the bright opening. The overall trajectory moves from bright and spicy to woody and subtly marine.

When to Wear It

Despite the island name, this is more of a sophisticated daytime fragrance than a beachy tropical scent. It works well for spring and summer wear, office environments, casual outings, and warm-weather dates. The fresh-spicy backbone gives it enough presence for social situations without being overwhelming.

Several reviewers note that it does not actually smell like a vacation or tropical island, instead reading as a typical aromatic men's fragrance with a fresh-spicy backbone and a slight ocean twist.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of the stronger aspects of Bond No.9's Island. Reviewers report approximately five to seven hours of wear time, which is above average for a fresh aromatic fragrance. Projection is moderate, noticeable to those nearby without dominating a room. The scent fades gradually rather than disappearing abruptly.

The Community Says

Opinions are firmly divided. Enthusiasts praise it as clean, fresh, and unique, with one reviewer stating she was hooked from initial application through the end of the day. Another reviewer recommended it to anyone wanting something clean, fresh, and distinctive.

Critics are less forgiving. One reviewer gave it only 4 out of 10 for originality, while another noted they really wanted to enjoy it more but found the drydown off-putting. The comparison to Y Eau Fraiche has been noted by multiple commenters, with some viewing Bond No.9's Island as a solid niche-level alternative to that discontinued fragrance.

Who Should Buy This

Bond No.9's Island suits those who want a refined, niche-quality take on the fresh aromatic-aquatic genre and do not mind paying the premium. If you were a fan of the discontinued Y Eau Fraiche by Yves Saint Laurent, this may fill that gap in your collection. It works across genders and delivers solid performance for its category.

However, sample first. The seaweed note is a make-or-break element that skin chemistry can amplify or diminish.

The Bottom Line

Bond No.9's Island delivers a polished, well-performing fresh aromatic fragrance with genuine complexity, but its steep price and the divisive seaweed accord make sampling essential before committing. It is a competent entry in the fresh aromatic category rather than a groundbreaking one, and whether the Bond No. 9 premium is justified depends entirely on how much you value its particular blend of ginger, mint, and marine depth.