1872 Mandarin

The Verdict

Clive Christian 1872 Mandarin, composed by Beverley Bayne in 2016, is a chypre floral that attempts to bridge the gap between bright citrus freshness and the earthy, mossy depth that defines the chypre family. Community reviews suggest it largely succeeds in this ambition, delivering a sophisticated arc of development that moves from sun-drenched citrus groves to shaded garden paths.

The fragrance has earned praise from Parfumo reviewers who call it the best Clive Christian unisex fragrance, appreciating its evolution from vibrant opening to warm, complex drydown. However, the Clive Christian name carries expectations of transcendence that some find unmet, with critics describing it as pleasant but not distinctive enough to justify the ultra-premium price.

As a discontinued release, 1872 Mandarin has become harder to find, adding a layer of collector appeal that complements its genuine quality. It represents a successful meeting of citrus exuberance and chypre sophistication that rewards patient, attentive wearing.

What It Smells Like

The opening is a burst of bright, juicy mandarin orange accompanied by bergamot, lime, and lemon, creating a multifaceted citrus accord that is both invigorating and refined. Ginger, coriander, and basil add aromatic spice that lifts the citrus beyond simple freshness into something more complex and engaging.

As the opening settles, a lush floral heart emerges: lavender, jasmine, rose, freesia, violet, orchid, and lily-of-the-valley creating a garden in full bloom. One Parfumo reviewer beautifully described this transition as the freshness still being there, nestled on something warmer, no longer feeling like an orange grove but like a walk through a garden as the sun slowly sets.

The base reveals the chypre structure with oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, cedar, amber, and saffron. These earthy, woody notes provide grounding and longevity, ensuring the fragrance does not simply evaporate with its citrus opening but evolves into something deeper and more contemplative.

When to Wear It

The versatility of 1872 Mandarin makes it appropriate from spring through fall, transitioning from daytime freshness in warmer months to a more refined evening option as temperatures cool. Its citrus opening works beautifully in warmth, while the chypre base provides enough weight for transitional weather.

Formal and semi-formal occasions suit it well: business meetings, cultural events, garden parties, and summer evening dinners. Despite leaning somewhat masculine according to some reviewers, its floral heart ensures genuine unisex appeal.

Longevity & Projection

Performance on 1872 Mandarin reflects the general challenge of citrus-forward compositions: the bright, energetic opening fades relatively quickly into the more subdued heart and base. Reviews of the related 1872 for Men suggest moderate projection for about two hours followed by lighter sillage, with overall longevity of around five to six hours.

The chypre base provides better staying power than a pure citrus composition would, but expectations should be set for a fragrance that evolves from noticeable to intimate over the course of its wear time.

The Community Says

Parfumo reviews are enthusiastic, with one user awarding it best Clive Christian unisex status. The poetic descriptions of its development, from orange grove to sunset garden, suggest that those who take the time to follow its trajectory are well rewarded.

Basenotes discussions of the broader 1872 line express mixed feelings about value, with some finding the fragrances pleasant but not sufficiently distinctive to justify Clive Christian pricing. The descriptor nondescript citrus appears alongside more favorable assessments, highlighting the subjective nature of the value proposition.

Who Should Buy This

1872 Mandarin is for the fragrance connoisseur who appreciates the arc of a well-constructed composition and has a particular affinity for the citrus-chypre family. Clive Christian collectors will find it a worthy addition, and anyone who values the journey from bright opening to deep, mossy base will find satisfaction here.

Budget-conscious buyers and those seeking bold, distinctive character should look elsewhere. The fragrance delivers refined sophistication rather than attention-grabbing novelty, and its price-to-performance ratio will not satisfy everyone.

The Bottom Line

Clive Christian 1872 Mandarin is a beautifully constructed citrus chypre that takes the wearer on a journey from sunlit mandarin groves through flowering gardens to mossy, earthy depths, rewarding patience and attention with one of the more satisfying fragrance arcs in the house's catalog.