L'Eau d'Issey Eau d'Ete 2011

The Verdict

Issey Miyake released L'Eau d'Issey Eau d'Ete 2011 as part of their annual limited-edition summer series, and the community regards it as the high-water mark of those releases. Multiple reviewers state plainly that this was the all-time favorite summer edition and that none of the subsequent years came close. The fragrance evokes crystal-clear tropical lagoons and sunny days with a sparkling freshness that captures summer without resorting to sweetness or heaviness.

As a limited edition now long discontinued, it exists primarily as a fond memory for those who experienced it and a collector's pursuit for those who did not. Its reputation endures as proof that a summer fragrance can deliver both beauty and performance.

What It Smells Like

The opening brings juicy pear and rose water together with crystalline water notes, creating an impression of sparkling freshness. Some reviewers note the pear is subtle to the point of being undetectable, while the watery-floral quality dominates. The rose here is light and dewy rather than heavy or perfumey.

The heart blooms with peony and carnation, adding a velvety floral softness that keeps the composition from feeling purely aquatic. The peony in particular stands out as a gentle, uplifting presence. One reviewer characterized the overall impression as watery and zesty, likening it to a freshly peeled grapefruit even though citrus is not listed among the notes.

The base settles into osmanthus and precious woody notes, providing a gently warm foundation that extends the wear without adding weight. The osmanthus contributes a subtle fruity-apricot sweetness that ties the composition together.

When to Wear It

This is a pure summer fragrance designed for hot weather. Beach days, tropical vacations, outdoor lunch gatherings, and casual daytime activities are its ideal settings. The fresh, sparkling character cuts through humidity and heat, offering refreshment rather than adding warmth. Wearers in tropical climates report it works particularly well, blending beautifully with warm skin.

Longevity & Projection

For a summer EDT, performance is notably good. Reviewers praise what they describe as fairly good sillage for a summer juice in EDT concentration, with the fragrance lasting through the day. This stands in contrast to many summer limited editions that sacrifice performance for lightness. While it will not project like a winter powerhouse, it maintains a pleasant, noticeable presence for hours.

The Community Says

Fragrantica reviewers are nostalgic and warm in their assessments. The fragrance is described as much softer and lighter than expected, but in the best possible way, offering a pleasant and uplifting veil for warm, sunny days. One reviewer praised it as the perfect balance of salty, fresh, crisp, fruity, traditional Issey notes and chypre character. The lack of sweetness is noted as either a strength or a surprise, depending on expectations. A wearer in a tropical climate found that it comes a bit sour initially but slowly turns into something fresh as it blends with skin.

Who Should Buy This

This recommendation comes with an important caveat: L'Eau d'Issey Eau d'Ete 2011 is a discontinued limited edition. For collectors of Issey Miyake summer editions or anyone who can find remaining stock, it delivers a genuinely delightful warm-weather experience. Fans of the original L'Eau d'Issey who want something lighter and more overtly summery will find it captures the house spirit beautifully.

For practical purposes, those seeking an available summer fragrance should explore current offerings in the Issey Miyake line, which continues to release seasonal editions with varying degrees of success.

The Bottom Line

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Eau d'Ete 2011 earned its reputation as the finest summer edition in a long-running series through genuine quality rather than nostalgia alone. Its sparkling floral-aquatic character, respectable performance, and effortless summery vibe set a standard that subsequent editions have struggled to match. For those lucky enough to have experienced it, it remains a benchmark for what a summer fragrance can achieve.