A*Men Kryptomint Mugler 2017 male 259

The Verdict

AMen Kryptomint is one of the more inventive flankers in Mugler's extensive AMen lineup, and it manages to do something that many mint-based fragrances fail at: it avoids smelling like a tube of toothpaste. Launched in 2017 as a limited edition, this Oriental Fougere takes the familiar dark gourmand DNA of A*Men and wraps it in a refreshing blanket of cool mint, creating something that feels genuinely wearable during the warmer months when the original would be overpowering.

The fragrance was composed by Jacques Huclier, the same perfumer who created the original AMen back in 1996, and that pedigree shows. Kryptomint feels like a legitimate evolution of the line rather than a cash-grab flanker. The community response has been largely positive, with many calling it one of the most underrated entries in the AMen family, though opinions on performance vary widely from person to person.

What It Smells Like

The opening is an immediate blast of cool, invigorating mint paired with aromatic sage, creating a green, slightly peppery freshness that feels sharp and energizing. This is not a candy mint or a synthetic coolness; it has a natural, herbal quality that gives the fragrance an outdoorsy vibe in its first minutes.

As the mint settles, the heart brings in geranium, which adds a subtle floral dimension and bridges the gap between the fresh top and the rich base. The real magic happens in the drydown, where the classic A*Men accord emerges: dark chocolate, coffee, patchouli, tonka bean, and vanilla create a warm, creamy foundation. The effect has been widely compared to After Eight mints, and that analogy holds up well. The cool mint never fully disappears but instead becomes a gentle counterpoint to the sweet, dark base.

By the time it reaches its final stage, Kryptomint reads as a moderate-projection scent with cooling green mint layered over sweet tonka, coffee, chocolate, and earthy patchouli, with faint floral accords lingering in the background.

When to Wear It

Kryptomint is arguably the most versatile daytime option among the AMen flankers. Its fresh, energizing opening makes it suitable for spring and summer wear when the original AMen would be far too heavy and cloying. The cooling mint effect works particularly well in warm weather, while the gourmand base keeps it interesting enough for cooler days.

This is a fragrance that works best for casual daytime situations: running errands, outdoor activities, casual office environments, and weekend outings. It has a sporty, energizing quality that makes you feel active and put-together without demanding attention.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is the area where Kryptomint divides opinion most sharply. Some wearers report impressive longevity of 8 to 12 hours with strong projection lasting 3 to 5 hours. Others find the fragrance struggles to push past 5 or 6 hours, with the mint fading quickly and projection dropping to a close skin scent within an hour or two.

The consensus sits somewhere in the middle: moderate projection that is politely restrained rather than room-filling, with solid but not exceptional longevity. Additional sprays can help extend the wear time. On clothing, the fragrance tends to perform better and last longer than on skin.

The Community Says

The fragrance community generally regards Kryptomint as an underrated gem in the A*Men lineup. Reviewers on Fragrantica praise it as airy, energizing, modern, and versatile, with many noting that it manages to feel genuinely unique among mint fragrances. The mint-chocolate combination has won over even skeptics who expected a medicinal or toothpaste-like scent.

Criticism tends to center on performance rather than the scent itself. Some community members feel it does not live up to the projection standards set by other A*Men flankers, and its limited edition status has made it harder to find and more expensive on the secondary market.

Who Should Buy This

Kryptomint is ideal for fans of the AMen line who want something lighter and more approachable for daily wear. If you find the original AMen or Pure Malt too heavy for daytime, Kryptomint offers the same creative spirit in a more restrained package. It also works well for anyone curious about gourmand fragrances but intimidated by the category's tendency toward sweetness overload.

Avoid this one if you need a fragrance that projects heavily all day or if you dislike mint in any form. The limited edition status also means you should be prepared to pay secondary market prices if you want a full bottle.

The Bottom Line

A*Men Kryptomint is a clever, well-executed flanker that brings genuine freshness to the gourmand genre. Its mint-chocolate character is executed with enough skill to avoid the common pitfalls of mint fragrances, and its moderate projection makes it an easy daily wear. While performance can be hit-or-miss depending on skin chemistry, the scent itself is a creative success that deserves more recognition than it receives.