Manhattan by Roja: Notes, Longevity and Review

Manhattan by Roja smells like New York after dark in the 1920s, aromatic herbs and spice over coconut and jasmine, drying down to tobacco, pine, and vanilla.

What Does Manhattan by Roja Smell Like?

The opening is fresh and aromatic with a cosmopolitan snap. Bergamot, lavender, and basil create a crisp, herbal brightness that feels like stepping out into cool night air, clean but full of intent. The heart turns warmer and more exotic. Coconut adds a creamy, almost tropical sweetness, while Grasse jasmine, May rose, heliotrope, and violet build a soft, powdery floral center that keeps the composition elegant rather than wild. Then the base tells the real story. Tobacco runs through the entire drydown, dry and slightly smoky, joined by pine with its resinous green bite, and warmed by cinnamon, clove, ginger, and pink pepper. Patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, cedar, benzoin, vanilla, and musk complete a foundation that is woody, spicy, and quietly decadent. Launched in 2021 as a tribute to the city's 1920s nightclub scene, Manhattan is an oriental with a film-noir soul, sophisticated, a little dangerous, and unmistakably after-dark.

Notes, Concentration, and Performance

Manhattan is an Eau de Parfum with solid evening performance. It lasts around seven to eight hours on skin, with the tobacco and pine drydown lingering as a close skin scent into the next morning for some wearers. Projection is moderate, present in the opening, then settling into an intimate aura. This is a cool-weather and nighttime fragrance, built for evenings out, upscale gatherings, and seasons when its warmth and spice feel right.

• Top: Bergamot, lavender, basil
• Heart: Coconut, jasmine de Grasse, heliotrope, May rose, violet
• Base: Tobacco, vanilla, pine, vetiver, clove, cinnamon, ginger, pink pepper, patchouli, oakmoss, benzoin, cedar, musk

Best For

This is for nights out, formal events, and cool seasons, and for wearers who enjoy tobacco accords with a refined, spicy finish. It suits confident personalities who want a scent with cinematic character. For more from the house, A Midsummer Dream by Roja offers a softer romantic alternative, while 51 Essence by Roja explores a richer oriental direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manhattan by Roja a tobacco fragrance?
Tobacco is a key base note that runs through the drydown, giving a dry, smoky warmth balanced by vanilla and spice.

How long does Manhattan by Roja last?
It typically lasts seven to eight hours on skin, with the tobacco drydown lingering longest.

Is Manhattan by Roja unisex?
Both women and men wear it comfortably.

What inspired Manhattan by Roja?
It was inspired by New York's 1920s nightclub scene and the city's art deco skyline.

More city-inspired scent stories are at DNA Perfumo.