Study No. 17
Designed for lovers of damp, herbal green scents, Study No. 17 by Miller et Bertaux bypasses traditional sweetness in favor of a crisp, botanical experience. The composition features top notes of mint and tarragon, which slice through the air before melting into a heart of rhubarb and geranium. It behaves beautifully in humid spring weather, offering a refreshing alternative to standard citrus colognes. This unisex perfume is best suited for daytime wear, offering a quiet, mossy dry down that clings to the skin. It is an excellent choice for individuals who want to stand out quietly in casual settings.
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Performance Metrics
541 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Lasts four to six hours on the skin with an intimate, arm's length sillage bubble that works best in humid spring weather.
Notes Pyramid
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A damp, leafy scent featuring sharp mint, bitter tarragon, and sour rhubarb, ending on a dry lichen and oak moss base.
Main Accords
8 MAPPEDThe green and aromatic accords feel like wet leaves, while the mossy base provides a cool, soil-like texture on the skin.
Community Data
361 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in spring and winter.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Crisp opening of mint and tarragon feels incredibly refreshing on humid mornings
Sour rhubarb note adds a unique botanical texture that stands out from citrus
Earthy lichen and oak moss base creates a natural wet-soil dry down
Quiet projection makes it safe and non-offensive for office wear
Unisex profile lacks the typical sugary sweetness of modern spring scents
Behaves beautifully in rainy, overcast weather where the dampness enhances the moss
Uplifting blast of bergamot and lemon in the opening provides an instant burst of clean energy
Soft touch of jasmine and geranium adds a delicate floral layer that prevents the green notes from becoming too harsh
Tart black currant note brings a dark, fruity dimension that keeps the heart of the fragrance interesting
Lichen and patchouli notes in the base settle into a comforting, dry, forest-like trail
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Short longevity of four to six hours requires reapplication throughout the day
Bitter tarragon note can smell medicinal to those who prefer sweet perfumes
Mint note fades rapidly, disappearing within the first half hour of wear
Intimate sillage means you will not get noticed from across the room
Rhubarb can smell overly sour on certain skin chemistry types
Hard to find in standard retail stores, requiring online sample purchases
Bright citrus notes of lemon and bergamot fade almost instantly after application
Damp oak moss and lichen dry down can evoke a musty or wet-wood vibe on warm skin
Sharp herbal tarragon opening might feel too astringent or grassy for those accustomed to sweeter scents
Absence of warm amber or woody base notes leaves the scent feeling somewhat cold and sterile as it dries
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Miller et Bertaux Study No. 17: A Rain-Soaked Herbal Haven”
Study No. 17 opens with a cold splash of mint and crushed tarragon leaves. The initial spray is sharp, herbal, and slightly bitter, quickly waking up the senses. A brief flash of sour lemon and bergamot adds brightness, but this is far from a standard citrus cologne. The opening feels green and damp, like stepping into a greenhouse early in the morning.
As the scent settles, the herbal sharpness softens into a unique heart. Rhubarb provides a sour, crisp texture that keeps the scent interesting, while black currant adds a subtle dark fruitiness. Geranium introduces a peppery, green floral tone that bridges the top notes to the base. The jasmine note is practically nonexistent on my skin, which is a relief because a heavy white floral would ruin the clean, damp vibe.
On the skin, the fragrance feels dry and earthy. The dominant green and aromatic accords do not morph into soap, instead retaining their raw, botanical character. A base of oak moss and lichen gives the composition a wet-soil texture, making it feel grounded. This earthy behavior is the most appealing part of the wear, keeping the green theme alive for hours.
Performance is moderate, which is typical for this genre. You will get around five hours of longevity on a cool spring day, with the projection dropping to a skin scent after the first hour. It is a quiet fragrance that hugs the skin, making it highly suitable for office wear or warm summer days when heavy perfumes become cloying. The low projection prevents it from being a crowd-pleaser, but it behaves beautifully in humid weather.
This perfume fits someone who prefers quiet, realistic nature scents over loud designer profiles. It is completely unisex and leans toward a minimalist, casual style. If you dislike sweet or powdery scents, this green blend will feel like a breath of fresh air. However, those who want long-lasting warmth or heavy sillage will likely find this too light and bitter.
Ultimately, Study No. 17 is a successful exercise in naturalism. The combination of mint, rhubarb, and lichen creates a realistic garden atmosphere that is hard to find in mainstream perfumery. Because of the bitter herbal qualities, I recommend purchasing a sample before committing to a full bottle.
FAQs
What does Study No. 17 smell like?+
This perfume smells like a damp, shaded garden after a rainstorm. It opens with sharp mint, green notes, and licorice-tinged tarragon, then develops a sour fruitiness from rhubarb and black currant before settling into a damp base of oak moss and lichen.
How long does Study No. 17 last on the skin?+
Expect moderate performance, lasting between four and six hours on the skin. The bright citrus and mint notes fade within the first hour, leaving behind a quiet patchouli and lichen skin scent that lingers closely in cool weather.
Does this fragrance project well or stay close?+
This scent projects moderately for the first hour, reaching about arm's length. As the tarragon and rhubarb settle, the projection pulls inward, forming an intimate bubble of oak moss and geranium that only those close to you will notice.
Is Study No. 17 better for men or women?+
The fragrance is entirely unisex, avoiding both sugary floral notes and heavy woods. The bitter green notes of mint, lichen, and geranium wear equally well on anyone seeking a refreshing, natural scent for warm spring days.
What is the best season and weather for this scent?+
Spring is the ideal season for this perfume, especially on rainy or overcast days. The damp air helps pull out the earthy qualities of oak moss and lichen while keeping the mint and lemon notes crisp and refreshing.
Can I wear Study No. 17 to the office?+
Yes, its clean, herbal profile makes it excellent for professional settings. The tarragon and geranium notes smell natural rather than synthetic, ensuring you smell clean without overwhelming your colleagues in a closed meeting room.
How does the opening compare to the dry down?+
The opening is a sharp, fizzy burst of lemon, mint, and green notes. Within thirty minutes, this sharpness softens as sour rhubarb and floral geranium emerge, eventually drying down to a quiet, earthy base of lichen and patchouli.
Are there any good layering combinations for this perfume?+
You can layer this with a simple woody or clean musk fragrance. Adding a cedar-heavy scent underneath supports the earthy oak moss and tarragon, giving the mint and rhubarb a warmer, more grounded foundation for autumn wear.
Is Study No. 17 a safe blind buy?+
This is not a safe blind buy because the bitter rhubarb and herbal tarragon can be polarizing. Those accustomed to sweet or clean aquatic scents should buy a sample first to test how the lichen base behaves on their skin.
Does this scent have a synthetic or natural feel?+
The composition feels highly natural, mimicking the aroma of crushed leaves and damp soil. The tarragon, mint, and oak moss notes avoid the harsh, chemical cleanliness found in many mass-market spring fragrances.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORESmells similar to Heeley Menthe Fraiche but features a much earthier, mossier dry down thanks to the lichen and patchouli.
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