The acclaimed French perfumer who has been behind some of the noughties’ biggest hit scents has returned with a new scent, titled Aqua Vitae.

Kurkdjian was apparently on Formentera in the Balearic Islands when the idea for his latest fragrance inspired by ‘the water of life’ came to him, describing the finished scent: “like the shiver of pleasure on the back of the neck just before something wonderful occurs.”

Set to drop in August, the masculine fragrance is “carnal by nature and delicate in essence” with a blend of fresh citrus, woody and musky elements.

Calabrese lemons, Sicilian mandarins, and Brazilian tonka beans are all balanced over a guaiac wood base. The eau de toilette spray will be available in two sizes, 200ml (€175) and 70ml (€115).

After creating Jean-Paul Gaultier’s smash hit Le Mâle in 1995, Kurkdjian went on to create fragrances for brands including Dior, Lanvin and Armani and set up his own bespoke perfume house in 2009.