Floris No. 89 is the Bond-adjacent scent that was a real man’s choice before it was a film’s. Ian Fleming wore it himself, and it takes its name from the Floris shop at 89 Jermyn Street in London. For a fragrance with a quiet, English character and a documented link to Bond’s author, Floris No. 89 is worth knowing.
In the books
No. 89 is not worn by Bond in the novels as far as our catalogue shows. Its link is with Fleming: sources agree that Ian Fleming was a fan of the fragrance, and that he used it himself. Floris also publishes a collection it calls The James Bond Fragrance Legacy, and an article on the connection. See the films for Bond’s own tastes and the Bonds for who played him.
The details of Floris No. 89
The age. No. 89 was launched in 1951. It is a woody aromatic fragrance for men, and Floris calls it a quintessentially English scent.
The notes. Fragrantica lists lavender, bergamot, orange, neroli, petitgrain and nutmeg at the top, rose, geranium and ylang-ylang in the middle, and oakmoss, musk, sandalwood, vetiver and Virginia cedar at the base. Floris describes the blend of orange and bergamot with lavender and neroli as giving a classical cologne character, warmed by spicy nutmeg and a woody base of sandalwood, cedarwood and vetiver.
The sizes. The eau de toilette is sold in 100ml, 50ml, 10ml and 2ml, and a travel size also exists. The 10ml and 2ml sizes are a sensible way to live with the scent before choosing a full bottle.
Wearing it now
No. 89 is a daytime scent: fresh at the top, quietly woody underneath, and not loud in a room. We would wear it with a plain white shirt and a navy jacket, and keep it for the office and lunch rather than the evening. The 10ml is a sensible way to try it before committing to a larger bottle.
Specifications
| Maker | Floris London, 89 Jermyn Street |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1951 |
| Type | Eau de Toilette; woody aromatic |
| Top notes | Lavender, bergamot, orange, neroli, petitgrain, nutmeg |
| Middle and base | Rose, geranium, ylang-ylang; oakmoss, musk, sandalwood, vetiver, Virginia cedar |
| Sizes | 100ml, 50ml, 10ml, 2ml |
| Price | US$125 is the figure Floris’s US page shows by default (October 2026); check the size before buying |
The full range is on Floris London’s No. 89 page.
Questions
Did Ian Fleming wear Floris No. 89?
Yes, according to our sources: Fleming was a fan of the fragrance and used it himself. It is named for 89 Jermyn Street, the address of the Floris shop.
Does James Bond wear Floris No. 89?
Not in the sources we hold. Its Bond link is through Fleming, and Floris’s own Bond collection uses the connection.
What does Floris No. 89 smell like?
Citrus and lavender at first, warmed by nutmeg and a woody base of sandalwood and vetiver. Floris calls it a classical cologne.
When was Floris No. 89 launched?
In 1951, according to Fragrantica, and it remains in Floris’s range today.
More grooming from the stories is in our grooming and fragrance guide.
