Black Pepper

Black Pepper, inspired by Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper (2002)

Black pepper is the headline, and it is the fresh, crackling side of the spice rather than anything hot. Ginger and lemon make the opening zesty and slightly fizzy. Coriander and basil turn it green and herbal in the middle, a little like a kitchen herb garden. Vetiver and oakmoss then dry it into an earthy, mossy base, with ambergris rounding it off.

About the original

Master Perfumer Jacques Chabert created Re-charge Black Pepper for Molton Brown in 2002, according to trade press marking the scent's 20th anniversary in 2022. It grew into a full line covering eau de toilette, eau de parfum, bath and shower gel, body lotion and deodorant. The eau de parfum is a different composition, built on bergamot, myrtle pepper and oakmoss, so this page follows the eau de toilette. Molton Brown and its retailers market the scent to men.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Molton Brown stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Men who like aromatic, spicy scents without much sweetness will find it straightforward to wear. Its energy comes from pepper, ginger and herbs, so it feels lively and clean. The mossy, earthy drydown may seem old-fashioned next to modern sweet woods.

Related scents

• Molton Brown Thai Vert
• Molton Brown Ziao Jao
• Molton Brown Amber Cocoon

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Top notes: Black Pepper, Lemon, Ginger

Heart notes: Coriander, Basil

Base notes: Vetiver, Oakmoss, Ambergris

The top is all spark: black pepper with ginger and lemon.

Coriander and basil follow, adding a green, herbal layer that keeps the spice from turning heavy.

Vetiver and oakmoss form an earthy, faintly bitter base, with ambergris smoothing the edges.

Is this based on the eau de toilette or the eau de parfum?

On the Re-charge Black Pepper Eau de Toilette. Molton Brown's eau de parfum has different notes, led by bergamot and myrtle pepper.

Is Black Pepper for men or unisex?

Molton Brown markets it to men. Nothing in the pepper and herb profile stops anyone who likes spicy scents from wearing it.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Molton Brown and Black Pepper are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Molton Brown in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.