Cognac Reign

Sampling D.S. & Durga – Cognac Reign, one of the house’s releases in 2025, a striking boozy blend with hearty, smoky, and woody aspects. It’s a less sweet cognac-led scent than, say, By Kilian Angels’ Share, instead pivoting a bit more toward the darker aspects, sort of hinting at a connection to smoky/leathery/resinous Amber Kiso. Cognac Reign is a little sweeter, albeit still with some heady sharpness (perhaps the via the orris, and even the cognac, itself), but overall has a similar character with a sort of woody center. I’m quite impressed by it and very much enjoy that they’ve released a fragrance in a similar vein (I’d argue) to Amber Kiso and Bowmakers, two of my favorites of the house’s main collection. It’s mainly its similarity to the former that gives me pause in wanting to buy this, but I similarly give it high marks to the other examples. Its concentration is EDP, its retail pricing is $300/210 for 100/50ml, and it’s sold in the US via the house website and great boutiques like Olfactif and Ministry of Scent. Its performance is excellent, fitting for a dark, boozy niche perfume, and it’s a bold, robust scent that could serve one well throughout a cold season, particularly in formal occasions. 8 out of 10

This is stunning. I ordered a D.S. and Durga sample pack and they included this as a free sample, so went into this expecting nothing. This wound up being my favourite one. This is rich, boozy and regal while still being cosmopolitan. When Durga said this was getting on the subway in NYC and getting off in Versailles they weren’t joking. They got this one perfectly right. This performs really well on my skin (I run warm) and the sillage is great. It’s not overpowering, but it’s noticeable. It’s sweet, but in the most unisex-leaning-masculine way. Boozy, woody, rich, elegant, classy. I love this so much and it was an easy full bottle.

This is so nice. A new favorite from DS & Durga. Ideal for fall, winter, and night. Lovely Amber, cognac with a touch of sweetness. Absolutely unisex, I want to smell like this as much as I want to smell it on someone else. Very long lasting as well. I sprayed two sprays on my wrist 7 hours ago and it is still nice and strong. Has just the lightest spice, the longer it’s been on my skin, the more I want to go buy a full bottle. Truly gorgeous. I’m ready for the weather to cool down.

This is gooood - the best DS & Durga? Every note feels present here - particularly this really unique, smooooth cognac note, + lots of antique wood. A dark, subtle sweetness from caramel/bergamot. Perfect for autumn. Feels like faded aristocratic elegance - moody, reluctant royalty.

Think 2010, at a club, with a drunk promiscuous girl reaching for cigarettes in her purse, while 10 guys are eye-fucking her from a disrance. Boozy, musky, I get a bit of slight cigarette smell from it. 10/10.