HoS N.004

Seriously good modern fougere. I would venture to guess that it's unpopular/lesser-known due to limited distribution and a hefty price per mL. House of Sillage is actually a pretty strong house in my opinion. Their growing line of men's offerings are essentially their niche take on men's "modern classic" styles. N.004 is their star fougere, and after spending some months and milliliters meticulously testing it, I have to admit how impressive it has been. The lavender-vanilla-citrus opening is juicy, but a little creamy-sweet from the more dominant lavender aspect. It has the rich "dense" feel of a true extrait concentration. This stuff genuinely develops on the skin. You will notice the citrus top giving way to the lavender-vanilla elements within the first two hours; afterwards, those two elements slowly give way the residual base over the next eight hours of the fragrance (which sticks exceptionally well to my skin for 12+). The "base" or dry-down is comprised of an incredible earthy, patchouli-oakmoss, peppery foundation which intensifies as the lavender-vanilla gradually fades (without ever entirely leaving). I'm extremely tempted to get a full bottle... Take a gander at what all I've shared/tested with friends and family. House of Sillage's N.004 is Top 10 for some, and if not for me, then certainly Top 20 at the moment! That dry-down progression is heavenly!

I don't think this smells all that much like Invictus Aqua. It does smell a bit like Legend Spirit but if you're desperate to roughly describe the ballpark of the smell profile I can see why these are chosen. I like it overall, not gaga over it though. I get lavender, black pepper, and mandarin ...I guess a bit of synthetic oakmoss. I can't imagine wanting to pay more than $140 or so for a full bottle. It's a hell no for $285 or whatever the retail is. 7.75 out of 10. It's....agreeable. Edit: After having this for a while...I think this is actually a grown-up Sauvage. Lavender, pepper, anise. No..seriously. Sauvage without that metallic ambroxan thing.

A very designer like offering, mass pleasing with it's scent profile. To me that isn't a bad thing it's just what it is to me. Unlike a designer though the quality is very noticeable and the performance is really good. I absolutely love the oak moss in this frag. It reminds me of the oak moss in Nishane's Hacivat. Just very good quality and a nice amount of depth. Nothing crazy complex but a very easy to enjoy fragrance. This was a blind buy due to the price I was able to snatch it for. I'd do it again in a heart beat.

This is classy.. Yes, there are similarities to Invictus Aqua and Legend Spirit in the first hour or so but this is a big step up in quality and class. After that first few hours, No.004 becomes a lot more masculine and classier. I don't get any of the Star Anise, not sure if anyone else does.. . Review to come on the channel very soon.

I don’t know how nobody has said it yet, but Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Intense is a copy of this. Trade out the oakmoss in this for vetiver and bam. BiR intense. This came like 6 years before, but man they are close. Similar longevity. This is obviously very high quality as well, but in my opinion both can be worn interchangeably