Boss Soul

A lavish, intoxicating brew of a fragrance that gives off an incredibly smoky, creamy, spicy feel that is soft and a bit too reserved (the only thing holding this fragrance back from being an absolute modern classic and must buy) but radiates with a soothing, sensual warmth. Smelling Boss Soul is like visiting an Italian coffee house in late fall, early winter with the backdrop of mocha cappuccino, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon in the air. The scent is simply all these coffee house staples smoked over an evening winter fire. It's simply magnificent, but unfortunately tends to cling very close to the skin within five minutes of application. Evolution is rather limited and the fragrance stays somewhat linear throughout, with the spicy cardamom, warm cinnamon and light, airy pepper overlaying a background of vanilla, nutmeg and tonka bean that are all very evident in the professionally mixed blend. Agonista is right on the money on all three accounts regarding the scent, projection and longevity. It's not a great performer and the blend seems extremely shy and guarded, holding very close to the body. Longevity for me is about 4-6 hours. But all things considered, this is a very popular discounted fragrance in European Duty Free Shops (it can often be found for 30 quid or 40 euros) but doesn't find its way to North America very frequently other than the Washington, Philadelphia, Boston and New York areas. The scent is simply mesmerizing, a wonderful blend of spice, sweetness and a hint of woods all smoked on the fireplace, bringing back many warm feelings of late fall and early winter. A better scent than Armani Code, it's obvious inspiration; but simply doesn't perform as well. Which says a lot, given that Armani Code is not known for assertive projection itself. If you want to know what Ticino, Switzerland, northern Italy and parts of Southern Austria smell like during the Christmas festival time (roasted almonds, chestnuts and hazelnuts in the air), this is the perfect souvenir. A sophisticated, enjoyable, dark and creamy brew. Overall 8.25 (Would be closer to a 10 if performance was up to a higher standard, the scent alone is a 9.75)

If you are a fan of oriental or woody spicies, but find A*Men too heavy and weird (or gourmand sweet) and Blue Sugar too cloying, or LL Au Masculin too thick, then Boss Soul might fit you better... As well blended as any from this House; Soul keeps it warm but smooth. It is sweet but spicy, and elegant without being ostentatious. It begins somewhere between the bright sweetness of the citruses and the warm aura of the anise, pepper and cardamom. Though it is a bit warm and heavy on the initial inhale, the exhale is refined and relaxed. Clean and dry lavender adds a bit of elegance. Nutmeg and cinnamon keep it sexy and comfy, and the corriander adds a slight herbal feel. The drydown borders on oriental; as the tonka, vanilla and amber blend seemlessly and the musk adds a bit of raw sensuality. The vetiver (if any) keeps it earthy and drier still. This may be too "tame" for some who like it heavy and sweet, but if you are looking to be noticed (but not overpowering), and subtly intruiging...this does the trick. This scent adds to your mystique. Instead of defining you, it accents you. Sillage: average Longevity: decent Overall: 4/5 Some say "watered down", I say subtle and understated. Too spicy? Never. Sexy?...And how! This scent makes a statement, it just doesn't scream at the top of its lungs. A whisper can say more than a shout does! This scent is great in winter and autumn, but does equally well in the coolness of a spring evening. I would find it a bit much in full summer heat (or a tropical clime). This is the epitome of sexy: warm, smooth and dashing!

Let me start off by saying when I first tested this on my hand I almost ran away from it. The initial blast to me was something medicinal and something hard for me to describe. I have learned that you can't judge a fragrance by a initial impression and that you should give it a full wearing before passing judgement. I got this dirt cheap and decided to give it a full wearing the other day and man oh man I am so glad I bought this. Yes its very subtle and the longevity could be better but the wood note in this is wonderful and I think if it had been stronger it might have been too cloying so I am actually glad its not stronger than it is. If I could describe this scent i would have to say it smells like nothing else on the market which makes this original in my book. If you find this dirt cheap don't be afraid to buy it. Give it a chance. I'm glad I did.

I find the majority of mens aftershaves pungent and off-putting. My son wears the infamous Joop, which I find really sickly, almost offensively overpowering - but Boss Soul is just gorgeous - I adore it. Distinctive, complex and instantly recognisable, whilst being a perfectly balanced, soft, warm and welcoming scent. I'm no expert on fragrances so can't explain exactly what it is that makes me like it, just know that I've spent hours at counters trying to identify an aftershave that I could stand to smell on my (now ex) partner, and this, along with Dolce and Gabbana 'The One', were the last two standing for me, with Boss Soul being my absolute stand-out winner. Literally a turn-on for me. Not sure how a scent can instantly make me want to nuzzle whoever's wearing it - but there we go.

Hugo Boss dropped the ball by discontinuing this absolute gem of a fragrance. My favourite fragrance of all time and the most loved by my nearest and dearest. This is a phenomenal winter fragrance that could be worn night or day but better for evening. Kind of reminds me of D&G The One EDP but somehow even warmer and sexier. As much as I love this fragrance it does not last long at all (3 hours at a push) and it sits very close to the skin (but that makes it perfect for intimate occasions). If you ever find this you should 110% buy it in bulk!! Scent: 10/10 Projection: 5/10 Longevity: 3/10 Versatility: 8.5/10 Price: 8/10 Overall: 6.9/10 (longevity and projection lets it down but worth buying for the scent alone, trust me)