Birch & Black Pepper

Aromatic and peppery, this is a nice one. The three notes listed (black pepper, cardamom and birch) are perfectly blended so not one sticks out or overshadows the other. Together they harmonize and make a nice fresh liner scent. Can be worn day or night, business or casual, summer or winter, an all around transitional fragrance that is very easy to wear. The ink note is very slight and gives this a more modern unusual edge that sets this apart. Longevity and projection is slightly below average, but I do get light whiffs of it even after 3 or 4 hours. Light, transparent and natural smelling there is really not anything to offend or turn anyone off. One of the better Jo Malones out there imo.

Assuming this is the same formulation as the original Rock of Ages limited edition, I would say it is a quite fantastic, classic “formal” fragrance, definitely a spicy masculine one rather than a unisex as its marketing label proclaims.

Not a review but a QUESTION: Being a lover of the original limited edition Jo Malone Rock The Ages Birch & Black Pepper, could anyone perhaps comment on how or to what extent this *newer* release compares to that original?

It is the same scent as the Rock the Ages edition , just now it's in a bigger bottle. I tested it today . I own the bottle of the Rock the ages one. Will get this too. This bottle is UGLY

Initially out in 2015 and now part of the "Huntsman" collection. Birch & Black Pepper is to my nose different than it used to be. The first perfume was very peppery and tarry (as its name implied) and although not terribly long-lasting or that edgy it did have a jitter in it; a short of sour woody phase before the more standard amber drydown. This is now gone for a more run of the mill cardamon and soft woods (and artificial ambers as a matter of fact) approach which leaves me unmoved. Also, it sells for more (close to 160E) so I won't be pulling the trigger (actually not even aim the gun).