Rich Spices

Is Rich Spices 'overhyped'? I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps those who aren't enamored simply need a bit more time, even though it sounds a bit pretentious. It took me several months to truly appreciate it. Initially, it struck me as reminiscent of cheap cologne from the early 2000s, not at all what I was looking for, so I set it aside. Fast forward to June 2024, and upon revisiting, I've found I like it significantly more. I've realized I wasn't engaging my sense of smell with enough openness. The violet leaf presented a strong aroma that confused me at first. The sillage is impressive, especially when caught by the breeze. The violet leaf harmonizes beautifully with the patchouli, creating a deep floral chill enhanced by soapy ambergris without veering into powdery territory, which I dislike. I appreciate the ambiguity in this fragrance. While it garners love from many men, ladies might think of the 1966 debut of Yves Saint Laurent's 'Le Smoking'—the first women's tuxedo in high fashion. That's the essence of Rich Spices. It's a scent I wouldn't typically gravitate toward; the violet leaf is heightened by bergamot and patchouli, masterfully done yet not something I'd reach for instantly. However, it eventually mellows out, revealing a gorgeous softness of spicy vanillin with a hint of floral dew, perfectly ozonic. You could almost label it an aquatic fragrance. Suitable for daytime resort wear or alluring date nights, it holds its own across all seasons. It's the kind of mysterious scent everyone finds appealing. Bravo, KINDI.

After a successful search, I snagged a full bottle of Rich Spices after trying a decant. I also have Rochas Mustache EDP, and they do share a resemblance. The renowned fragrance critic Luca Turin famously critiqued Rich Spices as an 'utterly mundane and uninspired masculine scent sold for a premium price'. While I grasp his perspective, I see this fragrance in a different light. Yes, there’s a certain plainness, but to me, it signifies understated sophistication, formality, and masculinity. Many people seem to associate it with a refined, formal vibe. The name perfectly encapsulates its essence. It falls into the category of 'old money,' fitting seamlessly into my collection of what I consider 'royal closet' fragrances. It slightly reminds me of Oxford by Roberto Ugolini, which is fitting since you typically wear black Oxfords with a suit. The patchouli takes center stage, yet the coriander and black pepper offer more strength than one might assume, suggesting that the 'woody' character could be more prominent than described here.

In short, I have a strong affinity for this fragrance, though it comes across as somewhat one-dimensional and a tad musty. It’s undeniably well-balanced and expertly crafted, but I believe it might benefit from being layered with another scent. I tested it alongside Noir Extreme, and they complement each other well, both radiating a mature and masculine vibe. Consider your outfit too; while a tuxedo isn’t necessary, this scent pairs better with a sharp appearance rather than casual attire, and aligns seamlessly with a mature character. I envision it being fantastic when worn with a leather jacket and a hint of leather fragrance to enhance its essence. Performance-wise, it's not an overpowering scent, but that’s intentional. It's a more elegant choice for a refined style. Test it out before committing to a purchase; it could be polarizing and, given the hype, you might feel pressured to buy it blindly. I advise against that.

I decided to purchase Moustache based on recommendations that it served as an affordable substitute for Rich Spices. However, I found it to be rather faint, to the point where I could hardly detect any scent. To compare, I also tried a sample of Rich Spices and realized it too lacked potency. I truly cannot gauge my opinion about it due to its subtlety. Consequently, I don’t believe it's worth my investment. Clearly, others have had a different experience since many rave about it, but it just doesn’t suit my preferences.

I'm over the moon for my new acquisition. This perfume is unisex, striking a beautiful balance between masculine and feminine notes. Its boozy quality has me smitten. Ladies, dust off those tuxedo dresses and light your cigars—it's time for a night out! It’s a seductive scent perfect for all genders, presenting a woody-spicy character that’s both fresh yet slightly bitter. Just a heads-up, it’s not a safe blind buy.