The Poet

An absolute banger of a fragrance. I usually avoid ambroxan, but this is a perfect example of how it can be used effectively. We see both facets of Ambroxan here, the creamy and the salty, paired up with a zingy grapefruit and fizzy frankincense in the opening. The lily/musk notes are always perceptible, but become more salient as it dries down. Becomes even creamier as the sandalwood base starts to peak through. This perfume is wildly skin chemistry dependant, coming across as sweet and sparkly on my girlfriend's wrist, while creamy, floral, and musky on mine. Both smelled amazing, however. As for performance, it's potent juice but the smell is so pleasant that it's hard to feel overwhelmed. Truly a four season fragrance except maybe in extreme high temps (I'll try it on the next hot day and update) and feels appropriate for most situations. Dead center unisex. Edit: I found it overwhelming in high heat and humidity. My personal temp limit would be around 80.

This a beautiful fresh/spicy musky scent that stays close to the skin but lasts for hours if not days. Though the notes don’t make mention of spices, the ambroxan and olibanum on my skin have an almost cardamom smelling effect in the opening. I become anosmic to the middle notes, but the lily is present enough to keep the fragrance from getting too heavy. Towed the tail end of wear, the patchouli and sandalwood notes show their face and keep the fragrance alive for several more hours. This fragrance smells great, but when you pair it with the idea that serves as it basis, it becomes a true work of art replicating the feeling of soft introspection.

I have to say, out of all of my perfumes, this one is going in my top 10 of all time (and I have about 500 samples/bottles all together). It feels like me but better, what JHAG’s not a perfume wishes it was. Reminiscent of the amber musk of 11 11, this is a sweet refinement of your body chemistry. Definitely unisex, too, which is always a plus in my book. It’s smaller sillage allows those who pass you in the day to have a pleasant whiff but not enough to intoxicate them. Close to the skin but available to be enjoyed by those who you closely encounter.

This was addictive and flavorful. It had an enzymatic, prickly/fuzzy quality to it. Reminded me of the Paddywax "Mark Twain" candle. It leaned masculine, but only slightly. After one spritz on my wrist I could still smell it a full 24 hours later. EDIT: I found a passable dupe for this yesterday - Canggu by indie company Bohemian Reves.

Love love love. Went to a niche shop and smelled nearly everything and this was the standout for me today. Leans masculine, sweet musky nostalgic oriental, like a more transparent eau des baux (now called cèdre encens) by l’occitane. Familiar face, and overall very very pleasant!