Spicy Electrum

For the first 20 seconds, this was almost an instant scrub. The opening reminded me of those cheap colognes you find in $1 shops where you’re trying to decipher the 37 notes of Doir Sausage. I got a cross between Mr. Sheen and Pledge. But....after 5 minutes or so, this thing starts to come alive. I say start, because it seems to evolve over an age. The ginger, cardamom and pepper make this a bright, spicy start. When the papyrus, resins and oakmoss kick in, that’s when this stuff takes off. I get the similarities with Almairac’s Bentley Absolute, but again this changes and a leathery accord joins. This juice really pushes the senses. It’s woody, zesty, sour, smoky, fruity, green, and plenty more. 30 minutes on is the sweet spot. It dries down into a resiny wood combo that’s seductive and warm. The resins really make this scent. I found a bottle for $50, so if it didn’t hit the spot, so flippin’ what. As it’s more than done that, what a farken steal. Seriously underrated wear from this house.

Medium-dense, floral, spicy, moderately sweaty, dry, brown, autumnal wood with sweet gum and, at least initially, a slight Play-Doh accord (which I like). There's a balsamic/resinous, perhaps semi-leathery or tarry/rubbery yet also vanillic depth or richness to the amber that becomes more apparent as the upper notes fade but never overpowering. Mostly because of the ylang-ylang, I can see why some people might find this fragrance grannyish, but I think it's sweatier and woodier than that. I can also see why some people feel that it tries and fails to combine classical and modern aspects, but I don't see that issue. I suppose that this might be cloying if someone used it liberally and/or on a warm summer day, but I won't. Comparable to Bentley Absolute but significantly different and not as totemically woody.

I had a decant, seems like an interesting mix of notes and I like Lalique in general. On skin on the other hand, it seems more female rather then unisex. This one fact has restricted myself from buying it, cause the smell is pleasant, but I would imagine it on my mum most likely. By saying that, there are other fragrances I tend to purchase. Shame,...but onto the next one...

Nose Note #663 Reminds me of povidone iodine or some other sanitizer. Not that it's has an alcohol smell, not at all - it has this medicinal labdanum touch. It's very strong and after a hard day's work it gave me a headache. So if you're already tired and all - this turned out to be a bad choice. For some reason when I'm very tired and have minor blood pressure issues - I get a headache if the perfume is strong. It's not very unique, I have a number of labdanum/Olibanum heavy niche fragrances and they all smell more or less similar. It also reminded me distantly of Lattafa Qaa'ed, but I've run out of it a long time ago so I can't compare. This is not very masculine. Maybe masculine leaning. 7/10, interesting and more of a niche scent

At its price point, this is a perfectly respectable composition. However, its primary challenge lies in its lack of distinction within the competitive landscape; I struggle to imagine a scenario where a discerning individual would opt for this over a more compelling alternative. The scent profile is neither modern nor overtly youthful, presenting a nostalgic 'church incense' quality skillfully framed by citrus, wood, and pepper. While decent, its suitability as a signature scent is highly debatable. It may ultimately be better utilized as a refined ambient fragrance for the home.