Arashi Reef

So I went to a fragrance store today looking for some unique scents. I despise most guys scents. You know, the ones for guys that know what a carburetor is? Or ones that a lumber jack would wear? Gag. I wanted something different and slightly masculine. After countless colognes the lady offered me this sample. Love at first sniff. It's definitely strong and kind of indescribable. It's kind of spicy, kind of fruity, and kind of aquatic all at the same time. Definitely strong and bold but softens a bit as it dries down. I would absolutely recommend this one, but would suggest that you sample first. This was my favorite out of the Michael Malul scents I tried today. Bought an atomizer to sample it with my skin first and wore it out of the store around 2pm. It's now 10:50pm and it settled nicely on me. I'll be buying a full size bottle for sure.

Personally my favorite cologne in my collection, not sure why a lot of people have hated on this I think it smells great. I can get the comparisons to erba pura but I don't think its remotely close to a 1 to 1. Sure it has some similarities but smelling them side by side I can tell the differences. Really does give me the vibe of being on the beach on vacation. 10/10 would recommend.

Notes sounded good, so I tried it yesterday. Good scent, projected at arms reach for a good couple hours, and lasted a solid 8-9 hours where I sprayed it on my hand, even after a few hand washes. Great if you like fresher, fruity tropical, and beachy types of scent profiles

The comparisons to Erba Pura are overblown. They are clearly similar in profile, but there are major differences. Yes the fruit is still up front but the citric edge knocks back the cloying sweetness. Further balance is provided by a more floral ambroxan mid instead of "falling into the middle of an atomic fruit basket" of EP. It's not a radical departure, but the wearability difference is clear. I would be happy to wear this, whereas EP is a hard pass for me. I won't replace my decant once its done, as I have other fruit florals I prefer and its not a profile I wear often. It is a nice summer profile, low on originality but well executed.

Nice scent. The main scent surprised me, since Ash (Gents Scents), who collaborated with the brand, has been vocal about not being a fan of Erba Pura. I say this because past the opening, which is fresh and citrusy, the mid and the drydown are in the same space as Erba Pura. Just like Michael Malul's Citizen Jack Absolute (which I also own), this one carries the Erba Pura DNA, like a fruit salad heavy in melons with a sweet vanilla undertone in the base. I would say this one is also unisex. It smells clean and fun.