Jet Black Enigma

I picked this up as a blind buy because the note breakdown on the website sounded amazing, and I enjoy Ash's videos. I had no prior experience with Michael Malul fragrances, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I definitely was not disappointed at all. This is a familiar scent, though I can't quite place my finger on why it feels so familiar to me. It doesn't necessarily smell exactly like anything else, I guess it just has elements that remind me of other frags perhaps? Regardless, I enjoy this immensely. It's dark, kind of sexy and mysterious, and the oud is absolutely perfect. It's not so subtle that you're struggling to pick it up, but it's not overpowering or pungent or anything either. It literally is just right. Everything in this juice is beautifully blended, in my opinion. Imagine Maison Margiela "Jazz Club" mixed with a little Tom Ford "Noir Extreme", but slightly toned down, and a nice splash of oud to round it off. The performance is not bad. It's not "beast mode" by any means, but the projection is pretty decent for the first couple hours, and the longevity was typical. I've worn it once to work, and I do 10 hr shifts in a warehouse, and I re-applied during the middle of my shift, so I can't really give a definitive result on the performance, but it does seem pretty solid thus far. The price point is okay as well. Using the discount code provided in Gents Scents video for this collab, and the fact it came with a discovery set made the value even better. It's priced at $109 I believe, but with the discount it was around $87 if I remember correctly. I think that's a very fair price. All in all, this is certainly quality juice from my experience, and out of everything I smelled from the discovery set, Jet Black Enigma is the strongest release from this house, and I would purchase again.

What's wrong with people that like chili and cheese on spaghetti?? You ever have something called Cheeseburger pie?? Don't judge it until you've tried it... Also... Any business can be reported to the BBB. It's similar to saying you made a police report on your neighbors because they shoveled their snow into the street in front of your driveway or their cat walked on your lawn... Anyone can call the police and have a report made for just about anything. (I will admit I was laughing about him selling those cheap gimmick fragrances in a mall kiosk... But hey, gotta start somewhere.) Atkinsons London... Located in Italy. English Laundry... Manufactured in New Jersey... British Sterling... Located in New York... Blah blah blah... It's marketing. It's like adding "International" in a business name. Hell... It's not apples to apples, but look into the true history of Creed. One of the most popular, high-end niche fragrance houses around have used similar marketing tactics... Who cares. I too have zero stack in this fight... I own 2 MM fragrances, the only 2 I liked and JB Platinum I scored for $35 at a Fragrance Outlet store. Enigma is a solid fragrance... Clearly the highest quality and presentation of the entire line/all MM releases. Hopefully Gents Scents can help improve the house further... If you're someone that doesn't like the house, then don't buy any.

Don't understand what Jeremy's fragrances has to do with this particular scent?? I think this is unique and I like it. I actually love just about everything I've tried by Michael Malul so far, including Reserve and Platinum which I think are the 2 stars of the show. Enigma is a bit below them followed by the Intense and lastly the original Jet Black. Definitely worth it IMO *Update 7/27/22 This fragrance was co-developed by Ash from Gent Scents not Jeremy from Jeremy's Fragrances. He has his own entirely different line/brand of fragrances. ** Recently purchased Ocean Noir and Ktoret San Lucas from Michael Malul and they are both winners 🏆🏆. If these colognes were produced by a more well established brand or had some famous celebrity endorser then all the little sheep out there would be fighting over every last drop of this and the rest of Michael Maluls catalog. But they won't know how great it is until someone tells them how great it is. So someone needs to get on YouTube and tell them, STAT!!

I must say... I love this. It doesn’t smell like Bvlgari Men In Black to my nose, but I understand why some would say that. There’s definitely something about this that hints at that sort of MIB profile. I got the sample discounts back when they were on sale at $15. I’ve given this a few wears, and I really like it. I do think it’s a little overpriced at retail if it really is selling at $140. There is a 20%-off coupon flying around somewhere online, but even at that price, I do think it’s a little steep. This is not a fragrance that I would recommend for anyone in their 20s or younger, as it does give that over-30 mature man type of vibe. The last thing I do want to say is that I don’t quite understand why it’s rated so low as of this writing (3.98/5). But I imagine it has to do with the fact that it is a little pricey, and the fact that it has to do with Gents Scents.

Got the free 10 ml travel spray (pay S&H). I actually love this. Warm, spicy and woods to start, but in the drydown something earthy and almost green (cypriol?) asserts itself in the mix. That earthy element is what sets this apart from anything else in my winter collection. Best YouTuber fragrance I have smelled so far, but in fairness I haven't smelled anything from Jeremy yet. I can't stop smelling my wrist, honestly. My best friend wasn't as much a fan as I am, but who cares. The spices in this honestly smell like my cat's fur, but in the best possible way. Like if there was a vetiver note in my cat's fur, which has a warm cinnamon vibe. I will probably buy a full bottle of this. Never smelled it anywhere else. Pleasantly surprised and would recommend.

Ok look it’s pretty simple this is a good scent... all of the negative and angry face comments we’ll most of them are from people that just don’t like YouTubers making money... go look at their profiles they all look fake to me. This fragrances was 65$ after the 20% off which is perfectly reasonable for what it is and does. It doesn’t smell like the One at all; and one guy on here is pretty mad about that 😂 idk y but he his. It is a really nice fragrance that has good performance. All the hate on this one is people trolling nothing more. I actually saw one negative comment with a fake profile picture of chaos fragrance on here. Some people are so pathetic... don’t get me wrong This fragrance is nothing revolutionary but it is unique and it’s really good.

I have owned this for a year, it was an expensive purchase when i began my fragrence journey. It at first didn't strike me as all that impressive, i was a creed guy. Looking for sweet projecting compliment getters. A year later, i am wearing it today. It is complex, rich, and not boring at all. It is personally very pleasing and is layering well with one of my favorite Creeds, wild veteveer. Veteveer is and always has been a core in my collection, but I have grown to apreciate the richness and class of this fragrence. I would put it in the class of some of the higher end Amouage fragrences. Not a teenagers fragrence, but one of someone who is confident, a little more mature. This one takes time to fully appreciate.

Those saying this smells like or identical to, the one edp, are really missing the mark. Does it fit into the same style, absolutely but this smells nothing like it. Similar style, but not similar smell. On my skin it's smooth, spicy woods with the darkness of the oud in the background. The labdanum gives off a slightly resinous leather vibe. The patchouli adding a bit of earthiness. Love or hate Ash from Gent Scents, this smells great and stands on it's own. I don't know what is with the obsession some people have of trying to compare everything to everything else instead of just enjoying each fragrance for the individual works of art they are...

It smells a little like everything in the Reminds Me section. It weaves its way through many permutations of those notes. The top notes lean closest to MiB. In the drydown when you really start to get all the cypriol, this smells like a designer version of Blazing Mr Sam with a touch of ginger and incense in it. The note breakdown is very similar but it is built differently. Way underneath all of this, instead of tobacco there is a nice woody humidor smell. The labdanum keeps this from being repulsively dark and makes it project better. It is very wearable and pleasant. I really like this one.

I think its good. It seems a lot of folks won't give it a chance because of 'political' aspects like Jeremy's fragrances but I don't care about any of that. I can truly evaluate the quality of the fragrance and base it off of the actual juice, not the politics behind it. Its cozy and I would consider it for more for an intimate setting than the office. It checks all of the boxes for me in regards to performance and quality and it gets compliments. Don't let yourself dislike it or miss out for heresy reasons.

Why the hate? Because a YouTuber helped create it? Cmon guys. It’s good. It’s nothing “new” per say, but it is good. It’s spicy, slightly sweet, and woody. Just like it was designed to be. Reminds me of The One EDP with some Versace Oud Noir mixed in there, so it’s a good, solid date night scent. Doesn’t push any boundaries, but it does what it’s supposed to do quite nicely. And for that, I have no complaints

I don't get the hate either. I got the travel size, which said it was 10ml, but was actually much larger than that. There's a lot going on, but it's a nice fragrance. I do get the similarities to Jazz Club...but no rum or tobacco, and the presence of cardamom and patchouli make it a little different and more complex. Definitely a cold weather, night out fragrance.

This fragrance hit you with a explosion of spice in the beginning, then the vanilla, tonka bean start to come out in the heart and dry down. It's similar to Intoxicated by Killian, but darker, woodier, and earthier. Ash, if you are reading this, I think it could use a bit more sweetness. It's always a good compliment factor for a fragrance like this :D

I absolutely love this scent, it works perfectly. It projects nicely for 2 hours and then settles in, as should your date for the evening. It's meant to pull your date closer without overwhelming them, creating an addiction to smelling you close. Just where you want them. Thank you MM/GENTSCENTS

Most of the people here comparing it to the one edp but the funny thing is that I haven't smelled that fragrance (But I will in future). To My nose it smells like Aggarbatti that Indian people uses in temples for worshipping. Nothing else just straight up aggarbati.

I bought the full bottle based on the notes, and don't regret it at all. Love the scent have a few from this house and have not been dissapointed. Beautiful dense body to it, lasts, and it's the perfect scent for this season.

Ignore the hate You tubers are allowed to make money too. For $140, that’s a bit high, I found on Amazon in the original release bottle for $90. Well worth it.a nice rich deep fragrance

I’m really enjoying this scent. I always catch myself smelling the cap. Backup bottle purchased since it is a limited run.

This smells like when you walk into a high end clothing store. It’s pretty nice.

I made a fragrantica page just to review this, I’ll start off by saying I really like Ash from gents scents, I’m not on here to hate on him at all. I felt crazy when I first smelled this because it immediately reminded me of Vince Camuto Virtu, which i personally love, and Ash really hated on when he first reviewed it, to be fair he did go back and say that it’s not that bad. So I sprayed them both on each hand and it’s not by any means the same fragrance, but it is pretty similar, like a more mature higher quality version of it. I thought to myself maybe I’m crazy so I asked my brother (who isn’t into fragrances at all) to smell both on my hand, he smelled Virtu first and when he smelled Enigma, he said “that smells like an old man version of the first one”. Also someone below me compared it to Santal 33 which virtu gets compared to, so I don’t think I’m crazy. I do like the fragrance, but I’m glad that I got the travel size one for 10 dollars and not the full bottle, I’m 26 and I think that it’s a little too “mature” smelling for me, but I’m also really into very sweet designer fragrances, but that’s not all I’m into, my favorite fragrance is red tobacco by Mancera. So I’m not just into “club bangers” lol. It blows my mind that he hated on virtu so hard and then came out with this lol. I can’t really speak on performance either because it’s only been on my hand for like 2 hours, but it does seem like it will have good performance and it is a good fragrance but I don’t think that it’s worth what they’re asking for it.

I blind bought a full size bottle. This had some notes I was really looking for, and it was at a substantial discount. My first impression was that it’s pretty good. After some usage, I decided that’s it’s good, but not nearly good enough to be one of my favorites. It comes off nice and strong at the start, which is what I wanted. Immediately I get patchouli, Coca-Cola, some black licorice, a bit of Tonka, and some very light vanilla. It has a nice amount of spice to it. After it dries down for a good while it gets more woody and the vanilla comes through more. Jet Black Enigma is much more complex than Men in Black. Although Men in Black is smoother. I could not wear MiB because it is too one dimensional and becomes uninspiring. Jet Black is alright, but not great. I am doubtful that I will re-buy Jet Black because there are other options that fit what I am looking for. That said, I am not disappointed in the blind purchase; and I foresee this getting some decent usage, although slowly. It does have a touch of a synthetic smell to it, so be aware if you are sensitive to that.

This is a totally inoffensive fragrance that is noticable but not super strong. It's not something I would wear every day because I like to be a little bolder, but I think it is nice to have for situations where you know you're going to be close to people. For example, I might wear this on a flight because it's unlikely to bother the person next to me. It's not exactly faint, but it's also not cloying or headache inducing, in my opinion. As for the scent, I would call this a warm and spicy fragrance. The standout notes (for me, at least) are the cardamom, saffron, oud, and cypriol. The opening has a similar dark vibe to the drydown Tom Ford Black Orchid, but it's not pungent in the same way. The drydown is a little powdery. The tonka and cashmeran come through with a hint of vetiver. Overall, I find this masculine and mysterious while remaining approachable. Jet Black Enigma does not blow my mind, but I like it well enough.

I don't understand all the hate this frag is getting. Is it just because a youtuber designed it? Either way, this fragrance is hilarious to me. It's basically just Santal 33 with less sillage and projection, and then make it more masculine with slightly more leather/cardamom. 4 parts Santal 33, 1 part Jazz Club from margiela. This isn't a mindblowing fragrance, and frankly I'm not a huge Santal 33 guy. Santal 33 makes me think of a dirty dishrag in paris, but in a kind of comforting way.... don't ask lmao. But this is very high quality for the price, and if you're someone who loves Le Labo... then i think this is better than buying Santal 33, especially at this price. Jet Black Enigma: Unisex/Slightly Masculine Price: 8/10 Sillage: 6/10 Longevity: 6/10 Scent: 8.5/10 Presentation: meh/10 Overall I would give it like a 7/10.

Supposedly Lalique Encre Noire meets Versace Oud Noir, but I don't really think so. It opens with dry black pepper, cardamom, and ginger. Keeping with a spice heavy profile the heart is saffron, vetiver, and a smoky labdanum. The base is a surprisingly smooth oud with a woody mossy patchouli. The Oud Noir similarities do come out a little bit as the oud progresses late heart and base, but Encre Noire is so much more of a damp vetiver bomb that does not exist in this. It was an enjoyable blend of spiced as oud though; I wouldn't mind trying it again some day.

I got this for 40 dollars at an outlet which was in my opinion a great deal. Keeping that in mind this fragrance is definitely not worth full price. I really like this fragrance. It's *very* nicely blended. It starts as a fresh yet spicy, earthy scent projecting at about an arm's length before settling into a more floral, warm, and slightly sweet skin scent. I want to love this fragrance, but I find the sillage to fall off too fast. I would say it becomes a skin scent after about 40-60 minutes.

I’ve smelled this before in a Commodity fragrance. Milk? Velvet? I can’t put my finger on which one, will have to pull out my discovery set but it smells just like it. It’s pleasant. Not earth shattering, not mind blowing, not groundbreaking. Pleasant. Wish it had a little more “sparkle” to it. Bought the 15ml travel spray. I’d give it 4/5 sniffs.

Its okay. Just ok. Ashton can do a way better collaboration. I got this just because of Ashton and GentScents. I was verry disappointed. However, this is the best scent out of the 3 that Ashton collaborated with MM. Blue ridge smells like bathroom cleaner and terra nova is a citrus bomb with tobacco ash in the dry down. Save you money here.

I'll keep it short and sweet. You get the backbone of Jet Black, sweetness of Jet Black Platinum, with influences of Sauvage Elixir. It's a good; do it all fragrance for the cool weather. You won't smell like everyone else, but the similarities are there. I'd say age group 25+. But, could definitely be appreciated by teens and college age.

This, like the others that Ash collaborated on, is a solid scent but nothing amazing. This has a similar cinnamon note to Wanted by Night and the base and warmth of the Boss the Scent line. Average longevity, 4/5 scent profile. Not worth retail but as good as YSL offerings.

This is a good scent, but you don't want to pay retail ($140-ish) dollars for it. If you can find it at a discounter in the $40-$60 range, it gives great value. It has a sweet, nutty opening, very masculine. Projection is OK, not great. Longevity is 6-ish hours.

It's pretty good, but I think the saffron is way too strong, and that it could use some more vanilla. Smells very similar to DnG The One and some of it's flankers. Was very happy to use the 10 ml for $10 deal; wouldn't have bought it otherwise

Parts of this scent are exactly like O Boticário‘s Malbec Black but then you added the gentlest touch of Oud and a dash of tonka. I’ll have to try layering them. Otherwise this is a fairly pleasant sent I just wish had better longevity.

I agree with Muggleslayer's statement. Nice warm and mellow date/office scent. A bit classy and mature but not an old man type of vibe.6-8 hours of longevity with a nice scent bubble. Hard not to at least like this one.

Take Azzaro Wanted by Night and turn down the sweetness and make it a bit powdery.

This reminded me of PDM Carlisle. It would be a good date night fragrance.

Smells like oud for greatness , smells very dark and sweet in the same way

Smells like Boss The Scent Absolute.

Opens up with a whiskey-type note(maybe the vanilla is on the boozy side for a bit?). Sweet saffron and creamy vanilla join warm and dry cardamom. A base of warm and dry cashmeran with a touch of resinous oud. Cypriol is pretty noticeable in a dry woody vetiver-type fashion with some hearty pepperiness to it. I wanted to dislike this, not because I dislike Ashton. I like Ashton. I wanted to dislike this because Visionair was one of the cheapest smelling fragrances I have smelled above the 20 dollar price range. I have to be honest, I like it. I don't love it. I don't think it's worth 110 bucks. 60-70 would be a decent price range. It's an okay fragrance overall. The only one from this company that is even somewhat worthy(that I have tried). This doesn't smell like Santal 33 or Versace Oud Noir at all.

Very masculine and brooding. It's quite unique. In the opening, it has this dirtiness that's kind of carmelized or smooth, which is wonderful. Once this dries it becomes cinnamony and spicy, but that dirtiness takes a back seat. Initially I was disinterested with this fragrance, but now I actually like it. I think it's quite grown on me now that I'm actually giving it a chance. This does not smell so similar to Gris Charnel, but it does have the same vibe on my skin. The performance isn't bad. It's moderate, but pushes for hours and it lasts a work day on my skin. I have the travel size so if I finish this one, I may consider buying the full bottle.

I just got the 15ml re-release. Initially I thought it was just "ok". A 3/5. Nothing special about it. Smells like a Yankee candle store. I don't mean that as a diss. But after a bit more wearing I'll go to a 3.5-4/5. I bump it up because it performs pretty well for me. Even in the dead of winter it lasted pretty long. The dry down also to me is even more enjoyable then the opening. I'm happy enough with it. But I would not pay the full bottle price and I don't think anybody should. It's nowhere near THAT good.

I definitely overpaid for this one — I think I paid around $140. It has a nutty, velvety, wintery scent that’s cozy and somewhat elegant. It actually reminds me a bit of Penhaligon’s Halfeti, though I could be off. If you’re able to snag it at a really low price, then I’d say go for it. But if it’s anywhere near retail, I’d personally steer you toward something else. It’s not a bad fragrance — just not quite worth the premium.

Could be just me or my skin, but around 29 minutes in does anyone else get a violety note? Otherwise, cardamom forward along with sandalwood and cinnamon. Woody and spicy, likeable. Good for day and nighttime wear in winter snd fall. I think on a cold spring night this could be pulled off aswell.

Came out 2021, better and more unique than Blue Ridge and Terra Nova in 2022. Went for $109.95 in 2021 and now $140. Unique sweet bitter woody spicy scent. It is ok. 7.3/10. Ashton please stop collaborating with MM. You did better job with Galleria. 7.5/10

Reminds me of a toned down Rien Intense Incense by Etat Libre d'Orange. For what I paid for the 10ml it's just fine. Nothing mind-blowing or totally terrible. I wouldn't grab a large bottle but, if you want to save some $ and like Rien go for it.

Strong Meh. Noting spectacular. Heavy on the Cypriol. It has Santal 33 vibes to me with so much of a Papyrus note. The projection is not very good. Way overpriced for what it is.

randr.scents, 1) no need to get nasty or defensive. Doesn’t smell like The One to me but scent is subjective so you’re welcome to your opinion as am I. 2) Had you read my initial review, you would know I’m neither Ashton nor a Malul shill. The only nice thing I had to say about this fragrance is that the atomizer on the 10ml sample I received is excellent. I’ll add to that review: this is one of the worst performing fragrances I’ve ever had. In my opinion, the scent itself is uninspired and generic while it lasts. And no, this is not a case of going anosmic - I’ve sprayed my shirts and performance is still nonexistent. This is my first and probably last Malul purchase.

It's nice. Wish it lasted longer but it becomes a skin scent after 30min- 1hr on me. Gave it to my brother and he loves it. For me, there are much better fragrances for the same price.

In the spirit of keeping disparaging and negative comments to myself, I will say that the 10ml sample I received has an amazing atomizer!

Smells nothing like The One to me

Bought this because ash from gents scents recommended it. Apparently he helped put it together. I love 98% of the fragrances he recommends. Even bought his whole line up with Galleria Parfums. Which I believe were all home runs. But upon smelling this one... I was HUGELY disappointed. Smells very similar Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu. Almost identical. And I don’t really like that scent. Has an overpowering baby power kinda scent to me. Longevity? I don’t smell much of it about an hour in. I do only spray one spray though. The sample they sent smelled pretty decent (but I can’t remember the name). First time trying this house and probably the last. Is it a blind buy? Nah, I wouldn’t if I were you. Certainly not for the younger crowd. But if you REALLY like Valentino scents, you’d probably love this one. It’s just not for me.