Santal Wood

As a lover of 212 Men (I found it in 2020), this DOES smell very similar, maybe 75-80%, but it is not exactly like it, especially as it continues to dry down. This is something I think you could possibly have in your collection alongside 212. This wasn't a powerhouse for me, but it does still project within a couple of feet on clothes the few days after. It won't fill a room, but people close by should smell you. I wish it was a bit stronger, so 4 stars for not having nuclear projection. I would be faithful to them for life if they made a nuclear version of this, because I can't find 212 or anything similar that is nuclear. Per Montale, the notes are: Nutmeg, Madagascar Black Pepper, Cardamom, Indian Sandalwood, Moroccan Cedarwood

I love the way Santal Wood wears on me, lasting 12 hours plus and transitioning beautifully. All the violet leaf, pepper and juniper bring to mind Dior’s Fahrenheit, but there there are also sparkly spices and ofcourse a lovely sandalwood note in a glorious synthetic form that turns up the volume of the natural stuff to 10 and sharpens all its edges (No powdery wood here). There’s also a lovely barbershop finish, I woke up one morning having worn this to bed and upon waking I thought I could have been fooled that I was freshly shaven. There is a subtle clean salty ocean water feel to it in the background. You have to jive with the Montale style to enjoy this but it certainly is one of their best creations.

It was an Instant crush... until it lasted. Among 10 samples I tried from Montale (and another 10 from Mancera), this is the one I liked the most. It is a nice mix of fresh, woods, clean, creamy, gentle. It has a sporty / ocean vibe that I'm usually not really found of but it is really well done and not overwhelming. Could definitely become a signature frag, would fit almost any weather, occasion. Edit: after 3 days, I can understand why it could become a bit boring/annoying/slightly nauseating. I agree that it does smell very clean from a distance but then can become quite nauseating close. 7.5/10

Pretty damn close clone of the legendary 212 by Carolina Herrera.... Descent lasting ability and performance as to be expected by a Montale fragrance. Unfortunately though this seems to clone the new formulation of 212 nyc and not it's orginal formulation which was simply exquisite and is now greatly missed. Nice to have in the collection and in my opinion better than current formulation 212.

confused by the low rating and negative reviews. combo of freshness and a bit of marine with the wood as the backbone. I guess this mix rubbed some ppl the wrong way but it's the same reason that made it fun for me wearing this. The mix made it fun and not boring. I can see this in both the warm and cold seasons. haha, kept smelling my arms. Very enjoyable.