Samouraï

See the details above about the rebranding of Samourai. I can't speak on the differences between the new one and the classic 90's version. I've tried the new version as well as older ones from the past decade or so. They smell the same to me and it seems Lalique is keeping the quality on par. I really like this because to me it smells both elegant and sporty. You have to like floral and/or woody cologne to appreciate this. The note that really shines for me is the rose, mixed with the light woods. Nobody is wearing this because it's mainly sold in Japan, and the price there is about $20. That's a good deal, but elsewhere in the world, the price can be more than double that. I recommend this if you like compliments and want to smell different than what everyone else is wearing.

First comment! The number one best seller cheapies in Japan. Usually sold at discounter around 18-20$. I managed to get a tester from Rakuten for 15$. I got a high hope for this as it is manufactured by Lalique (although in Rakuten, it's still labelled as alain delon). However it smells pretty boring & outdated. Loads of aldehyde on the top, with very synthetic floral and sandlewood at the drydown. Versace pour homme with less citrus and more watery notes. But with 15$, you can't ask for more than this. Longevity is about 5 hours, with moderate projection. 7/10

Got this in Aqua City Odaiba after testing it (can't remember how much I paid, but it was inexpensive). It's a very light floral/woody fragance, that on me goes almost immediately to a skin scent. May this is probably done on purpose, since the main market for Samouraï is Japan, and a louder scent probably would not go well there. I do like it, it feels fresh and clean (not soapy). This a good office scent... and it's been a good souvenir from Japan that I'm still enjoying :)

This is a terrible headache smell for me. I can't understand why it was so popular in Japan.

Back to 98. When people get very serious and intense, metallic, bold , chemical but ok with it. The dry down is the opposite, sweet, cute.