2022 Generation Homme

Wow, this is divine on my skin. I was worried after my paper sampling as I was picking up that dry, slightly terpenic/alcholic note that pervades many Bonds (it's overdosed in NY Oud, NY Musk, NY Amber, Harrods Agarwood to some extent...a few others too) as well as many other brands' niche scents (one example: Colonia Intensa Oud), but thankfully while present and noticeable throughout, it always manages to smell like part of an accord. In fact, I think this note is what makes the scent not only radiant but also distinctly masculine and gives it a bit of an alpha character. So what does it smell like? It opens with a dry, almost astringent, and bitter yuzu (something like the way yuzu is rendered in L'eau d'Issey - also think Kinski/Sulphur or even Citrus Paradisi's grapefruit, which might be closest now that I think of it), immediately flanked by a spicy note that melds into the yuzu and anchors it, effectively becoming the lower register of the yuzu accord. I am quite sure that nutmeg is the prominent player in this spice accord (and I think it's nutmeg that is abused in some of the scents listed above), but as mentioned the spice really feels like lower octave of the yuzu, and it also acts as the bridge to the oud. Immediately alongside this yuzu/nutmeg accord is a very rich accord of black currant and "whipped vanilla with cinnamon" - no doubt the peru balsam at play. The olfactory hue of the accord strikes me as fluctuating between a dark and rich malbec and a royal purple, with green threads tying it together, and the 3 dimensionality of the accord allows shadows of olfactory black (the oud!) to fill in the gaps. It is quite sweet and very rich, and quite similar to the currant/sweetness accord in Xerjoff's Richwood except here it is rendered with much more lift. That aroma chem that is kind of nutmeg-like and kind of like rubbing alcohol (sounds horrible, I know, but it works) really pushes the currant/cinnamon/vanilla creme accord to the periphery of the scents olfactory space and this makes it so much more wearable and enjoyable than if it were to suffocate under its own overindulgent weight. The scent has the vivacity and almost electric like character of say, H&G Askew (or Molecule 01), but juxtaposed against a rich and classical core that could be found in a Guerlain or one of the better Xerjoffs or (ugh) a Roja Dove. The scent doesn't change much as time goes on, and given how beautiful and perfectly balanced the whole thing is, for once that doesn't bother me at all. The yuzu accord persists long after the yuzu itself has burned off thanks to the way the nutmeg/oud/sandalwood and labdanum? continue on. I always see that kind of olfactory illusion - extending an accord such that you continue to perceive the accord as the original material even though it has long since burned off - as very creative, intelligent perfumery. In the late dry down the spicy woodiness backs off even further and a surprisingly nuanced peru balsam takes center stage. It still manages to smell multi-faceted and almost 3d even 8 hours into the wearing, and that is quite a feat. The spices never disappear completely though, which keeps the scent from ever feeling like it falls apart. No, it starts out almost preternaturally rich and befitting a person in a position of power (lame description I know, sorry. it's late and I'm exhausted) but settles into something that is a fair bit softer, just as charming, but definitely more inviting, as the day wears on. Perfect to wear to the office with no need for a shower and change of scent should you have a date or something else more romantically minded immediately afterwards. Overall the primary hues of the scent I get are a rich multi-hued marigold (hints of bright yellow against a much darker and richer golden orange base), purple and dark burgundies along with some rusty reddish tones (the combination of cinnamon/nutmeg) over a backdrop of black, and a sort of ethereal, airy green thread woven throughout which is thanks to the black currant, which is definitely a nice dose of real black currant absolute. Ok, that was a long winded description that did a poor job of actually capturing the essence of the scent. I haven't written much about frags in such a long time that I've gotten very very rusty at articulating my perceptions. Projection is very good (not quite monstrous) and tapers off in a slow and wonderful fashion as the day carries on (no Journey Man foghorn to whisper here!). Longevity is excellent. A perfect blend of rich classicism and vibrant and luminous modernity.

Contrasting woods 🪵 Have you ever experienced a fragrance with a very polarizing duality in contrast? The fragrance I will be talking today is one of not many in my collection or amongst I've tried. 2022 Generation Homme is inspired by Qatar that has very strong heritage but also has a very vast modernity in development. Stephane Humbert Lucas wants to reflect the ancient aspects that lives hand in hand together in the futuristic modern world. If you are a fan of Marvel superhero then the capital city of Wakanda Kingdom called Birnin Zana (The Golden City) is the perfect comparison of this interpretation 😎. 2022 is a woody dominant fragrance composed from very strong traditional Cambodian Oud. The oud is mainly woody which is dark and mysterious. Contrasting fruity note of blackcurrant gives touch of sweetness. Fresh yuzu lift and prevent this fragrance from becoming too dark. These two notes surrounding the composition so harmoniously as support giving a very modern and contemporary feel resulting in a very unisex scent. This fragrance initiate serious and confident attitude for the wearer and project powerful aura for the surrounding people. For me it acts like an armor that serves it purpose to support my mood and activities. Somehow it awaken my inner warrior spirit within 🥷. I will wear this whenever I want to turn on the beast mode inside for achieving intense workouts training. It also works wonderfully for getting job done, making important decisions or closing a deal because I feel I can slay every single target when wearing it. Hopefully my description do the justice for this amazing fragrance and I highly recommend everyone to try as a workout or office scent. #vscentorientreview

While the concept isn't new (sweet and freshened up oud scent), the particular take on it is rather unique. I don't think I know another oud fragrance that paired with a strong black currant note. Also, mint freshens it up and yuzu surprises you with fruity sweetness and rosy overtones (as some people have mentioned). Very well blended and excellent performance (not too strong, not too weak). If I smelled this blind, I would assume this is a new release in MFK Oud collection (who made some excellent takes on smooth, dark yet fresher oud). Really well done, very wearable and versatile oud scent. a must try! If you like MFK Oud collection and are looking for something more unique, this could be it!!!

Best Oud scent - full stop. Super super smooth pungent oud wrapped and blown out with balsam the black currant noticeably darkening the scent even further. Super super natural. Wearing it is like being the bowling ball in a crowd of pins knocking everyone down as you walk by... I have seriously no idea how reviews below even think to suggest Rose is in the scent, even as a description - IT DOES NOT SUGGEST EVEN A MERE COMPLIMENT OF ROSE!!! 🤦♂️ This, together with the fact it’s SHL777 is why it’s so much better than average - infact take Guerlains Oud Essentiel and replace the ROSE(lol) with black currant and there you go...

دو نوع رایحه عود در این شاهکار بکار گرفته شده عود ابتدائی، میوه ای ومعطر،چوبی کاچوئی، بدون همراهی رایحه ی حیوانی و عود نهائی، ادویه ای کمی شیرین و تاریک و حیوانی است از نظر کیفیت و دلپذیر بودن رایحه چوب عود یکی از بهترینها می باشد از جهت پخش رایحه و دوام در رده خوب قرار دارد Two kind of oud scent being in this masterpiece,topnotes is fruity agarwood,and this time odor of oud is not fecal or bestial,but it is woody rubbery aroma. then the base notes is spicy agarwood a little bit sweetness animalic and dark. One of the best oud-based scents, I like that. sillage is good.