Bigsly

Big difference to me is that this one has a nondescript wood note whereas vintage LPH has a nice sandalwood note (which apparently was replaced by a strong geranium note in a subsequent formulation, which isn't bad but it's almost like a different scent). Perhaps because of this, it almost smells like 70% LPH, 20% Kouros, and 10% unique. My new 100 ml bottle was dated 2011 and costs about $7 total, so needless to say I'm pleased with this purchase!

Though note lists often seem inaccurate, this seems correct. Spicebomb has the same list except with saffron and cinnamon too. Victory is a bit simpler, and I don't get that sharpness or as much spice. I think Victory is also softer and smoother, so it could be a "legere" version of Spicebomb (I have only tried the early batches of it, so for all I know they could be very similar now). Since Victory cost me about $8 for 100 ml, new, it might be a great deal for someone on a tight budget and wants a less potent and sharp version of Spicebomb, though it seems to have less projection.

"Official" notes seem to be vetiver, ivy, sandalwood, patchouli, tangerine, and lemon. I can't say I got ivy but the rest seem right, with patchouli not being strong, After just a few minutes it settles in nicely and lasts a long time, with good sillage but not much projection (no obvious aroma chemicals like iso e super). Not more than a touch of sweetness and no obvious lavender, this is a "throwback" scent that's for those who want a simple and natural quality, but a bit different than the well-known vintage fragrances. In particular, this is great for all but the hotest and most humid weather, for those who don't want to go down a well-trodden path or deal with obvious aroma chemicals, but want something more traditional and substantial for warmer days.

A reviewer on another site stated this: "...soapier, more floral and less spicy Drakkar Noir with excellent performance. I've worn it three times and I could see someone using this for work and most things casual. I can also see a younger person who might be wary of Drakkar wearing this. I bought the Rocky Man Irridium too and based on a couple sprays on my wrist it's a very nice EdT as well."

With neroli and citrus listed, and based upon other scents I've tried from this company, I thought this would be sharp, but it's actually quite soft. Some (younger people, most likely) may say it's at least a little musty, but certainly nowhere near so many other vintage scents. The vanilla is not obvious at all, but that's true of the other notes too (though the mossy quality is clear), as this is apparently meant to be an appealing blend, sort of like the grandfather of Dior Homme type scents. While it's quite pleasant, my guess is that some will find it on the boring side. It's not sweet nor floral enough to be "dandy"-ish, but rather more suggestive of an "older gentleman" of a comteplative nature. It's totally natural smelling and lasts well, but unless I found a bottle at a great price, I'd pass, because I don't envision myself wearing this often. Venezia Uomo is probably a better choice, as it's a bit more interesting and the prices are still not outrageous.