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Under the radar booze and spice gem!
I first encountered this fragrance a few months ago while I was browsing and testing in a store and it was love at first sniff! Actually not quite love but an 'intense' immediate attraction, or lust! It took me a few instants to appreciate what I was smelling but when I did... wow! Comparing to the well known original Azzaro pour Homme this was something altogether very different. Exciting, beguiling, spicy, boozy, somehow fun and at the same time incredibly manly. I'm not the most experienced 'frag-head' but I would say this is as close as I've come to a masterpiece designer fragrance!
The note breakdown and general vibe of Azzaro pour Homme Intense 2015 (surely a less confusing more appropriate name could've been adopted?) is less 'old school' and more modern than the big daddy himself Azzaro Pour Homme, released way back in the 1970s. A delicious and dark brandy note dances with a generous dose of sexy cinnamon while later notes of vetiver, sweet amber and tonka come to the fore, however the opening combo stick around for the duration, which by the way is very respectable if not excessive for an EDP. I can't really compare this too much with other fragrances, I think it's quite unique although it does give a very slight nod or wink somehow to the original pour homme despite the big differences in notes. It also reminds me a little of a low priced (yet superb) fragrance I own called Terre d'Evasion by Inessance which also has the star pairing of Brandy & cinnamon although that one is a bit more fruity (plum) & sweet with a hint of tobacco.
This could be worn any time except excessive heat but I feel the ideal time is late autumn and winter, the cold days, yet it would also be an awesome choice for nights out, inside or out. It will definitely gain you attention, it has a bold yet paradoxically darkly attractive, almost elegant swagger to it. Bereft of much hype this fragrance by Azzaro demands your attention, don't sleep on this one people as there is a possibility that is has been discontinued already (according to a sales rep at my local well known 'S' perfumery in France), this would be a huge shame as the '2015' moniker doesn't do justice to what I believe will become a timeless (yet little known) classic. It won't be stuck in 2015 but rather will always smell incredibly relevant!
If you want something a little different from everyone else check out this gorgeous masculine gem (and indeed other flankers in this line from this underrated & overlooked house) and let the others all smell the same!
Scent: 10/10 (a definite LOVE!)
Longevity: 8
Projection/sillage: 8
Uniqueness: 8.5
Bottle: 8
The note breakdown and general vibe of Azzaro pour Homme Intense 2015 (surely a less confusing more appropriate name could've been adopted?) is less 'old school' and more modern than the big daddy himself Azzaro Pour Homme, released way back in the 1970s. A delicious and dark brandy note dances with a generous dose of sexy cinnamon while later notes of vetiver, sweet amber and tonka come to the fore, however the opening combo stick around for the duration, which by the way is very respectable if not excessive for an EDP. I can't really compare this too much with other fragrances, I think it's quite unique although it does give a very slight nod or wink somehow to the original pour homme despite the big differences in notes. It also reminds me a little of a low priced (yet superb) fragrance I own called Terre d'Evasion by Inessance which also has the star pairing of Brandy & cinnamon although that one is a bit more fruity (plum) & sweet with a hint of tobacco.
This could be worn any time except excessive heat but I feel the ideal time is late autumn and winter, the cold days, yet it would also be an awesome choice for nights out, inside or out. It will definitely gain you attention, it has a bold yet paradoxically darkly attractive, almost elegant swagger to it. Bereft of much hype this fragrance by Azzaro demands your attention, don't sleep on this one people as there is a possibility that is has been discontinued already (according to a sales rep at my local well known 'S' perfumery in France), this would be a huge shame as the '2015' moniker doesn't do justice to what I believe will become a timeless (yet little known) classic. It won't be stuck in 2015 but rather will always smell incredibly relevant!
If you want something a little different from everyone else check out this gorgeous masculine gem (and indeed other flankers in this line from this underrated & overlooked house) and let the others all smell the same!
Scent: 10/10 (a definite LOVE!)
Longevity: 8
Projection/sillage: 8
Uniqueness: 8.5
Bottle: 8
2 Comments
Much more than a 'flanker' - a unique and original CK release!
I vaguely remember testing this in-store upon release years ago and yes I was kind-of shocked as it was so different to the original CK One! So in that respect the name is rather apt, this is far from your standard 'freshie'! Fast forward several years and with my new-found fragrance passion I had to try this again...
CK One Shock starts out fresh with lavender, clementine and some green notes, then transitions into a moderately spicy-sweet fragrance. I detect a fruity cola-like scent, which some call the 'energy drink' note. It could be the fruity smelling 'osmanthus blossom' (not mentioned above) combining with the cardamom, the basil gives off a slight minty freshness backed by a sweet tobacco. I don't find the tobacco overbearing, it's there but well blended with the other notes never hogging the limelight. The dry-down is full of smooth amber and some of those sweet-spicy cola tobacco nuances with a touch of patchouli, whilst somehow retaining some freshness throughout. This is a really pleasant fragrance which to my nose is not 'shocking' at all, it's a nice surprise though!
CK One Shock really could've been a standalone release, it's identity is that strong and full of character, very different from CK One and I guess it's closer in spirit to CK Be if anything, although they have very different scents. At first I wasn't sure about performance (in high summer heat) but I've since worn it in slightly cooler weather and it definitely projects with great sillage (people have told me!), leaving a real scent trail. This will be near the top of my list for autumn/fall for sure, one of my best buys of 2018 so far!
Scent: 8.5/10
Projection/sillage: 8/10 - At least 3 hours of strong projection in mild weather (20c) with decent sillage.
Longevity: 7.5/10 - 6+ hours easy. Lasts much much longer on clothing (24+ hours!)!
Bottle: 8/10: Although nothing new (ck one line) it's very well finished, superb (and generous) sprayer.
Value for money: 9.5/10 (I paid 26 euros + 6 euros shipping for a 200ml bottle-bargain!)
Overall: 9/10
Batch code: F8 0140901116
Ref: 789476
Made in France
CK One Shock starts out fresh with lavender, clementine and some green notes, then transitions into a moderately spicy-sweet fragrance. I detect a fruity cola-like scent, which some call the 'energy drink' note. It could be the fruity smelling 'osmanthus blossom' (not mentioned above) combining with the cardamom, the basil gives off a slight minty freshness backed by a sweet tobacco. I don't find the tobacco overbearing, it's there but well blended with the other notes never hogging the limelight. The dry-down is full of smooth amber and some of those sweet-spicy cola tobacco nuances with a touch of patchouli, whilst somehow retaining some freshness throughout. This is a really pleasant fragrance which to my nose is not 'shocking' at all, it's a nice surprise though!
CK One Shock really could've been a standalone release, it's identity is that strong and full of character, very different from CK One and I guess it's closer in spirit to CK Be if anything, although they have very different scents. At first I wasn't sure about performance (in high summer heat) but I've since worn it in slightly cooler weather and it definitely projects with great sillage (people have told me!), leaving a real scent trail. This will be near the top of my list for autumn/fall for sure, one of my best buys of 2018 so far!
Scent: 8.5/10
Projection/sillage: 8/10 - At least 3 hours of strong projection in mild weather (20c) with decent sillage.
Longevity: 7.5/10 - 6+ hours easy. Lasts much much longer on clothing (24+ hours!)!
Bottle: 8/10: Although nothing new (ck one line) it's very well finished, superb (and generous) sprayer.
Value for money: 9.5/10 (I paid 26 euros + 6 euros shipping for a 200ml bottle-bargain!)
Overall: 9/10
Batch code: F8 0140901116
Ref: 789476
Made in France
A Wild clone called Stone
This fragrance which is sold in a chain of fashion stores called Next is, to my nose at least (and anyone with a sense of smell I reckon), very similar to the incredibly popular but also quite divisive (particularly in the 'fragrance community) crowd pleasing all-rounder Dior Sauvage EDT, so anyone who doesn't like Sauvage you have been warned. I have never owned a full bottle of the Dior fragrance but I have a decant. Comparing the two the opening blast is harsher from UE Stone and it doesn't project quite as much as the Dior scent either but considering the large difference in price this is no big surprise. There are subtle differences in the scents and indeed the notes listed are far from identical here are the 'Stone' notes as listed on the packaging (it's possible that some are simply not listed I suppose);
Top Notes: Pepper & Bergamot
Heart: Geranium & Lavender
Base: Cedar
So apparently a more simple note breakdown compared to Sauvage which also has ambrox, elemi resin, patchouli, vetiver and two types of pepper listed (Sichuan and pink), and possibly a few more. This increased complexity seems to show itself as the Dior fragrance is much smoother and also has more going on when sniffed up close, however in the air the two scents are pretty close.
To cut a long story short, this fragrance is an excellent less expensive option if you are on a budget but want to smell good and have that Dior Sauvage vibe for a lower price. Like most clones it won't replace the high quality (scent and performance) of the original and it won't give you beast mode but it certainly makes a decent effort all the same!
Special thanks to SirSmellAlot who pointed me in the direction of this juice (check out his Youtube channel)!
Scent: 8 (in terms of likeness to Sauvage) 7.5 in terms of personal taste.
Longevity: 7
Projection/Sillage: 6.5
Bottle: 8 (also great sprayer, naff cap though!)
Value for money: 9 (£15 for 100ml)
Top Notes: Pepper & Bergamot
Heart: Geranium & Lavender
Base: Cedar
So apparently a more simple note breakdown compared to Sauvage which also has ambrox, elemi resin, patchouli, vetiver and two types of pepper listed (Sichuan and pink), and possibly a few more. This increased complexity seems to show itself as the Dior fragrance is much smoother and also has more going on when sniffed up close, however in the air the two scents are pretty close.
To cut a long story short, this fragrance is an excellent less expensive option if you are on a budget but want to smell good and have that Dior Sauvage vibe for a lower price. Like most clones it won't replace the high quality (scent and performance) of the original and it won't give you beast mode but it certainly makes a decent effort all the same!
Special thanks to SirSmellAlot who pointed me in the direction of this juice (check out his Youtube channel)!
Scent: 8 (in terms of likeness to Sauvage) 7.5 in terms of personal taste.
Longevity: 7
Projection/Sillage: 6.5
Bottle: 8 (also great sprayer, naff cap though!)
Value for money: 9 (£15 for 100ml)
2 Comments
To be sweet and cheerful!
I'm wearing this scent today and the first thing I've got to say is that this is not an aquatic or freshie, despite what the watery blue colour of the liquid and the top grapefruit note may lead you to believe that. I know the term synthetic is perhaps overused but I think it's quite apt here, for me it's one of those fragrances that hits me in the throat right from the off and isn't all that pleasant to wear. It looks a lot of fun with it's skull shaped-bottle but the initial fresh grapefruit blast opening (sadly for a freshie lover like me) quickly mutates into a synthetic pepper heavy blast!
I'm a fan of the presentation the bottle really looks great (if kind of gimmicky!) especially in this alluring shade of blue but the scent makes me picture purple or perhaps even a gold, or both! Police To Be is a fun & youthful nighttime/party fragrance, to a certain extent it recalls scents like Boss bottled, One Million et al, just not as spicy as some of those and with a touch more freshness. It even makes me think of something that the house of Jacques Bogart might produce, as it is certainly strong and has that trademark sweetness. Apart from the harsh synthetic peppery opening (the grapefruit vanishes almost immediately to my nose) the dry-down is quite linear, it stays sweet & floral (violet & amber) with a little spice thrown in to the mix. I think it could get quite cloying on hot days.
There's not really much left to say about this one, apart from the fact it does seem to last a long time and project well too, so it presents great value for money given the prices it can be found for, especially online. Right now I can't see myself wearing this one a lot, even as a dumb grab, but I'll keep it in mind for when the days start to become colder again (which is a long way off!) as I think it would be more suitable (and perhaps even kind of appealing) then.
To be...continued.
I'm a fan of the presentation the bottle really looks great (if kind of gimmicky!) especially in this alluring shade of blue but the scent makes me picture purple or perhaps even a gold, or both! Police To Be is a fun & youthful nighttime/party fragrance, to a certain extent it recalls scents like Boss bottled, One Million et al, just not as spicy as some of those and with a touch more freshness. It even makes me think of something that the house of Jacques Bogart might produce, as it is certainly strong and has that trademark sweetness. Apart from the harsh synthetic peppery opening (the grapefruit vanishes almost immediately to my nose) the dry-down is quite linear, it stays sweet & floral (violet & amber) with a little spice thrown in to the mix. I think it could get quite cloying on hot days.
There's not really much left to say about this one, apart from the fact it does seem to last a long time and project well too, so it presents great value for money given the prices it can be found for, especially online. Right now I can't see myself wearing this one a lot, even as a dumb grab, but I'll keep it in mind for when the days start to become colder again (which is a long way off!) as I think it would be more suitable (and perhaps even kind of appealing) then.
To be...continued.
2 Comments
A real Legend in the making.
The Montblanc 'Legend' fragrance line is surely one of the most consistently solid lines in the designer scent market. So far my preference has been for Legend spirit (LS) over the Legend original (LO), mainly because I'm a lover of fresh scents, particularly at this time of the year. That said after scoring samples in a store for both LS and LO it wasn't such an easy choice at first but the fantastic white freshie won in the end and I bought a bottle.
So to Legend intense (LI). I tried this in a store in (my old home town) London as it was impossible to find here in France where I live, I just didn't want to blind buy. A couple of sprays on my forearm and it was love or rather 'lust' at first sniff. It just smells so lushly aromatic and classy. Fruity, woody and sweet but not cloying. The notes of red apple, pineapple, bergamot, cardamom and tonka join forces to create something incredibly alluring. In the background are some floral notes (jasmine), ambergris and oak moss on the sturdy woodsy and resinous base. I don't know what pepperwood/hercules' club smells like but perhaps it's this note that gives Legend Intense another little something special too.
A warm spring day, walking along (the typically hectic) Oxford street catching wafts of this captivating scent (I must've looked odd in the rush hour human traffic sniffing my arm every now and then, but in this eccentric city anything goes!). The evening signaled a heavy metal concert and the excellent 'Machine Head' in a packed-out, hot and sweat-inducing venue. After the show, on the train home dripping with sweat and a change of t shirt I was amazed that I could still smell the Legend Intense on my arm. Like a previous reviewer said, it (still) smelled almost good enough to eat.
Upon receiving my bottle I tested the fragrance. Sprayed at 7pm I could still smell it on my arm at 10am the morning after, it would've lasted longer if I hadn't taken a shower, so longevity is very good. Sillage and projection are more moderate but still decent. My sprayer is stiffer than on the LS bottle so it's either a big spray or nothing (maybe I got a dud), great looking bottle though, as usual with the Legend range.
With LI I have discovered (another) new favourite. I'm really impressed. To my nose this is a magnificent fragrance, class in a bottle. It beats the original as an all round, all seasons scent and is longer lasting too as you would hope for given it's name. It seems more complex and interesting than the original too, there's more going on but it never seems too much. LI is one of those fragrances that could be worn in any situation (except perhaps extreme heat) and will garner nods of approval and turn heads rather than offend. Just bear in mind you'll be continually sniffing yourself! Here's hoping the ladies like this scent as much as I do and if they don't, well they're just going to have to miss out then!
I just hope it doesn't get discontinued (if it isn't already) as it wasn't so easy to find for me. With Legend Spirit I found a gem, with Legend Intense I unearthed a real treasure. My advice-get it now.
So to Legend intense (LI). I tried this in a store in (my old home town) London as it was impossible to find here in France where I live, I just didn't want to blind buy. A couple of sprays on my forearm and it was love or rather 'lust' at first sniff. It just smells so lushly aromatic and classy. Fruity, woody and sweet but not cloying. The notes of red apple, pineapple, bergamot, cardamom and tonka join forces to create something incredibly alluring. In the background are some floral notes (jasmine), ambergris and oak moss on the sturdy woodsy and resinous base. I don't know what pepperwood/hercules' club smells like but perhaps it's this note that gives Legend Intense another little something special too.
A warm spring day, walking along (the typically hectic) Oxford street catching wafts of this captivating scent (I must've looked odd in the rush hour human traffic sniffing my arm every now and then, but in this eccentric city anything goes!). The evening signaled a heavy metal concert and the excellent 'Machine Head' in a packed-out, hot and sweat-inducing venue. After the show, on the train home dripping with sweat and a change of t shirt I was amazed that I could still smell the Legend Intense on my arm. Like a previous reviewer said, it (still) smelled almost good enough to eat.
Upon receiving my bottle I tested the fragrance. Sprayed at 7pm I could still smell it on my arm at 10am the morning after, it would've lasted longer if I hadn't taken a shower, so longevity is very good. Sillage and projection are more moderate but still decent. My sprayer is stiffer than on the LS bottle so it's either a big spray or nothing (maybe I got a dud), great looking bottle though, as usual with the Legend range.
With LI I have discovered (another) new favourite. I'm really impressed. To my nose this is a magnificent fragrance, class in a bottle. It beats the original as an all round, all seasons scent and is longer lasting too as you would hope for given it's name. It seems more complex and interesting than the original too, there's more going on but it never seems too much. LI is one of those fragrances that could be worn in any situation (except perhaps extreme heat) and will garner nods of approval and turn heads rather than offend. Just bear in mind you'll be continually sniffing yourself! Here's hoping the ladies like this scent as much as I do and if they don't, well they're just going to have to miss out then!
I just hope it doesn't get discontinued (if it isn't already) as it wasn't so easy to find for me. With Legend Spirit I found a gem, with Legend Intense I unearthed a real treasure. My advice-get it now.
