MrHonest

Kev Samuels mentioned that this is the perfect mix between Green Irish Tweed and Chez Bond and I would tend to agree. The opening is far better than Aspen or Cool Water but CW still edges it in longevity.

Sweet, green goodness is how I would describe the smell - strong lemon verbena, spiciness, violet and lavender. The only problem that I have is that it doesn't last more than 5 hours on my skin, with that awesome opening only pushing for the first 40 minutes. From there, it becomes more of a sweet, dusty, diluted remnant of GIT. So get yourself a travel atomizer with this one and you'll have no problem. Thumbs up to Armaf for a spectacular "representation". Although you might want to check out Estiara Stag Black since I've heard it's the same juice, but in a different bottle and at a cheaper price. Just a heads up.

The title says it all. The grapefruit up top is gen-u-ine. Bright, zesty and delicious. Then you get that trademark Bvlgari sophistication from a mass of pleasing notes (cactus? Wha?). But after that, it settles into a nice, spicy vetiver (from the cardamom) with just a hint of wood and amber to smooth it out. It's NOT heavy, nor does it scream. It's just a perfect businessman's everyday - sophisticated, pleasing and uplifting - like a big boy's ADG. No surprise, since Morillas created both.

Out of the entire Bvlgari line, I consider this to be the best and safest freshie - Amara, if you want some incense - and Man in Black for evening wear. That's a winning trio. But give this one a try if you enjoy citrus or vetiver.

This had been my signature scent since 2007, until it was recently dethroned by Bvlgari Man Extreme. It's an excellent office frag because it seems to evoke modern architecture with that crisp, well-blended mandarin-ginger combo, with a touch of aquatic-ness from the bamboo. It's a little sharp off the top, but when it dries down, the cedar comes out and gives it a solid base to hold onto. In fact, the overall feel is one of pencil shavings amidst a bowl of citrus fruit. At least, that's what I get.

I don't know why, but this frag always reminds me of academia. Maybe it's the pencil shaving analogy reminding me of elementary school, but I can totally see this being the signature scent of Principal Seymour Skinner from the Simpsons. It's just got that blue, sharp and proper feel about it, with and air of reliability and calmness. An easy dumb reach if that's what you're looking for. Perfect for most occasions and all ages. Plus, the longevity is good for a freshie. I just wish they had made the bottle bigger.

I'll try to keep this brief. The opening is shockingly identical to Sauvage - like 99%. But there's somthing missing in there...can you guess what?

Sauvage uses 3 kinds of peper. That's right, 3 kinds. The spiciness in Extreme Story is simply lacking. In here, it's more about the orange-geranium combo, with cardamom giving it some kick. Like I said, the opening is great and you've pretty much got Sauvage for like 30 minutes. But after that, the projection starts to wane pretty fast. Longevity is 6 hours TOPS, with it being a skin scent for the last 4. Shame - but then again, the potency of Sauvage always gave me a headache and this stuff is much more tolerable.

Seriously though, the blend is good and smooth - no complaints there - but the performance just doesn't measure up to the wild beast. Although, looking past the tacky presentation, I think this one still deserves a thumbs up. It trumps Zara's Aromatic Future in both smell and performance and the price is fantastic. Just spray your clothes and you should be good. Too bad it's only 75 mL, because I would love to go nuts on the trigger. TS, I guess.

First of all, the metal cap has the potential to KILL people. It's literally that heavy. Second, the bottle looks like it's melting, or perhaps like a drunk guy trying to walk - you know what I mean, how they lean backwards and eventually end up falling over to one side? Hahaha, I just can't get that picture out of my head.

But the scent itself is absolutely brilliant. I wouldn't say that it has the depth or richness of either Valentino Uomo or DH/DHI, but the iris note is identical. There's also some weird note on the top that kindof clashes with the iris - maybe the sage - and it's what sets this one apart at first. Personally, I don't find it all that pleasant, but it doesn't last and it's certainly not in the sillage.

The sweetness and powdery-ness get stronger in the drydown, and there's no need to worry about longevity issues. I honestly can't believe how good this is. If we're talking budget scents, then this has got to be in the top 5. Once again, bravo Armaf.

So if you're a fan of iris like I am, this is a SIMPLE blind buy. My gf doesn't like Zara 9.0, but adores this one. It's much sweeter and mass appealing I think, and without that extra cacao of DH, thankfully doesn't initially smell like dry cardboard, lol. Highly recommended and totally unisex.