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Aramis Devin
Aramis Devin EDT (current) -
To my nose, Devin is a kissing cousin of Halston Z-14. A very similar grassy, pine and mild cinnamon opening that moves through a heart of soft florals before wrapping up with a base of leather, musk and moss.
I was concerned about the floral heart of this one before I tested as heavy florals are not my preference. I was pleasantly surprised as they blended in with deft subtlety. The blending here is so good that nothing in particular stands out or dominates the overall experience.
Devin offers up a really pleasant composition that would wear comfortably in a casual or formal setting. Like the entire Aramis Gentleman's line, you get a 100ml bottle for around $20 bucks, which is tough to beat. Viva Aramis!
4.5 stars
To my nose, Devin is a kissing cousin of Halston Z-14. A very similar grassy, pine and mild cinnamon opening that moves through a heart of soft florals before wrapping up with a base of leather, musk and moss.
I was concerned about the floral heart of this one before I tested as heavy florals are not my preference. I was pleasantly surprised as they blended in with deft subtlety. The blending here is so good that nothing in particular stands out or dominates the overall experience.
Devin offers up a really pleasant composition that would wear comfortably in a casual or formal setting. Like the entire Aramis Gentleman's line, you get a 100ml bottle for around $20 bucks, which is tough to beat. Viva Aramis!
4.5 stars
John Varvatos Dark Rebel
Longevity and projection are always connected to this line, but I enjoy the John Varvatos line for the exact opposite reason that it gets heavily criticized - I don’t need my fragrance to create a scent bubble a 1/4 mile out while continuing to pound off me for 12 hours.
For $30 bucks if it isn’t a synthetic mess and smells good then frag on baby. If I need 6-8 sprays then so be it.
Dark Rebel reminds me of a more tobacco smoke forward Halston Z-14. It has a mild cinnamon sweetness in the heart and leather in the base. Z-14 is more complex, but the vibe is similar overall.
3.5 stars
For $30 bucks if it isn’t a synthetic mess and smells good then frag on baby. If I need 6-8 sprays then so be it.
Dark Rebel reminds me of a more tobacco smoke forward Halston Z-14. It has a mild cinnamon sweetness in the heart and leather in the base. Z-14 is more complex, but the vibe is similar overall.
3.5 stars
Bentley for Men Absolute
Clearly, Michel Almairac had a job to do and many with the exception of only the most ardent Tom Ford era loyalists will enjoy this Gucci Pour Homme I re-creation. If you have never worn the original then you won't know what you are missing anyway - WIN!
For around $30 you can experience this interpretation while patiently waiting for your Ebay search engine to find a vintage bottle of GPH. Then you will need to make the call - pay my rent or get this juice!? (100 ml New In Box can go for $500 +).
I have worn GPH I for years and for me Bentley for Men Absolute is not a clone, but rather an impression. There are many similarities, but ultimately the composition of the original Gucci is superior as apparently synthetic oud is de rigueur in men's perfumery forever more.
Nevertheless, I look forward to wearing Bentley this Fall as the cooler weather will allow it to shine.
3.5 stars
For around $30 you can experience this interpretation while patiently waiting for your Ebay search engine to find a vintage bottle of GPH. Then you will need to make the call - pay my rent or get this juice!? (100 ml New In Box can go for $500 +).
I have worn GPH I for years and for me Bentley for Men Absolute is not a clone, but rather an impression. There are many similarities, but ultimately the composition of the original Gucci is superior as apparently synthetic oud is de rigueur in men's perfumery forever more.
Nevertheless, I look forward to wearing Bentley this Fall as the cooler weather will allow it to shine.
3.5 stars
2 Comments
Jacques Bogart Signature
A classic masculine fougere with a potent presence that says, "Hey, if you're not diggin' it then who asked you anyway?!" Dark leather, mildly bitter with a dry-drydown that doesn't disappoint.
There's a reason men have been pulling this steadfast rock out of their washroom cabinets for the past 40 years so wear with confidence.
4 stars
There's a reason men have been pulling this steadfast rock out of their washroom cabinets for the past 40 years so wear with confidence.
4 stars
Herrera for Men
"Herrera for Men" EDT (Original Formula, 1991) -
Along with Polo Green, "Herrera for Men" is Carlos Benaim's best work and my personal favorite from this house. The combo here of clove, tobacco and soft musk are expertly blended for a mildly sweet and earthy feel.
The original formulation does not have any synthetic moments to my nose and the overall longevity is strong at around 8 hours with 4 sprays.
3.5 stars
Along with Polo Green, "Herrera for Men" is Carlos Benaim's best work and my personal favorite from this house. The combo here of clove, tobacco and soft musk are expertly blended for a mildly sweet and earthy feel.
The original formulation does not have any synthetic moments to my nose and the overall longevity is strong at around 8 hours with 4 sprays.
3.5 stars
