Gents, it’s been a month since I last posted here—for good reason. I just finished a month-long perfume fast. I started collecting not too long ago, and everything was going great… until my wife “noticed” that everyone at home was having allergies. I knew it wasn’t the fragrances, but she kept insisting they were the culprit. So I proposed a deal: “Alright, no sprays for 30 days. If after that we’re fine, and then a fragrance sets us off, I’ll toss the entire collection.” She was aghast. Well, we did it. And during that no-fragrance period, allergies kept happening anyway—our daughters coughing at night, my wife with sore eyes and throat. I never missed a chance to joke: “Maybe we’re allergic to perfume bottles,” or “ah yes, scentless perfume strikes again.” Finally, she admitted it was just spring allergies (we’re in the southern hemisphere). Which means: I’m happily back to spraying my favorite fragrances without guilt.

Hey gents, I'm thrilled to announce the winners of this epic giveaway: Watches: Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T Eco-Drive Black Titanium Watch - @Steven Hotchkiss Melbourne Carlton Chronograph in Classic Rose 42mm - @John C Style Gear: MAHI THe Columbus Leather Travel Bag In Brown - @Justin Tillery MAHI The Cornell Leather Satchel Brown - @Dillon Carson MAHI The Messenger Leather Satchel In Brown - @Alex Kilpatrick Fragrances: Mei Bisous A Wondrous Flight - @Devin Christensen M. Micallef GNTONIC Eau De Parfum - @George Hernandez Omanluxury Overdose Eau De Parfum - @Scott Ripley Spirit of Kings Arrakis Eau De Parfum - @Joel Keefer Jacques Zolty Me Gustas Eau De Parfum - @John Palermo Mystery Prize Winners: @Fernando Mendoza @Rich Toczynski @Christopher Trujillo @Blake Merl

I did. It keeps a record of my daily wear, likes and dislikes. Its kind of a neat assistant. Here is what it put together. No idea if it is right. Oh, it was right about Azzaro. Thoughts? 🔍 Refined Try List (Top 5 per Category) Tier 1 — Must Try (Direct fit with your favorites) 1. YSL La Nuit de l’Homme Bleu Électrique → Spicy-fresh elegance bridging Bleu & JV. 2. Hermès H24 Eau de Parfum → Woody-green/metallic freshness, Dior Homme + Explorer Ultra Blue vibe. 3. Parfums de Marly Percival → Bright aromatic citrus/woods, refined niche take on Bleu DNA. 4. Xerjoff Renaissance → Italian citrus/green sophistication, niche freshie with power. 5. Creed Aventus → Fruity-woody-smoky classic; versatile rival to Bleu EDT/L’Exclusif. Tier 2 — Strong Candidates (Warm, spicy, bold complexity) 1. Xerjoff Naxos → Honeyed tobacco + lavender/citrus; niche luxury version of your warm cluster. 2. Creed Royal Oud → Spicy-woody gentleman’s oud, 10–12h longevity, boardroom strength. 3. Cartier Déclaration Parfum → Heritage spicy-woody elegance, Fahrenheit-adjacent. 4. Tom Ford Oud Minerale → Marine + woody-oud complexity, fresh yet dark. 5. Amouage Reflection Man → Floral-woody niche staple; polished and long-lasting. Tier 3 — Optional (Heritage & exploration freshies) 1. Creed Viking Cologne → Spicy-aromatic freshie, Bleu with added pepper. 2. Creed Green Irish Tweed → Refined green heritage classic, smooth and long-lasting. 3. Creed Himalaya → Clean, mineral-woody freshness, Dior Homme/H24 adjacent. 4. Xerjoff Uden → Rum + coffee + citrus; niche take on warm-fresh balance. 5. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Homme Extrait → Woody-citrus with resin depth, refined niche freshness. ⚠️ Skip / Allergy Avoidance - Givenchy Pi → Almond, allergy risk. - Guerlain L’Homme Idéal line → Almond, skip. - Azzaro Wanted family → Already disliked. - Creed Millésime Impérial → Weak longevity (4–6h).

I know these aren´t groundbreaking AT ALL, but I´m just starting my collection and I'm trying not to get overboard with my newly acquired hobby. First, I wanted a daily use fragrance that smells clean, masculine and serious. I already have Montblanc Starwalker, which is AMAZING, but I wanted something classic and cheap for home use, as I spend most of my time locked in my studio. Also something recognizable yet uncommon today. Quorum seemed like a safe bet. For special ocassions, I wanted something modern yet daring. I haven't smelled any of the Encre Noire fragrances (I haven't even opened this one yet), but the "ink" theme just seemed like my thing. So I bought the darkest one, and I will be trying it in the next few days for a couple of events. And that´s an IPA. I love bitter scents and flavors. If any of you have tried these fragrances, I´d like to know your thoughts and experiences with them. What made you buy them? What do you love/hate about them? How do people react to them?

L'eau D'issey Or Encens by Issey Miyake is quickly becoming a fettish. The note dancing and heavy incense intensity has really got me hooked. Sadly, this excitement will have to be squashed, lest I burn through a bottle not easily obtained. I hadn't planned on wearing this yet again so soon, but what better place to wear such a scent profile than to Church services. This just gets better and better every time I spray it!