Hey guys, Joe A. here with another one for ya'! As tight as The Booze Wars lineup is, narrowing it down to just 32 fragrances wasn’t easy and a few absolute heavy hitters were in the mix right up until the final cuts. These honorable mentions weren’t excluded because they lack quality, performance or boozy character, but because the brackets demanded balance, clarity and well-defined roles. If anything, these scents prove just how deep the boozy category really is and why building a focused war means ole Joe A.'s gotta make some tough calls... --- Roja Enigma Pour Homme Cologne --- Enigma is one of Roja Dove’s most recognizable signatures, blending rich cognac, wet tobacco, sweet vanilla, spices and citrus into a plush, polished boozy profile that straddles classic perfumery and modern indulgence. Where it would’ve fit: The Drinker or The Barrel, but it overlaps heavily with the “boozy authority” lane already represented. Why it missed: not due to quality, but because that specific role was already filled by stronger archetype fits. --- Navitus Parfums Raised Spirits --- Raised Spirits was designed from the ground up as a rum-forward boozy gourmand, layering dark rum, caramel, brown sugar, tobacco, oak and vanilla into a rich, dessert-like fragrance with clear alcohol intent. Where it would’ve fit: The Drinker, with a secondary pull toward The Barrel due to its oak and tobacco backbone. Why it missed: the Drinker bracket already leaned heavy into sweet boozy indulgence, and this one lost out on redundancy rather than merit. --- Plume Impressions Royal Bourbon --- Royal Bourbon leans into a rum-and-tobacco gourmand style, opening with spice and sweetness before settling into caramel, vanilla, amber and woods that emphasize warmth and comfort.

Alright guys, with The Booze Wars set to start soon, I received many messages from you guys saying they wish the could sample some of the contenders. Many of you haven’t even heard of some of them! Well, for a limited time, Joe A. Decants has all 32 fragrances from The Booze Wars available, every archetype, every bracket, all in one place! Whether you want to explore the indulgence of The Drinker, the craft of The Mixologist, the depth of The Barrel, or the atmosphere of The Barfly, this is your chance to experience the lineup before (or while) you vote. www.joeasdecants.com To make it even easier, I’ve set up a special 10% off code just for the Brotherhood. It’s my way of saying thanks for being part of the conversation, the debates and the #Journey. (Code = BROTHERHOOD) www.joeasdecants.com Quantities are limited and once the wars move on, this set won’t be around forever! So if you’ve been curious about any of these scents, now’s the time! Love to hear from ya’!

“Good ideas improve through restraint.” —Niche Perfumery Principle (paraphrased) Knowing what to remove matters as much as knowing what to add. Overworking usually ruins a good thing. Ask any reformulation! One day at a time guys, Enjoy the #Journey

uhmmm, no, no, no. Just...no! https://youtube.com/shorts/aLFFxs_A6V4?si=wfugrM1Tvtl0CxHj

(Rum, Liqueur, & Sweet Decadence Bracket) The Drinker bracket is about intention. These fragrances don’t just reference alcohol, they lean into the pleasure of it! Sweetness, warmth, richness and indulgence take center stage, whether that comes from rum-soaked gourmands, liqueur-drenched fruits or syrupy spices that feel like dessert with a kick. Some of these scents are here to taste(smell) good, smooth and comforting from the first spray. Others still remind you there’s alcohol in the glass, but never at the expense of enjoyment. This bracket asks a simple question: are you drinking for pleasure… or for proof? Fragrance mindset: Boozy gourmands, liqueur-soaked sweetness, dessert drinks with backbone. These scents don’t whisper, they seduce. They lean in close, linger a little too long, and leave you wanting another sip. Personality: ● Smooth talker ● Indulgent ● Comfort-driven ● Knows the bar staff by name Values: ● Sweetness ● Warmth ● Richness ● That “one more drink won’t hurt” feeling The Big Question: Is the best boozy fragrance the one that like, "tastes" the best… or the one that proves it’s actually booze? This bracket isn’t really about rum, cognac or liqueur. It’s about why we drink in the first place! What say you, guys? Love to hear from ya'! OFFICIAL SEEDING (Realism vs. Wearability) (1) By Kilian Black Phantom Dark rum, coffee, sugarcane and bitter chocolate create this dense, indulgent gourmand with real boozy weight. I believe this scent is about pleasure first, but it never hides the fact that alcohol is driving the experience. It belongs in The Booze Wars because it’s the benchmark for modern boozy indulgence done unapologetically, imho! (2) Initio Side Effect Rum, cinnamon, tobacco and vanilla hit with this warm spice and seductive intensity. The booze here isn’t sweet fluff, it’s like... bold... heated... intentionally provocative! Side Effect earns its spot by proving that alcohol accords can be both dangerous and irresistibly wearable!