Hey guys, Joe A. here with a follow-up for ya’! First off, @Jeff Beason had a great couple of questions regarding what proper handling, contamination avoidance and best decanting practices actually entails. Let’s start with proper handling, because that’s the foundation. A fragrance should be treated like what it is, a carefully blended chemical composition, not just “juice in a bottle.” That means storing bottles away from heat, direct sunlight and constant temperature swings. When decanting, clean hands are a must (I like using disposable gloves), work surfaces should be wiped down and bottles should be open only as long as necessary. Less air exposure = better integrity of the scent. A reputable decanter treats every bottle like it’s their own collection, not something to rush through. Next up: avoiding contamination! Contamination happens when foreign substances like old fragrance residue, dust, oils, or even moisture, get introduced into the fragrance. This is why dedicated/disposable tools matter. Atomizers, syringes, funnels, and transfer tools should either be brand new or thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses. I've found that 99% alcohol works phenomenally with cleaning glass! Mixing tools between fragrances without proper cleaning is a big no-no. Even something as small as reusing a pipette without cleaning can alter the scent over time. Clean tools, clean bottles, clean process, sounds simple, but it's uber critical. Now let’s talk about the best way to decant, the right way.The gold standard is minimizing air exposure and avoiding unnecessary contact. Many experienced decanters (like good ol' Joe A. here) use syringe-based extraction or controlled spray transfers, depending on bottle design, always into high-quality atomizers that seal properly. The atomizer itself matters more than people think as cheap sprayers can leak, clog or allow excessive evaporation. Teflon tape is a good add, but I caution that excessive use can unseat a sprayer and do more harm than good. A good decant should spray evenly, seal tightly and protect the fragrance just like the original bottle would.

“Perfume makes silence speak.” — Roja Dove Sometimes presence says more than words ever could! Enjoy the #Journey. Love to hear from ya’!

Hey guys, Joe A. here with another one for ya’! Today I'd like to talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves in the fragrance world: decants. Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or deep enough in that your shelf is starting to look like a department store, decants can be one of the smartest tools in your fragrance journey, that is, if you use them right! So first things first, what is a decant? A decant is simply a smaller amount of fragrance transferred from a full retail bottle into a smaller atomizer, usually anywhere from 2ml to 10ml (sometimes more). Same juice. Same formula. Just not the full bottle commitment. Think of it like ordering a flight instead of buying the whole bottle of whiskey, you still get the experience, just without the long-term relationship paperwork! Now let’s talk why decants are so beneficial, because this is where things get real. Fragrances don’t reveal their full personality in one spray at a department store or off a paper strip. You need wear time. Different weather. Different moods. A decant lets you live with a fragrance, see how it performs on your skin, in your climate, during your daily routine. It’s the difference between liking something in theory and actually loving it in practice. Plus, let’s be honest, blind buying full bottles gets expensive fast... real fast! Decants let you explore niche, indie, and higher-end scents without turning your hobby into a financial regret! Decants are also huge for education and comparison. Want to compare three fougères side by side? Or see how a modern blue stacks up against a classic? Decants make that possible. They’re how you build your nose, refine your taste, and avoid buying bottles that just don’t fit your style. For newer folks, decants are basically fragrance school without the tuition bill. For seasoned fragheads, they’re how you stay curious without drowning in bottles. But, and this is important, not all decants are created equal. This is where using a reputable decant site or seller matters. A trustworthy source ensures the fragrance is authentic, properly stored, cleanly transferred, and accurately labeled. Poor decants can mean diluted juice, contamination, evaporation, or worst of all… something that isn’t even the fragrance it claims to be! A good decanter respects the fragrance, the customer, and the craft. Transparency, clear sourcing, and proper handling aren’t “extras”, they’re non-negotiables!!

Hey Guys Joe A. here with another one for ya'! Today's frag: Penhaligon's Sartorial. OMG!!! So, what do a northwestern lumberjack, a south Texas cattle rancher, a NY stock exchange broker, a Miami drug kingpin, and an antebellum southern genteelman all have in common? That's right, these manly men are the images I get when smelling Sartorial!! This fragrance is the absolute king of "Barbershop" scents, hands-down. Fashioned as a fougere-like scent, I'm hit with a blast of cardamom and beeswax smoothly blended with lavender and leather. It's an absolute must have folks!! I have to say, I've worn this before, so today I limited my sprays to a paltry 4! This frag is strong and projects, I believe you can kill yourself if you overspray. Sartorial also lasts and lasts and has a large projection for at least the first four hours. It has a deep and rich scent, perfect balance between sweet and leathery. After the dry-down, the leather comes out fully and still radiates about a foot or so around you. Smelling this, I felt I had to dress a bit better. It's that good!! This scent I would characterize as the very definition of "Barbershop", refined and mature. I see older gentlemen wearing this, if you're in your twenties or so, forget about it, unless you're in your best suit (think Don Corleone) It can be used in the office but lay off the trigger!! I have no scent comparisons but it's beast mode beats out Red Tobacco!! Longevity: over 12 hrs, Sillage: Strong for 4 hrs, afterwards Moderate. Projection: Moderate. Final Verdict: Guys, even as Joe Average, save up your spare change! Look under the couch cushions, roll your quarters, pick up any loose nickels and pennies (even the face down ones). Take change from the wishing well if you have to (no, no, don't steal...) Do whatever you have to to get the funds for this fragrance. It is absolutely worth it! Fall, Winter, Spring, day or night! And because you don't need much sprays, this'll last! I give this one an 11/10 simply because it's my defining frag in this category. All others have a high bar to reach!!

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