Wanted to share my Christmas fragrance haul. It’s a solid lineup with a mix of bold statements, everyday go-tos, and a couple of cozy gems. Center (ornate bottle): Arabesque by The Merchant of Venice This one’s rich and intimate, opening with spicy ginger and tobacco leaves wrapped in a touch of sweet plum. As it warms up, cinnamon and cedarwood add depth, and it all settles into a smooth blend of vetiver and musk. Elegant but with a bold, aromatic edge. Notes: ginger, tobacco leaves, plum, cinnamon, cedarwood, vetiver, musk Lower left (blue bottle): Venetian Blue by The Merchant of Venice It has that modern blue scent vibe with a fresh citrus punch, a bit of spice, and a smoky, mossy base. Apple and pineapple give it a juicy lift while patchouli, birch, ambergris, and musk keep it grounded. Clean, energetic, and easy to wear. Notes: bergamot, lemon, pink peppercorns, apple, pineapple, patchouli, birch, ambergris, musk Right (black bottle): Irish Leather by Memo Paris Earthy and green with a leathery core, this one brings a rugged, outdoorsy energy. Juniper and mate give it a sharp, clean twist. Masculine and full of character. Top left (small bottle): Italiano by DUA A cozy sweet-leather scent with that unmistakable Italian gourmand style. It’s smooth and comforting but still feels polished and modern. Top right (small bottle): Valiant Soul by DUA Warm, woody, and ambery with a refined feel. It’s approachable but still elevated, great for when you want something easygoing without being too basic. Still have two more on the way.

I have mostly been a lurker here because as a scent newbie I stand by the “ remain silent and be thought a fool rather than speak and remove all doubt” statement. I have elected to pay to stay here and continue to learn but I know some of you will leave and I wanted to make sure you each knew you were appreciated. I feel not about paying for access but helping to continue to support the group and pay my share. If I was in Antonio’s shoes it would be hard for me to swallow my pride and ask for help. At any rate you guys are awesome and I wish you the very best no matter your choice.

These 2 new bottles came in a few days ago but since I was spending time with my son I didn't get to post about them. I did test them out, but not a full wear, just for a "sniff". I'll post a full review after they sit for a bit. Y&L - Hitman (inspired bit Creed Green Irish Tweed) TOP NOTES: Lemon Verbena MIDDLE NOTES: Violet Leaf BASE NOTES: Ambergris, Sandalwood Price: $50.99 Y&L - Sahil (inspired by Parfums de Marly Sedley) TOP NOTES: Lemon, Mint, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange MIDDLE NOTES: Lavender, Rosemary, Geranium, Olibanum BASE NOTES: Ambroxan, Sandalwood, Cashmeran, Vetiver, Cedar, Patchouli Price: $63.74 Does anyone have experience with Yom and Layl? I would love to read your thoughts on them. Either way have great rest of the night, my peoples.

… not sure I’m going to make it to 9. Going to have to sit back and think if this community is really for me. I enjoy sharing fragrances and thoughts, but it seems way too serious. I enjoy having fun and being a sarcastic twit, sharing things I believe others will find fun, interesting, informative and ( hopefully ) useful. But this almost seems like a competition, more a race to see who can post the most and show off their “knowledge” rather than share … not really the family I thought I was looking for. I know this isn’t an airport and I’m not announcing my departure … yet, but I think I’m going to take a sabbatical and see if I can realign my priorities with the rest , until then - Happy Smells and a Wonderful 2025 All !!

I've never tried this one before, and I'm not too well versed in iris fragrances, but with all of the positive comments about it from many of you grizzled fragrance veterans, I took a chance on a decant, and I'm glad I did! For those that aren't familiar, it opens with a strong dose of iris, with everything else supporting and enhancing that note. I thought it might be too heavy or powdery, and I was expecting a so-so designer fragrance, but it is none of those things. The iris note is rich, and full, but not thick or suffocating. Its floral nature is just a touch airy, and the supporting amber & woods provide enough substance to carry the fragrance all day long, without giving it a "woody" aroma. The smell is uplifting, masculine and satisfying. I talk fragrance almost everyday with a female coworker, and when I showed her this one, she smiled and said, "That smells goooood!" The sillage was rock solid, and moderate for 4 hours, then steady mild to 8+ hours. I was still catching whiffs of it when I walked to my car after work. L'Homme Intense smells great, and i could see deploying it in a variety of situations, but I think it leans more to the dressed up, elegant, intentional side of things. I also don't think this is suited for outdoor heat, but it would excel in cooler weather or anytime indoors. My next move with this is to compare it with ATH's Homme, which is also iris based. I suspect Homme is stronger and louder, but we shall see. Have a great night brothers!