Last night, I had the opportunity to try out Explorer Extreme by Montblanc during a date night with my wife at the Peso Pluma concert in Denver. Given the large venue and diverse crowd, I thought it was the perfect time to test this fragrance, and I'm glad I did. From the moment I applied it, the opening notes burst forth with a fresh citrus that’s beautifully paired with subtle spicy undertones. This combination is surprisingly refreshing, evoking memories of the deep, spiced citrus aromas you might encounter at a winter market. It’s fresh yet complex, which is a hard balance to strike but Montblanc has nailed it here. As the fragrance developed over the first half hour, it transitioned into a richer profile, incorporating amber, pepper, and leather. This shift created a bold and distinctly masculine scent in the mid-stage and untill the end, which I found very appealing. In terms of longevity and performance, Explorer Extreme impresses. The initial freshness lasts for about two hours before settling into a moderate aroma that persists for over eight hours. I applied it around 8 PM, and the next morning at 6 AM before my shower, I could still detect its presence. Overall, I align with many online reviewers—the scent can be likened to a less fruity version of Aventus Abolsu opening, with a more wearable and less spicy Dior Sauvage Elixir in its mid and base notes. For anyone who enjoys those fragrances, Explorer Extreme is a fantastic pick-up.

Yesterday was a nice day, it was a sunny beautiful 80 degree day. It was a Mancera Intense Cedrat Boise day, citrus, fruits and leather, but that was yesterday. Today the weather has taken a negative turn. Wet and cold rain with temps falling throughout into the evening. Needless to say I wanted something that would be more welcoming to the weather. Warm, smooth and invitingly luxurious. So I reached for one I have been neglecting, African Leather. The reason for the neglect is that my daily work environment is not as conducive to complex fragrance. Most days the hallways are awash with the wake of last nights Dior Sauvage and dorm room funk. So to wear something this dark and mysterious would be a little… confusing for those occupying those halls. This fragrance with that cardamom and pepper opening pulls you in and holds onto you with the leather and oud. It makes its presence known but also slinks into whatever darkness it can find. It wants to be worn when things are going to get a bit more… interesting. When the wife walked in she took a deep pull at the air and with a glint in her eye said in a sultry way “I do love that African Leather”. Yesterday was a nice day, but today is turning out perfect.

My wife places this sample on the counter last night and said "Wear this tomorrow" 😎 Who am I to complain!! When the Boss Speaks I listen!! This musky vanilla fragrance sits very nicely on the skin. I have been trying to take the sprays a bit "Easy" on some of these new samples, but I think I may have to put on a couple more of these soon. It is Vanilla forward even in the dry down, but not in a bad way. I get a hint of Pear mixed with powder that I find very interesting and calming. I also get some faint cedar or wood notes as well. Definitely seems office safe, I will see what my wife says about it when I get home. Happy Friday Everyone!

The last in the current line up of available Spicebombs. Said to be an intensified version of it's now discontinued presessesor the edt. It's a Spicy Woody/Leather fragrance. It takes the signature Spicebomb DNA and amplifies the "red hot" spices, adding a deeper, more sensual base. Whilst it remains a touch of the classic og it does steer away towards something subtly different. The initial spray is an intense, spicy explosion dominated by Chili Pepper and Cinnamon.pink pepper provides that recognisable of note. As it dries down, the prominent Leather accord emerges, it's almost carnal and combines with the continued heat of the Habanero for a smoky, sensual core. The scent ultimately settles into a warm, ambery dry-down of a Resinous Wood accord and more animalistic leather, whilst maintaining its spicy warmth throughout. Performance is not amazing, sometimes I expect too much, AI get 5ish hours on skin. It's designed to be inviting and sensual rather than overwhelmingly loud, creating a noticeable but not overbearing aura. Goes without saying this is a winter fragrance. We're the warm/Spicey heat can shine. Perfect for those cold nights. Whilst many consider this a mans scent, I think it works really well on a lady. The fragrance evokes a feeling of intense, glowing red heat, living up to its "Infrared" name. My Rating: 8.5/10 Scent: 2.5 Longevity: 2.5 Sillage: 2.5 Y/N: 1

FINALLY. After 2 years in the game i got my first compliment 🎊 Colleague said it was really nice and asked me what it was. Absolutely chuffed with the choice i made today. Layton is a 10/10 in my books now 😂