SOTD: The Scentby Hugo Boss 25/02/2026

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The Scent was no doubt a bit of a shift for Hugo Boss, moving away from that office ready freshness of the early bottled era to a more sensual profile.Released in 2015 this aromatic Spicy scent was developed by Bruno Jovanovic & Pascal Gaurin. The use of Maninka fruit from South Africa, an ingredient exclusive to the brand at the time, which smells like a mix of passion fruit and rum. It is designed to be a slow burner, unfolding in three distinct stages:

The first spray is surprisingly sharp. The ginger isn't a ground ginger, it’s more like fresh-cut, spicy ginger root. Its fizzy & energetic. The mandarin adds a bright, juicy sweetness that prevents the ginger from being too harsh. It’s a classic hook designed to grab attention immediately. The core is where the fragrance becomes unique. After about 15 minutes, the citrus fades & the Maninka fruit takes center stage. The Maninka smells like a mix of passion fruit, rum & strawberry. It gives the scent a jammy, boozy, exotic sweetness. The lavender sits just beneath it, providing a clean, soapy backbone that keeps the fruitiness from becoming too cloying. As the fragrance settles the sweetness of the fruit retreats, and a smooth leather note emerges. This isn't a heavy leather; it’s more of a soft, brushed suede. Combined with the remaining Maninka, the dry down feels warm, intimate, and masculine. It creates a skin-scent effect that is designed to be noticed only by those standing very close to you.

Performance aint too bad, I get 5 to 6 hours on skin & clothes. Projection is moderate. Its definitly better suited to the colder months and can easily see you right for both casual day wear or for a more formal evening wear. Its versatile like that. However, if you are looking for a powerhouse that lasts 12+ hours, you might prefer the Absolute or Le Parfum versions of this same line.

My Rating 7/10

Scent 2.5

Longevity 2

Sillage 1.5

Y/N 1

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