This was my very first full‑size Tom Ford bottle, and easily the most expensive scent in my collection at the time. This was the big gun, kept strictly for special occasions and used sparingly. Here’s a fun fac some people might not know: it was originally launched back in 2006 as a women’s fragrance, crafted by perfumers David Apel and Pierre Negrin. It blew up so massively with men that Tom Ford rebranded it officially as unisex – and honestly, I’ve never once smelled it and thought “this is for ladies only”. Ignore the “Oriental Floral” label – this is dark, rich, heavy, and unapologetically powerful; a genuine masterpiece that stands entirely on its own. It opens with that famous, intoxicating blend of Black Truffle and Ylang‑Ylang, lifted gently by bright bergamot and bitter orange. Right behind it comes that mouth‑watering core: Black Orchid, Rum Absolute and Black Plum, thick, syrupy and seductive, before settling deep into earthy Patchouli, creamy vanilla and soft smoky incense that carries hints of dark chocolate. The florals are there, sure, but they never run the show – they just add depth and velvet to something that feels far wilder and more complex than any standard floral. There’s layer after layer here; I keep stopping to sniff my wrist as I write this and still pick up something new. Make no mistake – this one means business. It’s an absolute beast for performance: easily 8+ hours on skin, massive projection early on, and a trail people will remember long after you’ve left the room. A couple of spritz is plenty – overdo it and you’ll clear the building. It’s bold, polarising, and not for every occasion, but if you love scents with real weight and character? This is an addiction waiting to happen. And if the price tag is putting you off? There are some remarkably close dupes out there that capture that same dark magic for a fraction of the cost. But none will replace the original. My Rating 8.5 Scent 2.5 Longevity 2.5 Sillage 2.5 Y/N 1

And NO I don’t mean like I bought one, I have yet to get to be able to afford that bro! This is the first Clive Christian that I’ve sampled on myself today. I’ve smelled Blonde Amber and absolutely adore it, but my friend today who really likes Rock Rose on people, sprayed it on me today. Needless to say, I’m quite impressed. Contrary to what I originally thought, which I expected rose 🌹 or labdanum this one is a nice, herbal, fougere. A blend of spices and herbs such as nutmeg, saffron, lavender, and pepper, blended with citrus, florals, and an ambery, sweet base. While this isn’t a traditional one I’d like, my friend really really likes this one on me, so honestly this is one I’d be willing to try more and grow on. It’s opulent, wealthy smelling, and classy without smelling dated. I’ll be trying blonde amber next, although it’s much trickier to find a time to wear this one in the high heat.