Behind every haul and shelf full of bottles, there’s a side we don’t always share… The burnout.. The nose fatigue.. we’re so niche-focused everything else seems boring.. The blind buys that were disappointing.. The never ending wishlist.. The bottles we never wear.. Wallet fatigue.. We chase releases, hype drops, and comparisons, and sometimes the magic fades. But then… why do we keep collecting..? Not for the numbers, not for the hype, but for what..??? I would love to hear your thoughts.. Gents.. What are your lows and struggles?

First off, a huge thank you to @Richard Weinberg for sending me this sample of Le Labo Myrrhe 55; what a treat! I was gutted to miss out on the City Exclusives this year, some four hours from the nearest boutique during their September worldwide tour. For those that don’t know, Le Labo City Exclusives are available only in their designated cities, except for September when they’re available worldwide for the month. Myrrhe 55 (Shanghai) is a warm, resinous gem, blending myrrh’s earthy depth with a smoky incense edge and a touch of creamy vanilla. It’s sophisticated yet cozy, with a lingering sillage that feels like a quiet luxury. The drydown is especially captivating, softening into a slightly powdery, amber like glow. I’ve yet to sample the rest of the City Exclusives, but I already want to add this one to my collection. Looks like I’ll be scouring the secondary market for a bottle or decant to hold me over until next September.