Hot of the shelves with the latest release from Cerruti, I passed on the original Vivo, although nice, itwas nothing special. The only other bottle from this house that I enjoy is 1881 Silver. The elixir on the other hand is a banger. Its bold, Intense & modern. Created by perfumers Frank Voelkl Grégoire Balleydier, it blends Eastern-inspired richness with a classic Western fougère structure, It opens with a bright, spicy kick. Pink pepper adds vibrancy, nutmeg brings creaminess, whilst the lavandin injects fresh, aromatic energy. At the heart it deepens into a warm, luxurious core. Saffron provides an exotic, slightly powdery richness, while vanilla & suede add softness, sweetness with a leathery texture. Moving into the base as it settles into a smoky, resinous, woody dry-down. Oud contributes dept with a touch of mystery, cedar adds crispness, and the Amberever molecule enhances longevity with a powerful amber/woody glow. Its striking contrast between fresh aromatic spices and rich, smoky orientals. It performs well, easily reaching the 7hr mark, it projects well for about 3hrs, before settling into a noticable scent bubble. An u usual bottle, looks like a soda can and there is a rotating ring around the neck displays the brand's "1881" code in multiple languages. You align the sequence "V1881" to unlock the spray mechanism. Best worn in the cooler weather, yet it's versatile enough for smartcasual wear, evenings out, or office use. My Rating 7.5/10 Scent 2.5 Longevity 2 Sillage 2 Y/N 1

Reviewing Dua's Poseidon’s Absolu Elixir. This is clearly inspired by Creed Aventus Absolu, and I’d put it at about 85% close. The DNA is there—you get that bright citrus opening with bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit, backed by a subtle fruitiness from blackcurrant and pineapple. As it settles, you’ll notice a mix of spice and warmth—ginger, cardamom, a touch of cinnamon—balanced with patchouli and vetiver. It’s a well-structured scent, but compared to the original, it doesn’t have the same depth or richness. It feels lighter, a bit more wearable, and less heavy on the skin. Performance is solid. I got all-day longevity, and it was still noticeable 4–5 hours in. Projection is moderate—present, but not overpowering. Overall, if you like the Absolu Aventus profile but want something a bit easier to wear day-to-day, this is a strong option. It delivers the core experience without going as deep or as bold as the original.

Gentlemen, I've been on an extended sabbatical, but now is as good a time as ever to finally wake up from my winter hibernation. Tonight's plans in the CA desert called for dinner at a favorite haunt that we've been going to for decades. Nice place, comfort food with table cloths. But the BIG question was what was to be the SOTE. Those that remember will recall that Amouage runs in my veins and I was up for a little Opus XV - King Blue. Afterall, it's been a while since I sprayed that beautiful frag. HOWEVER, after considering the big picture for tonight, it was obvious that I needed something a little brighter, with some citrus and yes, a bit of a crowd-pleaser. So I went back to basics and reviewed my collection of "X-Men" (aka my Xerjoffs), and then my choice seemed obvious; Renaissance. Renaissance is one of the greats. It's Numero Uno for warm weather when you're looking for something bright, fresh, well-blended, high quality with the citrus I was looking for. The opening will blast you with some great lemon and tangerine along with the bergamot. Right off the bat it's just wonderful. Wonderful! On the dry-down there's a hint of mint. I don't mean like Torino 21 type of mint or a mojito type of mint. I mean a mint that is subtle and sublime. The fragrance is beautiful. There's no screechiness or "learning curve". It's just a wonderful experience with a nice projection and sillage. The restauranteur complimented me after following me to my table. This was no patronizing compliment. The tone in his voice and the look in his eye said it all. Is this blind-buy safe? I don't know... But I WILL say that if you're thinking about Xerjoff, I suggest Renaissance for the warm weather and Naxos when things cool down a bit. I think that's the way to approach this House if you're curious. Overall rating: 9.0 / 10.0, all day long.