This month I've been on a bit of a losing streak when it comes to blind buys. From Jomashop I bought Equus to round out my Lalique collection. It was a real disappointment and IMO not up to Lalique standards at all. It certainly couldn't compare with the Lion (pour homme). Then last week I bought Boudicea Complex on a Jomashop "Open box" flash sale for a crazy low price. I was aware of its reputation for being overly beasty and challenging, and it did not disappoint. Personally, I usually like beasty, challenging frags as much as the next guy, but trust me, this stuff was like Michael Jordan level challenging. It's on a whole different planet as far as I'm concerned and I know I will NEVER wear it. Jomashop (and many other online sites) are very good about returns and allow you to return if you're unhappy with your purchase for any reason. In fact, Jomashop actually has a radio button option on their returns screen that says "I didn't like", and they're good with that, as are others. The question is this: If you have the option, do you return bottles back to the vendor simply because you don't like the fragrance?

YES!! I love this stuff. I thought I loved the OG, but this is one of my all-time favorites. The weather is finally lousy here in the desert and it's a perfect day for 45. This is the extrait version of the OG and actually has a 45% oil concentration. I understand that Amouage also lets it mature for four months. It's a very clean, floral, gentlemanly frag and it's denser, darker, and more substantial than the OG. The opening on this is lavender and neroli, but with some heft. It has a slight gin-like vibe too and an aromatic, herbs note that the OG lacks. The iris (root) is present in the mid and gives the frag a really nice floral note. The base has frankincense (olibanum), myrrh, and opoponax which I understand gives it a smoky, and masculine feel that makes its quality unmistakable. It sits closer to the skin than the OG but it's there for MUCH longer than you realize. After about 6 hours, somebody may say, "You smell really nice. What IS that?" Amouage quality strikes again. I love this stuff and I'll always have it in my collection. Along with Amouage Interlude 53, this is a solid: 10.0 / 10.0