This is a true sneak peek. Iris Debonaire isn’t even launching until Fall 2026, but thanks to some friends with the right hookup, I was able to get my hands on a very early sample. Most of the boutiques and SA’s aren’t even talking about this yet. Onto my impressions. After wearing it, I think Creed has a winner on their hands. I think they’ve really stepped up their game with their last few releases. Does that justify the retail price, we’ll have to see, but it’s nice to see them elevate their game again. The opening has a bit of a peppery kick, but it doesn’t stick around long. Within a few minutes it settles into a really refined iris with that smooth, powdery orris character. If you’re familiar with Dior Homme or Dior Homme Intense, you’ll probably pick up on some similarities early on, but this definitely starts carving out its own identity as it develops. As it dries down, the florals brighten things up and there’s a creamy sweetness that keeps everything feeling polished without becoming overly sweet. It smells really expensive, transitions beautifully, and has the quality you’d expect from Creed. My big hesitation is timing. Here in Arizona, this is definitely a seasonal wear for me. Once we get into late October through early March, I think it’ll be fantastic, with the occasional cooler evening wear through April. If you live somewhere with a milder or colder climate, though, I think you’re going to get a lot more wear out of it than I will. Thankfully this fragrance doesn’t launch for another 2-3 months, in time for Arizona to be cooling down a bit. Now the real question. Will I be buying a bottle? At full retail, around $500, I’m going to pass. I like it, but not enough to justify that price. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for a tester or waiting until it starts showing up at the discounters. Overall, I’m really impressed. I don’t think it’s reinventing the iris genre, but it’s a very well done take that feels polished, high quality, and unmistakably Creed. If you’re an iris fan, this is one to keep on your radar.

I’ve been actively going through my samples and decants for a long time now, and this one has sat on the back of the shelf for over a year and a half. I think that merits absolutely bringing it out. First time I wore it, I wasn’t very impressed. I didn’t like the diesel vibe, and didn’t get much out of it. But wearing it today, I find myself more than a little impressed. This was created in 1988, and it smells more sophisticated and interesting than a lot of the stuff I have been wearing over the last year. I am honestly gob smacked with how much I like it. This is going to be in my regular rotation for the rest of the summer, and now I really wanna try the parfum concentration that @Michael LoCascio Sr goes on about. On a somewhat related note, I’ve been trying more classic fragrances, influenced perhaps by aqua de Geo. Last night I wore Mugler’s angel, and tonight, I’m planning to wear Angel phantasm. What are some other classics that I should try?

This weekend there are some great events happening and I was supposed to try and meet @Lon Chaneyfield but I’ve been taking care of my parents the last few weekends and haven’t had a lot time for anything else. That’s the sadness part due to elderly care and the eventual coming of saying goodbye. Because of this, self care is of importance for me, so I have my fragrances to smell in between moments of parental care. That’s the happiness… With that, I was on Instagram and saw this video which made me tear up at first, then cry. This is the power of scent, the appreciation of fragrance, and the social aspect of our community and of this group. Enjoy.