So I’ve decided I want to spring for a bottle of Aventus Absolu. I see two different versions at discounters and Fragrantica: one is listed as “2025” and the other isn’t. There’s a slight difference in the bottle design. But is there a big difference (if any) in the formulations? I’ve been testing a decant of the 2025 version and don’t want a surprise if I get the old version and it smells different. Anyone know?

This was a busy week. I'm getting ready to leave for 12 days on vacation, and I'm trying hard to get everything out the door before I go. October is usually the busiest month of the year for me, so the timing of this trip is really inconvenient, but it's a once in a lifetime trip, and I am looking forward to having a mental and physical break. Some highlights: I've been focusing much more on fragrances that I haven't worn in a long time, with particular emphasis on dupes. I haven't slayed many fragrances this month (so far only 1, and likely a 2nd if I stick with my plan for tomorrow). But I've slowly been using up some of the larger 5 and 10 mL decants that I have. I think later this year, I'm going to have quite a few get used up all in quick succession. Kalos - lovely dupe of PDM Kalan, which I also have a sample of. This is one of PDMs more controversial fragrances, but it's really grown on me. It sat on my shelf for about 6 months and the difference between when I first got it and now is night and day. Kalos has become spot on as a dupe and has better longevity. Mysterious Nomad - a clone of Byredo Gypsy Water. It's become one of my top 5 favorite fragrances of all time. It's become a staple in my rotation and is incredibly versatile, easy to wear, and hits all the right buttons for me. At $30 from Target, I feel like I'm stealing it. I've considered buying some of the others in the line, but so far, this is the best one that I've tried. Rehab - I wore this a couple of times, including for today. The weather here is finally cooling down. It was only 95 degrees for the high today, with lows in the mid-70's. That's light jacket weather in Texas. I worked a big corporate conference at a hotel across from the flagship Nordstrom's in Austin, and I took the opportunity to grab a couple of samples, including Rehab, while I had some down time. This might be my favorite from Initio. I've used up two other samples of it, so maybe it's time to buy a larger decant.