The latest from my Decant subscription, been wanting to try Montale for a while now, but the Oud/Rose combo is not one that I enjoy, so I have been putting it off. Straight off the bat this is a powerhouse, super strong, tread lightly with this. Instantly reminds me of those early days in the Dubai Perfume shop exploring all those Arabian fragrances that were so new to me. Perhaps the reason I don't like this combo is I may have been over exposed to it too many times. That aside this is a classic middle eastern pairing from a popular French niche house. And it was released 20 years ago! It opens up with a strong initial blast of Oud, it's obviously synthetic with a medicinal vibe to the concentration which is powerful. This is quickly joined by a dark, dry roseand a hint of an orange rind. As it settles into the heart, that medicinal edge dissipates, the fragrance settles into a blend of deep red rose and Oud. The rose is not light or dewy but rather dense, velvety, and almost jammy. The dry-down introduces Patchouli for an earthy, sweet or dark-chocolate feel, along with a warm Musk and Sandalwood or Labdanum, anchoring the scent and adding an animalic warmth. It is a scent that changes significantly over time, transitioning from a raw, sharp opening to a smoother, darker, and more luxurious rose-oud finish. This is exceptionally long-lasting, 10 hours on the skin and days on clothing. The projection is nuclear, a few sprays are enough to fill a room and leave a strong scent trail. Not an office safe wear, but definitely suitable for the winter and evening wear. This is not for the faint hearted so please don't blind buy. Not sure if I'd want a full bottle as although I like it, the rose Oud combo ain't my thing. It did however impress me enough to want to explore Montale further in the new year. If you have a favourite from this house, let me know. My Rating: 7.5/10 Scent: 2 Longevity: 2.5 Sillage: 2.5 Y/N: .5

Good Friday morning Frag Fam. The weekend is finally peeking over the horizon and the vibe feels smooth and bright. Hope your day starts on a high note, with something bold on your skin and something good in your spirit. My first wear first impression of Hard Candy Elixir by Aaron Terrance Hughes hit me immediately with that signature ATH richness but wrapped in a sweeter, more playful shell. The fragrance opens with a glossy, almost mouthwatering sheen that quickly deepens into a warm resinous core with surprising weight. It moves with confidence, radiating effortlessly off the skin with great sillage and projection that make it impossible to ignore. As it settles, the blend becomes darker and more indulgent without losing the fun sparkle on top, creating a delicious contrast that feels both sophisticated and addictive. Initial rating is a strong 9.5.