Not sure this is truly a "win," but it was for me. I've been away for a week--no laptop, no cellphone--visiting my partner in Hong Kong for the holidays. Nice to be able to check in here again, however. I was able to let her sample five fragrances I'm test driving. Fortunately she likes all of them. The One Aventus Oud Wood Gentleman Society Jimmy Choo Intense Happy New Year, everyone.

Xerjoff was one of the first luxury houses that I explored early in 2025, and they have a decently affordable sample kit program that gives us easy access to all of their fragrances. https://www.xerjoff.com/en-us/products/sample-kit Mefisto Gentiluomo was one that I liked, but wanted to spend more time with, so here are my notes from the solid wear I had from a 5ml decant. It opens very aromatic, with fresh, zingy, herbal, floral & citrus notes. Moderate to strong projection & sillage lasts about 2 hrs. After 2 hours, soft cedar & light amber begin to push through, and the fragrance becomes an aromatic, soft, musky, smooth cedar blend, with steady, mild sillage to the 7 hr mark. It's a skin scent after that for hours more. This fragrance is beautiful and refined, but isn't your typical fresh fragrance. It is also unique to my nose, and I haven't sampled anything else like it. It seems suited for cool to warm weather, and will take some summertime heat, but it didn't like the intense outdoor heat that I subjected it to in May. Contrast that to ATH Blue Fever, that thrived in the heat! I'm not sure if I want a full bottle yet, but I enjoyed it today and will continue using it. Keep smelling great brothers!