A question for the experienced brothers: Several weeks ago I tried Givenchy Gentleman Society Reserve Privée because everyone says it's the top of the Givenchy line. I really disliked it, but I couldn't figure out why. Today I tried a sample of MFK's Grand Soir. And I really dislike it, too, in pretty much the same way as Reserve Privée. I'm wondering if it's the amber note I don't like? But I don't really know what amber smells like so I can't be sure. Are there other popular designer fragrances that are strong amber scents so I can try to figure out what it is I don't like? I would love to get a kit from somewhere to let me experience scents in isolation to pin down my likes and dislikes.

I’m not going to throw anyone under the bus, but a brother reached out to me directly and said he was tired of certain posts and certain people. He asked me how I could keep engaging with a particular brother and even suggested I should boycott that person’s posts. I ignored the message, but I want to say this publicly: This is a Brotherhood of Scent, not a gang. I am not here for followers, I am here to exchange opinions and knowledge. If I want followers, I can start a YouTube Channel !!! I’m not participating in cliques, group pressure, or ganging up on individuals. I’m here for one reason only: the shared love of fragrance. Looking around, it’s obvious there is sometimes an “us against them” mentality here, and it’s a shame. You can see it in the posts, the comments, the likes, the alliances, and the way some people purposely ignore others. It happens to me, it happens to others, and it happens more than some people want to admit. It's even more ironic that the person who reached out to me is one of the biggest offenders. I can’t tell people how to think, but if this is your mentality, you may want to re-examine your values. I will engage with anyone here, whether I agree with them or not. If someone disagrees with me, I’ll either re-examine my own point of view or I’ll respond respectfully. That is how discussion is supposed to work. As the saying goes, you like what you like. In my world, I’m always searching for the very best, whether that means the best clone, the best niche, or the best designer. That’s how I enjoy this hobby. Differences of opinion are not a problem for me. They are welcomed, respected, and worth exploring. A lot of times, hearing a different perspective has taught me something valuable or even changed my direction. I would much rather someone challenge my fragrance selections or disagree with me in a real way that helps me grow my collection! rather than just being a yes man. If you give me input, or I give you input, and it goes against either one of our opinions—whether it is about quality, value, or fragrance selection—it is welcomed. My response is not going to be hurt feelings. My response is going to be: " Why do you feel that way? You are not going to hurt my feelings. Either the conversation helps me grow my fragrance knowledge, or I stay the course because it is simply something I want to do. Either way, it is not going to make me lose sleep, and it is definitely not going to make me lose interest in the group.

Taking a day off the Jusbox discovery rotation to test in the wild. Managed four scents on skin this time, wrists and inner elbows. One of them was also promoted to a full wear at the counter (one wrist, neck pulse points and back). Again, many scents tested on card, and these were the most interesting. Without further fanfare: - Jusbox: 14Hour Dream - This is one missing from the discovery set (it made way for Fifty Four, which I am absolutely fine with). Sweet creamy vanilla at the top, spiced with ginger and pepper, cooling down into a woody core. Very intriguing and tasty, will source a full sample somehow. - Dior Privee: Oud Rosewood - I spent an evening last week powering through the entire Dior Privee line on card, and this was one of my favourites. The oud is strong, the rosewood is strong, the blend is delicate and the overall scent is excellent. Might be a bit much for a full bottle buy, as there's overlap with some others in my collection, but a fine wear nonetheless. - Mind Games: J'Adoube - Fruity floral that mellows into a spicy leather. The drydown of this is excellent, but the opening and mid are merely average. Interesting development, but the price point is prohibitive to me. - Van Cleef & Arpels: Encens Precieux - This was my full wear. It was suggested last week by a friendly fragrance rep who knows my note preferences, and she hit the nail on the head for sure. Absolutely amazing peppery leather opening, which develops smoothly with a myrrh warms that almost adds a basamic glaze to the scent. The base is sweet smoky with vanilla and tobacco, and a through-line of frankinsence brings an animalistic quality too. Price point isn't too worrying, I'll likely add this to my shelf once I've come to terms with my leather addiction and plotted out my recovery.