This isn't the season for it, but I got a new sample and wanted to sample it today. Encre Noire À L’Extrême takes the original Encre Noire DNA and turns it darker, richer, and more intense. Released in 2015 and created by Nathalie Lorson, it opens with cypress, bergamot, and elemi before moving into a smoky vetiver heart wrapped with incense. The drydown brings in sandalwood, patchouli, and benzoin for a warm, resinous finish. This is one of those fragrances that feels moody. Earthy, woody, smoky, slightly inky — but smoother and more wearable than the original Encre Noire. The incense and resins round off some of the sharp edges without losing that dark forest atmosphere the line is known for. Best suited for fall and winter, evenings, rainy days, or anytime you want something introspective and masculine without smelling like everyone else. Definitely not a loud compliment-chaser, but if you enjoy vetiver-heavy fragrances with a darker personality, this one is excellent for the price. (Just $30 for 100ml at Maxaroma)

A few things came in that I’m excited to start wearing! These are rounding out my warm weather and year-round collection, and aside from a few few cheapies coming in the next few days (Aquatica and Adonis Icarus), I’m looking at maybe just two or three more bottles and then I’ll be all done buying as my collection will be pretty much complete for me - FDB Oud Bleu Intense: a delicious ambery resinous composition that comes at the “blue” category from a pretty different direction - Sospiro Vibrato: in my home battles this beat out Tygar, Ingenious Ginger and Aqua de Dora - Givenchy Gentlemen Only: my first Givenchy, this is a gem ( @Stephen DeMent posted about it today) - JPG Le Beau Paradise Garden: to me this was neck and neck with the Le Parfum version, but my GF had a strong preference for this one so of course that broke the tie