Gambler Musk (1986)
by Jovan

Gambler Musk is a lot like the original, but just different enough for me to justify having both. Contrary to what the names had me guessing the Musk version is lighter and brighter, with a stronger lemon and herb top which actually stays on for a good long while. Something in the composition, probably 'amber,' makes the woods in this come across as sweet, and the musk in the base is somehow right between clean and dirty and a bit leathery. The drydown is lightly sweetened musky cedar.
The primary difference between Musk and its older brother is that the original Gambler is a little more somber and boasts a gorgeous and pervasive cinnamon note, while Musk experiences less movement and is much lighter (not by today's standards) but seems more playful. They both start strong but have limited projection after the first hour and they both have a warm, close aura of a base that lasts all day. Fantastic stuff.

10th December, 2010.