No. 88 (1981)
by Czech & Speake

This one has a very oriental aura to me. No 88 makes me think of indian shops, and while i kind of like this aroma, i don`t know if you would feel comfortable wearing it frequently due to this indian shop aura. No 88 starts with a spicy, incensed rose aura. It`s curious that there isn`t spices listed on the pyramid, i do get some mixed with the rose. The rose is sensual, intense, slightly incensed, and it projects over a sandalwood base that is what makes me think of the indian shops. It`s intense at the first 3-4 hours, then it calms down to a soft woody incense aura. This could work amazingly as an exotic incense stick aroma. But for me, on my skin, it doesn`t work so fine.

24th January, 2012.

The first thing I always get here is spice. Sharp. Clean. Stimulating. Refined. A slight soapiness. A faint rubbery note. The rose is kind of nestled down in there somewhere. I think comparisons with the rose-centered fragrances Montale Black Aoud and Domenico Caraceni 1913 are appropriate. That 88 doesn't share the obliterating spiciness and soapiness of the barbershopper DC13 is a virtue. Black Aoud's rose is centerstage. The rose in 88 is in heavy competition with incense. I don't think I can ever get around the rubber note I've described previously with such horror in my review of Black Aoud, but at least the rose in BA is quite magnificent. 88 is the safe bet. But Black Aoud is the more intelligent and bold choice. It makes the kind of statement 88 and DC13 never could.

1st January, 2012.

To me a very soapy (doubtless from bergamot) rose. Dark, but not musty. I find it pleasant, but I would not wear it often enough to justify a purchase.

18th December, 2011.

Smells like incense and rose. I also get the temple/ headshop/ hippie feel people have mentioned. This is not an everyday scent and I wouldn't even say that it smells good. I can see artists and musicians wearing this one. I might wear this to goth clubs, concerts, and costume parties. It's an interesting smell but the occasions to wear it for me are limited.

This is a lot more interesting then I first thought. There's soap. There is also a resin/ pot smell somewhere in there. It is more of a clean hippie rather than a dirty hippie smell. I think the mental image is a guy with a couple of tattoos dressed nicely for the office.

23rd September, 2011. (Last Edited: 24th September, 2011.)

i was very eager to try this based on the positive reviews. it didnt disappoint . This is a beautiful rose scent . on my skin i get the scent of "oddfellows" ( the aromatic sweets ). We had a pelargonium( geramium ) which smelled this way and used to make our cats smell of it if they brushed against it. A very dandy and victorian-like scent . Splendid stuff my good fellow !

21st September, 2011. (Last Edited: 6th October, 2011.)

This one I can't say I "hate" but I definitely dislike it and don't want to wear it again. I have no problem with masculine rose scents in general, but No.88 is a bit "in your face" and overpowering at the start with the rose and bergamot notes... then it turned sour and medicinal on my skin making me take pause... Shortly afterwards, the medicinal smell faded and the incense kicked in big time and stayed there to compliment the dry rose. This part is probably the best part of the scent, but it just is too much for me. I can understand the love this one gets, but I think it just is not a fit for my personal tastes and I definitely could see this one as somewhat polarizing. Try before you buy.

14th September, 2011.