Paul Smith Extreme Men (2002)
by Paul Smith

Hmmm, I tried this one from my housemate. He says he didn't like it. Ironically I actually let him try my L'eau Dissey Pour Homme Intense as a "swap" and he loves that fragrance! But that is for another day...

Ok I'll be honest I'm not sure on this one. Topnotes are quite good but I have a real problem with longevity with this one. I'm not a big fan of the drydown either - the spiciness is ok but not that exciting, or indeed extreme. I think it's one of those that I would wear if someone bought it but probably never buy it myself. I think it's a well made fragrance and is great for daytime wear. Def not going to offend anyone... well not unless you throw the bottle at your boss or something. That would be quite extreme actually. Imagine if your boss was called Paul Smith too!

I digress... neutral rating for this one. Nice but not really for me.

One hour after application, my nose was hunting forlornly around my wrist attempting to find a trace of Extreme. There was a brief period in the opening that caught my attention, with its slightly acidic sweetness prompting an outbreak of optimism for future joys ahead. Sadly, it was not meant to be. The brief spiced phase beyond the opening is its last hurrah, and in a short time one is left naked and scentless. Scarcely have I been more disappointed by a fragrance. At least give me something to work with.

A nice smelling fragrance,with a major flaw in longetivity...It is really nice to smell...but I want to smell it longer.

PS Extreme is a great mix of bergamot and spice. Wonderful combination. Rodent nailed when he described this one as a bergamot bomb at the beginning. That's spot on. It also has a nice, strong spice note with it. After the drydown, the spiciness comes out more. Its a really nice, well made fragrance. I also agree with twinbee. Its good year around for all weather. To me though, it think its fits best during a fall rainy day.

I was captivated by the packaging and the bottle when I first opened it. It was a definite blind buy. The vertical striping reminded me of Gene Davis' "wallpaper" paintings though his paintings are much more vivid than this scent. (And I'm glad. Sometimes I don't need to announce my presence in a room or building!)

This is average and inoffensive. Pleasant mix of mild and sweet notes with a bit of spiciness that is quite wearable for daily use. Nothing extreme about it though it's very nice.

this understated but unforgettable creation from Paul Smith is a winner. it's a bit of a bitter bergamot bomb in the beginning -- i almost imagine i smell like an earl grey teabag -- but it gets progressively softer and even vaguely sweet as it progresses. it's fresh, but quite different from the metallic citrus snoozers that mostly make up this category. like the clothes of its designer, it occupies the space where good taste meets edgy. while it is not a sillage monster, staying power is very good - people could smell it on me six or so hours after application. original, yet discreet -- as well as modern and versatile, eminently suitable both for the office and evenings out. works well in both warm and cold weather. highly recommended!