Straight to Heaven (2007)
by By Kilian

Great stuff! The only thing that smells synthetic in this is the white musk, which is actually quite enjoyable and not annoying – overall, StH comes off as very high quality. It’s also very smooth, and has a slight gourmand aspect to it, even though I wouldn’t classify it as a gourmand.

On my skin the patchouli is actually very faint (in comparison to some others’ reviews). While the patchouli is just a background note, sugar, rum, woods and white musk take center stage in a perfect symphony of notes. Real sexy, sensual and natural smelling. Might not be worth the money, but if you can deal with the hole this creates in your wallet, go for it. Truly a favorite of mine.

8.5/10

Edit: The other day I pulled out my sample of Straight to Heaven, and for whatever reason the synthetic cedar note in Straight to Heaven was ruining the whole fragrance for me. My nose tells me this is the aromachemical Iso E Super, which I happen to have an allergic aversion to. Thus, since I can't stand that synthetic cedar note, I have to give this a neutral. While Iso E Super is a somewhat necessary note in Jubilation XXV by Amouage (it gives the incense a dusty texture), it feels misplaced in Straight to Heaven. Otherwise, it's a great fragrance that I know is enjoyed by many.

Heady, rich and boozy, but basically ends up as a deep patchouli and wood fragrance. It's very nice, but is not unique by a long way. If you already have Nasomatto's Duro or Black Afghan, CDG's Luxe or even Tom Ford's Oud Wood, there is no reason to purchase this as well.

I wasn't too impressed with the rummy opening. Felt like I was at a bar counter, not exactly my favorite place in the world. But I can see why others might be thrilled over such an association, particularly if they had been involved in some drunken stunts Jack Ass-styled or recalled sex(y) romps with some beautiful strangers they met at the bar. Then the realisation hit me and I couldn't help but chuckled. STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN is really a tongue-in-cheek attempt at capturing these fun alcohol-influenced madness. But it stays true to Kilian's cognac-maker heritage, the rum and woods combining magnificently to create a fragrance which is, according to this niche house, "redolent of the sugar in alcohol and the wood of cognac barrels."

Dude, this smells just heavenly. But what the hell am I doing in a cognac barrel??

I agree with the the reviews that gave this a thumbs up. I like to keep it simple. To me the rum note makes me feel this is like a party going out on the town scent, in a very fun way.

An excellent cedar, rosewood and patchouli, backed up by a rich dried fruit and spice accord opening beautifully with a dry, strongly aromatic resinousness of the accord. After fifteen minutes I pick up the rum note, and it’s all right… but I feel that it cheapens the first accord a bit. The wood and patchouli accord continues with excellent longevity. I don’t get a very distinctive difference between the opening / heart and the drydown, and I’m not sure that the drydown exhibits any vanilla or musk… things just seem to stay about the same enjoyable wood and patchouli accord. Straight to Heaven is a beautifully designed and performing scent, composed of unquestionably high quality materials. It has moderate sillage and outstanding longevity. Bottle worthy? Maybe, but the price seems too high…

It opens with a buttery rum battlecry, and then settles into an earthy flatline of muted patchouli. This patchouli midnotes are also haloed by a menthol-esque aura that stings the nose, even well into the drydown. It's actually cooling my nose with every sniff of my wrist.

Let me be clear - I dislike patchouli and find nothing attractive about smelling like a person's unbathed lower navel or armpit. This patchouli is different though. Its not as nefarious, but and not as offensive, but its still unpleasant to my nose. In the drydown its made more interesting with the aforementioned menthol/cedar kiss (which smells like something that would scare moths in your closet). But there is also an inky and ashy poweder to this.

Is it interesting? Yes. . . but so is Gitmo. . .doesn't mean i want to spend time there.

There are some who'll love this, and that's ok. . as long as they don't mind eating alone.