Fragrance Reviews by exbrit68

Having smelled SMW on a spray sample card at a local fragrance shop last summer, I was mesmerized by the warm (milky?) tea and black currant notes. Truly exhilarating! I filed the smell away for future reference, vowing to acquire this cologne as my first Creed when I felt I could afford to pay the high price. Imagine my joy when I received a 4 oz bottle a few days ago for my birthday! Well .. the joy turned to consternation when I sprayed it on my wrist to test the smell again. At first there was a kind of gasoline-like opening that (thankfully) disappeared after a few seconds and then I did encounter the wonderful scent I had smelled on the card last year. But .. it seemed much weaker than I remember and I felt troubled. The next day I decided to wear SMW and see what happened. Again, the slightly pungent gasoline smell followed quickly by a wonderful yet weak tea and black currant scent. I could smell it on my wrists for about 45 minutes to one hour. I'm assuming the same for what I had sprayed on my neck and upper chest. Very understated but nice for about an hour and then completely gone. Is it possible I got an older bottle? Perhaps not, since I've read elsewhere that SMW actually improves with age and develops much stronger presence and longevity. It is certainly not a fake as it was purchased through Fragrancenet.com and cost about $150. I'm really baffled .. maybe it just IS what it IS. But how does one account for the perceived difference in strength of scent from last year's spray card and now? The inquest continues ...

I give the scent I remember from last summer a thumbs up, but a thumbs down for the bottle I now own. Final verdict - a baffled neutral.

The only down side to this magnificent cologne is the bottle. The bottle is awkward to hold and spray, although the shape itself is very suitable for the potion contained therein.

The smell is a deep, warm, gourmand blend of mint and brandy. It smells like heaven and I always get compliments when I wear it.

Two thumbs up!!!