Basenotes - Reviews by Bratsche

United States

Showing 1 to 8 of 8.

Arsène Lupin Dandy by Guerlain

This does nothing for me. Dandy? We must define this term differently. I got about 20 minutes from this, and though it wasn't a total scrubber, I couldn't get past the canned sardine smell. I wouldn't expect this to stay for long. Now if they would just come out with a more concentrated version of mouchior de monsieur.

29th November, 2010.

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Patou pour Homme by Jean Patou

While I like this (oh hell, I love it), I don't want to get too chummy with it, as I have only a small bottle, which I know won't last. This shares many of the qualities of Derby, though whereas Derby seems gone in 30 minutes on me, Patou goes on and on. On me, the drydowns are indistinguishable from one another. Warm, luxurious: tell me again why this was discontinued.

11th April, 2009.

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Derby by Guerlain

This is the fragrance I've been looking for for years, and the first of so many to get a positive response from my immortal beloved. I've had decants for several months, and finally got 2 bottles (gorgeous bee bottles with atomizers) today (3/09) from Saks. Derby is elegant, though easy to wear. Refined and complicated, though never pretentious. My journey ends today. for now.

21st February, 2009. (Last Edited: 3rd March, 2009.)

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Carnal Flower by Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle

Unisex? I find that hard to imagine. Not one to shy away from fragrances typically designated as feminine, Carnal Flower seems to me all Tuberose, and little Carnal. Though clearly well crafted with quality ingredients, this remains, for me, sticky, waxy and cloying.

2nd February, 2009.

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New York by Parfums de Nicolaï

Not quite the holy grail as described by others, though perfectly safe and wearable. Easier to wear than, say, Bois du Portugal, with which it's often compared, and sure not to offend, I wear New York as I wear a favorite tie; comfortably and confidently.

30th January, 2009.

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Dunhill for Men by Alfred Dunhill

With apologies to others who have reviewed this (some of whom I quite admire), I'm surprised by this fragrance. While I was expecting the warmth of tonka, the brightness of lavender and lemon, and the maturity of flowers, all I get is loud, soapy and cheap.
I wanted to like this one, and given its reviews I thought it couldn't miss. Rather, I get a 1970's square dance-loud, fun in the moment, but you'd never want to admit membership.

24th January, 2009.

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Équipage by Hermès

I stray from equipage from time to time, imagining that there must be a fragrance better suited to me. How could there not be? There are countless on the market, and I must have 20-30 in my wardrobe. In the end, I always return. Equipage has been my companion for many years, and though I receive few compliments, it remains my constant companion, rich, warm, sophisticated, mature, singular. I could never be without a bottle. I reach for it most days, and those days I try something else, I almost always wish I'd dressed with Equipage.

4th September, 2008. (Last Edited: 13rd October, 2008.)

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1903 by J Peterman

Not exactly what I was expecting given the reviews. This has a raw, undoubtedly sexy feel to it, though not much above a drugstore staple. I wish it seemed that all the layers were made with quality ingredients. I wish it didn't come off as somewhat cheap. To be fair, I need to give this a few wearings, get a few opinions, and reserve final judgment until I have more experience with this frag.

3rd September, 2008.

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