Was out sampling today. 
Since none of my reviews show up I figured I'll share some of the 'first impressions' here today.
I tried Dior's Homme, Homme Sport, Higher and Fahrenheit, Aigner Evolution, AdP Colonia, Paul Smith Story, Hermes' Un Jardin series, and Chergui.
Dior Homme - the top notes won't grab you but it smells 'classy'. One for my skin test list.
Dior Homme Sport - Huh? Same old, same old. Pass.
Dior Higher - Not bad. Worth a second closer look.
Aigner Evolution - a 'new leather' scent worth exploring.
AdP Colonia - Deliciously fresh, I could drink this stuff!
Paul Smith Story - Green & fresh. Worth a skin test.
Un Jardin sur le Nil - No kidding about the green mango! A tad too feminine imo.
Un Jardin en Mediterranee - I love the grapefruit opening! Quality is evident.
Un Jarden Apres la Mousson - best of the series, fresh yet intriguing.
(JC Ellena is a genius but his best works seem to share the same ethereal, transient quality i.e. longevity issues. But these are safe buys for the home. Your spouse can wear it or else it makes for an excellent air freshner. )
SKIN TEST FACE OFF
***************************
Left arm - Fahrenheit by Dior
Right arm - Chergui by Serge Lutens
OK, they don't exactly belong to the same category. Makes it easier to compare, no? An 80's classic vs a reputable scent from a niche house.
CHERGUI. First impression: Amazing. Smells like an expensive perfume for a gentleman. The development is complex and the drydown may be a little sweet for some but it retains its aura of masculinity. A scent women could easily love on their guy. In fact a young woman was leaning towards me throughout the entire journey home.
FAHRENHEIT. A love or hate relationship. Surprisingly futuristic. I smelled new leather, hot tires and burning plastic. I can't see any woman wearing this. So if you want a macho scent, this is it. If your gal is into bikes and leather, this might just be the aphrodisiac to get her where you want her to be.
I was told Fahrenheit is a sillage monster so when the SA oversprayed it I got a little worried. My worry was unfounded. On my way back in the train, all I could smell was Chergui and that was with a light spray some 30 minutes before Fahrenheit. 6-8 hours on, I can still smell the amberish incense from Chergui but nothing from Fahrenheit. Even with that heavier spray earlier. Reformulation strikes again, huh?
VERDICT
=======
SCENT:
Chergui- if you like classics that smell natural yet expensive
Fahrenheit- if you prefer the unconventional, avant garde
(I can see myself wearing both - oh wait, I just did!)
SILLAGE
Chergui
LONGEVITY
Chergui
RATING:
Chergui 4.7 out of 5
Fahrenheit: 4.0 out of 5
NOTE: Just my humble opinion of course. Feel free to add or criticise or whatever. It's been a fun olfactory adventure!
Since none of my reviews show up I figured I'll share some of the 'first impressions' here today.I tried Dior's Homme, Homme Sport, Higher and Fahrenheit, Aigner Evolution, AdP Colonia, Paul Smith Story, Hermes' Un Jardin series, and Chergui.
Dior Homme - the top notes won't grab you but it smells 'classy'. One for my skin test list.
Dior Homme Sport - Huh? Same old, same old. Pass.
Dior Higher - Not bad. Worth a second closer look.
Aigner Evolution - a 'new leather' scent worth exploring.
AdP Colonia - Deliciously fresh, I could drink this stuff!
Paul Smith Story - Green & fresh. Worth a skin test.
Un Jardin sur le Nil - No kidding about the green mango! A tad too feminine imo.
Un Jardin en Mediterranee - I love the grapefruit opening! Quality is evident.
Un Jarden Apres la Mousson - best of the series, fresh yet intriguing.
(JC Ellena is a genius but his best works seem to share the same ethereal, transient quality i.e. longevity issues. But these are safe buys for the home. Your spouse can wear it or else it makes for an excellent air freshner. )
SKIN TEST FACE OFF
***************************
Left arm - Fahrenheit by Dior
Right arm - Chergui by Serge Lutens
OK, they don't exactly belong to the same category. Makes it easier to compare, no? An 80's classic vs a reputable scent from a niche house.
CHERGUI. First impression: Amazing. Smells like an expensive perfume for a gentleman. The development is complex and the drydown may be a little sweet for some but it retains its aura of masculinity. A scent women could easily love on their guy. In fact a young woman was leaning towards me throughout the entire journey home.
FAHRENHEIT. A love or hate relationship. Surprisingly futuristic. I smelled new leather, hot tires and burning plastic. I can't see any woman wearing this. So if you want a macho scent, this is it. If your gal is into bikes and leather, this might just be the aphrodisiac to get her where you want her to be.
I was told Fahrenheit is a sillage monster so when the SA oversprayed it I got a little worried. My worry was unfounded. On my way back in the train, all I could smell was Chergui and that was with a light spray some 30 minutes before Fahrenheit. 6-8 hours on, I can still smell the amberish incense from Chergui but nothing from Fahrenheit. Even with that heavier spray earlier. Reformulation strikes again, huh?
VERDICT
=======
SCENT:
Chergui- if you like classics that smell natural yet expensive
Fahrenheit- if you prefer the unconventional, avant garde
(I can see myself wearing both - oh wait, I just did!)
SILLAGE
Chergui
LONGEVITY
Chergui
RATING:
Chergui 4.7 out of 5
Fahrenheit: 4.0 out of 5
NOTE: Just my humble opinion of course. Feel free to add or criticise or whatever. It's been a fun olfactory adventure!
