There's been numerous threads about Havana, and its recent reformulation. But what's been ignored is the other 5 gentlemen standing in its shadow. I firmly believe that this recent collection is the biggest event to happen in men's fragrance in the last 25 years. Call me crazy, but you can not go wrong with any of these juices. Want an oriental? Try JHL. Want a fougere? Try Tuscany. Want an aromatic tobacco? Get Havana. Want a chypre? Try Devin or 900. One could easily purchase all 6 and be set for life. Tommy Ford looks at his own Private blends and wishes his lineup was as strong as Aramis'.
I recently had the chance to smell all on tester strips at Bloomingdales. To my nose; 900, New West and Tuscany remain unchanged. Wider distribution of 900 is a welcome change as its limited distribution at Bloomies was disappointing considering its classic status in my book. The original New West still remains available at Ulta but to my nose the new one smells the same although I've had limited experience with it so maybe others can fill me in on any differences. One wonders why they re-released Tuscany as its readily available for a good price online (last I checked, it was going for for $16/50 ml at Perfumania). However, Devin & JHL warrant a closer look.
To my untrained nose, they smell different. Bloomies still carry the classic JHL so I had the chance to smell both at the same time (when was the last time you had to chance to buy the original or the new one?). The original carries more of a boozey and aldehydic aroma. But the drydowns remain pretty much the same. Again, your comments are welcome as to the differences in JHL
Devin always reminded me of a sweeter Z-14, but this version seems more sweeter than the original. I actually prefer the newer version.
Needless to say, I can't think of any other men's frags that warrant a blind buy than these. Aramis have done us a favor, and it's up to you to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I recently had the chance to smell all on tester strips at Bloomingdales. To my nose; 900, New West and Tuscany remain unchanged. Wider distribution of 900 is a welcome change as its limited distribution at Bloomies was disappointing considering its classic status in my book. The original New West still remains available at Ulta but to my nose the new one smells the same although I've had limited experience with it so maybe others can fill me in on any differences. One wonders why they re-released Tuscany as its readily available for a good price online (last I checked, it was going for for $16/50 ml at Perfumania). However, Devin & JHL warrant a closer look.
To my untrained nose, they smell different. Bloomies still carry the classic JHL so I had the chance to smell both at the same time (when was the last time you had to chance to buy the original or the new one?). The original carries more of a boozey and aldehydic aroma. But the drydowns remain pretty much the same. Again, your comments are welcome as to the differences in JHL
Devin always reminded me of a sweeter Z-14, but this version seems more sweeter than the original. I actually prefer the newer version.
Needless to say, I can't think of any other men's frags that warrant a blind buy than these. Aramis have done us a favor, and it's up to you to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This speaks volumes of their intentions and shows that they take pride in what they are good at, and want more people to experience their quality by re-marketing(the classics) more extensively, offering great scents (mostly unchanged even after reformulation) at affordable prices. Just my 2 cents.
