After getting my hands on a decant of Plum Japonais, I finally understand why it’s so sought after in the community. This is by far one of the best Tom Ford fragrances I’ve ever smelled, it’s beyond me as to why they would discontinue something so beautiful. The thick, sweet and candied juiciness of sticky dried plums, warm and spicy cinnamon combined with the dark, rich woodiness of oud and sweet amber creates one of the most alluring scent profiles out there. The sweet floral hints of saffron, plum blossom and immortelle are ever so gentle and yet brighten the overall scent profile just enough. As I said I understand the hype behind this, it’s an incredible scent. But I don’t think it’s worth paying the obscene prices to get a bottle when Plum Harajuku by Insider Parfums is about 98% similar at a fraction of the price.
Tried this a while back and found it enjoyable but wasn't sure if it was a keeper or one I wanted to add to my collection. Thankfully now I have a small decant just in time for the cold weather and I have to say it's an absolute knockout!!! I thought it was quite linear and first a beautifully dense, warm, endulgent, boozy plumy scent that hits you straight away and doesn't let up right into the drydown. That would be enough to sell me but just as it gets a little sweet you get deep, wet, woody oud and all this within seconds of stiffing. Step outside into the cold winter air, you can smell yourself and it's divine. The main change for me is that the fruit and wood suddenly seem dry this makes for an interesting twist. As this dries down you get more of the exotic florals coming through and a touch of vanilla which is the true heart of this fragrance although the plum note remains throughout and the oud is an ever present base. Frankly, I'm stunned by this fragrance, mainly by the way it develops. Although there's much more to it than fruitiness and sweetness if you don't like that you would probably dismiss this fragrance. If you find Tobacco vanille too sweet you probably won't enjoy this either. More fruits and Oud please in fragrances because this is another triumph from Tom Ford.
