Finally got to try this today and lets set the record straight! Is Encre Noire Sport in keeping with the aesthetic of the brand? Of course it isn't! However, forget whether Encre Noire should have had a sport version or trying to make out the launch of this flanker will somehow degrade the excellent reputation of its predecessor because Lalique have done it now! As for the smell of this? Well, I was intrigued to find out its not a million miles from the original in all honesty. The opening is totally different a sharp citrus, grapefruit and bergamot which is lovely, fresh vibe which suits the sport name. The citrus was long lasting too much more than just top notes a very rare thing, it seems to permeate for a long time into the dry down, a dry down which is very familiar. So...that dry down then! The smokey, peppery, ultra woody, dark signature character of the original starts to shine through and you think 'ah ha! There it is!' The longer it matures the more it becomes that wonderful vetiver and cashmere wood of the original. How you couldn't like this and enjoy the original, I fail to understand? Maybe if you don't like citrus at all? But otherwise this is a good fragrance. I love the weird, melancholic almost sombre vibe of Encre Noire but to lighten the mood a touch and maybe add some extra appeal to those who find Encre Noire too dark and woody...Is okay in my book. As sport flankers go no matter how inappropriate, Lalique have fulfilled the brief of a sport scent with this offering which in my eyes is to make something fresher and more versatile in a 'sport'/active situation while retaining critical elements of the original. This reminds me of another recent release, Tom Ford Noir EDT version which is the same principle applied here more citrus in the top but basically the exact same fragrance as the EDP. This fragrance is mega long lasting too, 10 hours on and I can still smell it, I have the original and I know it has great longevity too but I'm impressed by sport. To conclude I'll just say that I think this is really very good. I was apprehensive as I'm sure others were due to the name but Lalique are a quality brand and this fragrance is no different. Nothing cheap about this to my nose expect EN with a citrus twist and you won't be disappointed. UPDATE: INSANE!!!!! The longevity of this fragrance is huge over 24 hours I've showered washed my hands numerous times and I can still faintly smell it on the back of my hand where I tested it yesterday afternoon...that's almost unheard of staying power.
