A charismatic and interesting fragrance but so HARSH it hits you like a sledge hammer. It's one of the most bizarre things I've ever smelled Labdanum, Benzoin and Oud create such a powerful accord that is unique in it's signature. I appreciate the skill that went into making this and it's superb quality but there's no way I could wear it on my skin it's too much of an acquired taste and I don't mean the Oud either! I like velvet mood and the original which may seem a little boring especially compared to Cashmere. The original has more of a raw Oud scent to me instead of a launchpad for other strong notes it has complimentary ones that in my opinion are more understated and suited to a man.

I felt I had to do a re write of my original review, although it's pretty accurate. The quality of this fragrance is undeniable, the ingredients used are of superb and the Oud from Laos which Francis uses in this line has a distinctive quality in my opinion. The labdanum is atomic in strength and the smokey dry down is so intense, complex, forever changing and projects insanely. Its quite amazing how it retains the sharp resinous qualities of the opening for hours constantly flipping between that and a darker smokey woody feel. I wore it today (a very minimal application I might add) I had a CRAZY sillage trail, everywhere I went I was very conscious of how I smelled. My girlfriend who adores Oud and this one was no different in fact she especially loved it. However, after spending a day with me she said it was too much and I have to say I agree. I had this down in my hate pile to begin with, simply because I found it so extreme and medicinal in the opening but once you let it dry down its a stunning scent, a showstopper really. Too expensive and barely wearable to add to my collection but a truly amazing piece of work, facets of this fragrance are spellbinding...check it out if you can, doesn't translate on a card so try it on your skin.