This is an amazing smelling fragrance absolutely top marks to Aramis for making something fresh and accessible, without the usual generic trates. It opens fresh, and even a little green but instantly sweet and uplifting with that combination of resins, elemi, mastique...etc...combined with juniper making for a really sparkling opener. The fragrance is warm boozy and with some sweetness too but it's not easy to discern notes, apart from the apparent balsamic, incense vibe. Aramis black is never a cliche though and I can honestly say these notes are a breath of fresh air making for a unique opening. I'm afraid the bad news is the performance...absolutely pathetic and I coated myself in the stuff!!! I could still smell it faintly but very disappointing considering how good this stuff smells. I've put myself down as wanting a bottle but I'd only get it out of the bargain bin. This is not an exaggeration on my part I'm usually forgiving even to the weakest of scents but this one does die down very quick...it might just be my skin...who knows? Don't get me wrong the opening is fantastic though so I'd recommend you at least check it out for yourself.