When I first tried Ysatis, it was the current formula. I thought it was nice but extremely weak and not worth the trouble. But I really enjoyed the scent so I decided to hunt down a vintage bottle, finally securing one from 1984. It was this or nothing else. And my, what a difference! Immediately recognizable as Ysatis, this first batch is also out of this world, i.e. It contains everything that is missing from today's formula; richness, power, oakmoss and civet, strangely a leathery facet, creaminess, indulgence. In a time when every powerhouse was focused mostly on tuberose (Poison), and oriental notes (Coco, Opium), Ysatis came to showcase the languid sensuality of Ylang Ylang, dressing it with exotic flowers, rich spices and mosses, and animalic notes to bring out the innate warmth of the flower. And it succeeds! The opening, highly recognizable to anyone familiar with the scent, is a creamy, banana like ylang ylang, that is accompanied by jasmine (the dirty kind) and orange blossom. Not aldehydic on me. Soon after, some carnation and bay leaf spice up the floralcy, making it grow wilder, more sensual, floriental. Becoming the definition of the word, Ysatis is spicy flowers dancing on warm skin. Sexy and sweaty, with just enough greenness to tone down the lushness. But this doesn't last long. Mid development and the animalic breath of civet appears, to stay until the drydown, making the florals once again light up with fire. There's a leathery feel that I don't know where it's coming from, which makes Ysatis even more dirty. Leather? Castoreum? The rum note is missing from my nose, it might be there, hidden under the drunken flowers, contributing to the creaminess. Smelling vintage Ysatis is a whirlwind of emotions. The current version feels diluted, flat and somehow 'cheap' in comparison, something more evident when you compare the two, and notice they share more differences than similarities. And because of this rich and layered complexity, the vintage works great on women and men alike. Lovers of strong perfumes, skanky florals, orientals and vintages in general, this one is for you. Decadent, luxurious and power built, it struts through the streets letting everyone know Ysatis is here. Amazing sillage and longevity.