Fuel for Men, from Donna Karan was released in 2008. The perfumer behind this creation is unknown. It has the top notes of Citruses, Juniper, and Pineapple, middle notes of Almond, Amber, Floral Notes, and Lavender, and base notes of Musk, Patchouli, and Sandalwood.
Oh well...I'm so often surprised by the fact I haven't reviewed certain perfumes, when I'm sure I appraised them long ago, this is one of them. I've been a proud owner of this for years now and despite not trying the original DK, I think Fuel is a magical perfume. To me it has all the beauty and subtleties of the very best sandalwoods, because afterall that is the dominant note in Fuel for men. It is joined by the warmth and depth of amber and what can only be described as powdery notes, with a floral touch evocative of the feel (but crucially not the smell) of iris or orris root and a satin, buttery, suede. This reminds me of soft pencil shavings, and crayons but with a sweeter nature, and a refinement and quality that is pretty staggering. Other softies like this which have subsequently been released have caught my heart like Atelier Cologne's Santal Carmin or Xejoff's Ivory route. 'Santal Secree' I've coined them, things that are strong but barely in the realms of existence to some noses, certainly in terms of announcing themselves. However, when you them breathe deeply and imbibe, have masses of depth. Not strictly for men, soft and feminine enough for women to love too. I'm using my bottle sparringly as it's rare stuff now.