I don't normally mention the bottle first and this is in no way an indictment of this fragrance, because it's alright. The bottle is really nice with a touch of the Guerlain L’Art et la Matière about it and not a rippling torso in sight! Oh and it's refreshing to see A&F in UK stores of any kind because they used to be rare to non exsistant, at least where I live. The opening is horribly likable with hints of Fierce in there but lashings of other generic fare thrown in for good measure, making for a sweeter, fresher and more accessible fragrance. The melon and citrus top notes are definitely synthetic and yawn inspiring but I can't say I don't enjoy the smell. As it dries down the hint of the more herbal Fierce actually goes away rather than coming on stronger as I had anticipated. Under that fruity opener the base is actually a bit warm and maybe a hint of amber in there. It's hard not to compare this with Fierce being from the same brand but this is not at nauseating as Fierce but also far less original. (remember Fierce predates Mont Blanc Legend) I think this would be more welcome in A&F stores, pumped in or sprayed on the garments themselves. (whichever it is?) So not really one for me or many other frag heads out there because First Instinct is pretty generic. Does it smell bad though? ....No. Performance was average to not great.