I've been aware of this stuff for years but was reminded fairly recently when I saw the old Sacha Distel advert for it, kinda wish I'd been around in the 70's to smell the original but the Eden Classics version will have to do. I'm keen on Classic fougere fragrances and this was very much what I was expecting from this and to a large degree it exceeded those expectations because I think Mandate smells unique. It's not a fougere in the rougher sense like a Paco Rabanne for example, it's much smoother and more mellow, with more of a powdered focus of geranium and lavender up front with the classic touches of pine cedar and oak moss and cloves very much lower in the mix. The one note that jars for me from the outset and until it settles right down, is a sweaty unpleasant smell which I can only attribute to clary sage and I wasn't surprised to see it amongst the notes here. This is the only thing that puts me off because when it fades this is a nice scent, which smells inherently cheap but very cheerful, performance was not great but I wouldn't say poor. For 3.99 worth a punt and I actually will wear it. Paradoxically I think it's that stale sweat and cumin smell which although unpleasant actually gives Mandate it's character it would be a very much duller and more forgettable affair without it...strange when that happens. Update: Mandate is superb. I've worn it three times this week and that's unheard of for me. I totally got over that smell in the opening and as I said above it actually contributes to what is an excellent fragrance and it was only £3 for 50ml...amazing. I bet the original was an absolute treasure.