This is another bit of magic. I could never afford Encens Mythique d'Orient and despite my flacon preference I have to say this reboot works out about £1 per ml, that is an absolute bargain for a masterpiece chypre like this. I don't have the capacity to portray the poetry of this fragrance. I'd say I prefer Bois Mysterieux if I had to pick simply because that is more oriental and ergo more my style but this is on an equal par creatively and affectionately recreating their forebears (if the formulas are indeed any different?) Ambergris is the stuff of magic in perfume and it rides underneath everything here unpinning and giving a slightly musky skank, which is as addictive to keep sniffing as the raw stuff. I'm amazed at the bright aldehydes in here and just how long they last in to heart and base of the fragrance. Lightly floral, brightly resinous a little touch of damp earth and moss and powder, all the trappings of a classic. Absolutely loved it, opened stong, lasted for ages just a supreme fragrance. Bravo Guerlain.
A magical journey which travels far and wide, as if Shalimar fled the gilded cage and took to the high seas. This is the only perfume I've experienced that gets stronger over time, before petering out after very many hours (maybe even days). The magic lies in the sparkling blend, but extends beyond that. What seems a mild, unassuming opening evolves into a dazzling aura of charm and beauty like only Guerlain can do. It's powerful yet unoffensive, esoteric yet accessible. By far the best in the Absolus line in my opinion, although I do love most of them.