Noses behind this scent are Gerard Anthony and Richard Wirtz (who only ever created this perfume), where as Gerard Anthony was also behind XS Paco Rabanne and Balenciaga Pour Homme.
Top notes: Lavender, Lemon, Caraway, Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Iris and Star Anise
Heart notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedar, Juniper Berries and Cardamom
Base notes: Oakmoss, Leather, Amber, Musk and Tonka Bean.
Scent breakdown: - Opens with a beautiful bright but fresh & warm spice, the star anise is the main player, giving this a unique warm spice but also a licorice sweet vibe, along with a bright citrusy lemon, and the caraway which gives this a fresh spicy brightness. The opening immediately gives me a barbershop vibe, the Kurdish barber near me which I frequent every two weeks for a haircut, will end my beard shave and haircut with a cologne/aftershave which gives off this vibe - As the opening relaxes, into the heart of the fragrance I pick up a gorgeous lavender, which smells luxuriously clean and fresh, it has the classic gentlemanly vibe. Sometimes the note of lavender can come across quite harsh and soapy in some fragrances, but it's not the case here. Along with the lavender I also pick up some gentle powderry vibes, which may be coming from the sandalwood or iris. Along with the lavender and powderry vibe, the opening warm spiciness remains as a backbone to allow the lavender to shine. The fragrance remains largely like this throughout the wearing. - In the drydown the scent develops a whiff of a woody backbone, but it's largely retains scent from the heart, where it's a gentlemanly lavender scent, with fresh brightness, some powderiness and gentle sweetness.
In my opinion this isn't out-dated in anyway nor does it scream old school. Possibly the vintage formulation had an increased leather and oakmoss vibe, which gave an outdated or school vibe - but the
Many people talk of the vintage being superior, it probably is (I've not tried it), and tell people not to bother with the current formulation (I hear the same regarding Kouros), but I would have to respectfully disagree - the current formulation is excellent juice that I wouldn't avoid, it's worth sampling for sure, and for the price it's a bargain.
Longevity is around 6-8 hours, with projection being excellent for the first 4 hours, really pushes out strong, after which it sits a little bit closer to the skin.
This is best suited as a daytime scent during the spring in my opinion, but could also work in the fall. I think it works well as a signature scent and a casual scent.
