Penhaligon’s – The Dandy – A Bit Of A Non-Event

The Dandy stands alongside his British pals at the department store. Penhaligon's continues to churn them out, almost in a vain attempt to see what sticks. At least this time, they haven't ventured too far from their home shores for inspiration. Typically, it's a good sign when they stick close to home. For The Dandy, … Continue reading Penhaligon’s – The Dandy – A Bit Of A Non-Event

Parfums Quartana – Forest Of The Golden Dream – Unfamiliar Surrounds

Ierofante, Parfums Quartana's 2022 release may not quite have matched its marketing to the product Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline. But it wasn't a million miles away, and I still thought it worthy of praise. Fast forward a year, and it's safe to say that Joseph Quartana seems to like a challenge. Their … Continue reading Parfums Quartana – Forest Of The Golden Dream – Unfamiliar Surrounds

Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline

When I first sprayed Joseph Quartana's award-winning Ierofante, I was transported back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Instantly, the light bulb went off, and I thought of Annick Menardo's Black for Bvlgari. Certainly, Ierofante has all the makings: the same rubbery tyre note, the smooth velvety suede accord, and the warm, cosy, ambery, … Continue reading Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline

First Impressions – Initio – Narcotic Delight

Narcotic Delight - Picture courtesy of Initio's website. First Impressions - Initio - Narcotic Delight - INITIO Parfums Privés (Initio), purveyors of perfumes promoting performance and projection, are back with another scent bomb. Despite the brand being a darling of YouTubers and the like, I've yet to find one I would ever consider adding to … Continue reading First Impressions – Initio – Narcotic Delight

First Impressions – Cologne Officinale – Heeley Paris

First Impressions - Heeley Paris - Cologne Officinale - As promised, and continuing on my recent run of aromatic releases, here's Heeley's latest - a fabulous fresh homage to vintage 70's masculine style perfumes. Heeley always does an excellent job with these fresher scents. For instance, Sel Marin is one of the finer marine scents money … Continue reading First Impressions – Cologne Officinale – Heeley Paris

First Impressions – Thameen – Fanfare & Bohemian Infusion

Flower Markets of Covent Garden - The inspiration for Fanfare. This picture is from my own flower market. Ex Amouage creative director Christopher Chong took over the reins at British brand Thameen in 2021. That's likely a good thing in the long run. However, it's not entirely off to the most promising start with these … Continue reading First Impressions – Thameen – Fanfare & Bohemian Infusion

First Impressions – Masque Milano – White Whale

Masque Milano - White Whale - As promised, below are my first impressions of the last scent from Masque Milano's "Opera" collection, White Whale. The story behind the creation of the fragrance is interesting in itself. Using the Herman Melville classic Moby Dick as his inspiration, Brazilian perfumer Christian Alori attempted to interpret the epic quest … Continue reading First Impressions – Masque Milano – White Whale

First Impressions – Masque Milano – Sleight of Fern

I've got a lot of time for the Italian brand, Masque Milano. Their scents are always well thought out and executed. I like most of their perfumes, some more than others. My favourite is the animalic tobacco of Montecristo. Montecristo forms one scent of sixteen from the brand's "Opera" series. Up until recently, the collection … Continue reading First Impressions – Masque Milano – Sleight of Fern