Reception Amouage 2025

As Harrods is not really that far from where I live, I managed to try this the day after it got launched. My opinion is based on a couple of sprays on my arm (on skin), so take it as an indication rather than a professional review from the likes of Jeremy (or Daniel). I am not that competent anyway, and most of the times I don't really follow the teachings of Jesus.

As we like to classify things around here, I will say straight away that Reception won't take the Essences' best place, at least according to my taste and the type of perfumery I like. This is a third place, along with Reasons.
Additionally, unless you are a fan of softer fragrances, further disappointment might come from the fact that Reception was created by Negrin... don't expect a new Interlude. I understand that "less-is-more" is becoming a trend now, but we need to be real... this is not why you usually pay the Amouage premium for.

Harrods' "white glove" reception starts with a piney and coffee aroma, and a light touch of cedarwood in the background. Some additional softness comes from a diffused leather tendency, perhaps some kind of labdanum trickery.
At the very start, the coffee vaguely reminds me of what you can smell in the recent Terre d'Hermes Intense...

I won't go into detail about its dry down, as I will give it another wear as soon as my (very brave) frag-friend will receive his shiny new bottle.

Performance wise, what I can say for now is that the projection seems to be on the weak side. After 30 minutes, I needed to put my nose very close to my arm to smell it. After 2 hours, it was a skin scent. It will stick around for 8+ hours.
To my taste, unisex slightly leaning masculine.
To my wallet's taste, at £355? Absolutely not! Sorry Pierre.

PS: all in all, I consider Reception as a heavily subdued/muted version of Golden Green. My impression seems to be consistent with the official notes. I will confirm this after my re-test.