Eyes Closed Byredo 2022

I find most Byredos to be pretty linear; what I get within two minutes in is usually what lingers for the rest of its lifespan, however Eyes Closed gave me more evolution. I got crisp baby carrot out the gate, but within a minute it had transformed into raw, green cinnamon – think curls of true cinnamon bark, sliced off the trunk. I liked it best at this turning point; there was a spot there in which the cinnamon, cardamon, and backing herbals formed a chewy, rich, "vanished wood" sort of aroma. Had it arrested here, I would have been a huge fan. However, by thirty minutes the spices had dulled into a sanitary, artificial cinnamon – slightly medicinal, with a ghost of menthol. Essentially cinnamon gum, without any candied gourmand to it.

Longevity: It's a Byredo. With four spritzes I got four hours tops. It's not a secret, but also not a scream. You'll get enough emanation for yourself and a close partner to enjoy, but not the whole Thanksgiving party.

Mental Snapshot: All I felt like was that I'd been closely embraced by the Old Spice Man.

tl;dr: a clean, savoury, unisex spice. Think cinnamint.