Top Notes 
Cardamom
Rum
Mandarin orange
Heart Notes 
Cognac
Patchouli
Jasmine
Pepper
Base Notes 
Musk
Oud
Cedarwood
Elysium
913 Reviews
Elysium
Helpful Review
3
In search of the absent Oud
Encounter has different meanings in the English language: to find someone, to meet unexpectedly, to fit in conflict, or to face problems, to name a few. To me, the encounter with this scent was awkward. I blindly bought this, and I expected something dark, mysterious, sensual, and deep, alas it is a sweet and masculine floral woody scent but nothing of the adjectives as mentioned earlier.
Encounter starts with a smooth mandarin orange note, which is soon spiced up by warm whiffs of mentholated cardamom. The first quarter-hour is reminiscent of a glass of rum with free minty and zesty notes of crushed cardamom seeds and mandarin's slices, the latter very similar to Italian Mandarinetto Isolabella, a classic among sweet liqueurs, with all the fresh and sweet fragrance of Mediterranean tangerines. This stage is boozy, citrus, fruity, and delicious, and altogether these notes give off a "minty" vibe.
Then, a strong, slightly synthetic jasmine note takes over. But don't worry, men. It doesn't smell feminine at all. A more floral yet masculine aroma then develops. It's sweet, but not too sweet and not cloying at all, while the modern patchouli gives it a touch of dirtiness setting against the sweetness.
The dry-down is a sweet and green blend of sheer woodiness and muskiness. Now you might be wondering, "where is the oud?". The answer is, "Uh... I don't know, either." If oud is in there, it must be so soft and white that I could barely smell it. Perhaps, I am accustomed to pungent, medicinal, and opulent oriental oud, frequently blended with notes of rose, orris, violet, or saffron. I am not able anymore to get this subtle one, at least not as a clear and dominant note.
I have been wearing it to go to the office today, and I feel quite comfortable. However, I would say that Encounter is more of a night cologne, for instance, for clubbing or going out than it is a day one.
The most disappointing thing about this fragrance is the missing notes. Cognac and oud are all mentioned in the press release but, if they are included in the scent, they are so light they can't be smelt. And it's a shame because they may have added a touch of originality to the composition.
That being said, the fragrance longevity and sillage are moderate. The resulting blend is appropriate for cold weather, fall and winter evenings and nights, and ideal for young men.
I look forward to reviewing its flanker Encounter Fresh! Stay tuned.
-Gian
Encounter starts with a smooth mandarin orange note, which is soon spiced up by warm whiffs of mentholated cardamom. The first quarter-hour is reminiscent of a glass of rum with free minty and zesty notes of crushed cardamom seeds and mandarin's slices, the latter very similar to Italian Mandarinetto Isolabella, a classic among sweet liqueurs, with all the fresh and sweet fragrance of Mediterranean tangerines. This stage is boozy, citrus, fruity, and delicious, and altogether these notes give off a "minty" vibe.
Then, a strong, slightly synthetic jasmine note takes over. But don't worry, men. It doesn't smell feminine at all. A more floral yet masculine aroma then develops. It's sweet, but not too sweet and not cloying at all, while the modern patchouli gives it a touch of dirtiness setting against the sweetness.
The dry-down is a sweet and green blend of sheer woodiness and muskiness. Now you might be wondering, "where is the oud?". The answer is, "Uh... I don't know, either." If oud is in there, it must be so soft and white that I could barely smell it. Perhaps, I am accustomed to pungent, medicinal, and opulent oriental oud, frequently blended with notes of rose, orris, violet, or saffron. I am not able anymore to get this subtle one, at least not as a clear and dominant note.
I have been wearing it to go to the office today, and I feel quite comfortable. However, I would say that Encounter is more of a night cologne, for instance, for clubbing or going out than it is a day one.
The most disappointing thing about this fragrance is the missing notes. Cognac and oud are all mentioned in the press release but, if they are included in the scent, they are so light they can't be smelt. And it's a shame because they may have added a touch of originality to the composition.
That being said, the fragrance longevity and sillage are moderate. The resulting blend is appropriate for cold weather, fall and winter evenings and nights, and ideal for young men.
I look forward to reviewing its flanker Encounter Fresh! Stay tuned.
-Gian
Updated on 03/06/2020
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