With "Icon," Dunhill created a fragrance a few years ago that clearly stands above the crowd of "car scents." Now there's the same thing again in green? No, rather in youthful. And sweet. Freshly mowed grass meets poppy chewing gum. Clearly nothing for austere noses, definitely more than ever aimed at Generation Z. But somehow it's higher quality and less piercing than some bubblegum monstrosity that much bigger names in the perfume game have launched in recent years.
"Icon Racing" is more Matchbox than Formula 1. Not sugary, more really gum-yellow. Never natural. But also never unpleasantly pungent. The theme of racing, gasoline, or racetrack is, in my opinion, miles away. Even if you had fresh guys like Max Verstappen or Mick Schumacher in mind. More of a steady goer than a lead foot. "Invictus" and co. are not too far off. Powdery. Lavender rather unpleasant. Cardamom saves it. A bit dull, a bit sluggish. An annoying middle lane flanker. Rest stop merchandise.
Bottle: large, solid, robust, and classy
Sillage: a quiet chewing gum in the engine compartment
Longevity: 7 hours, then finish line
Conclusion: "Icon" goes green bubblegum. Usable, but I like the other two heavyweights in silver and gold much more. I haven't had the "Black" under my nose yet.
