American Dream Gravel 2019

American Dream is decently rendered (I am amused by the idea of reading that phrase out of context), with the citruses blended beautifully, in a manner similar to that of Chanel Pour Monsieur or the long-discontinued Trophée Lancome. I can also name several others as well, which means have a distinct feeling this one is good, but isn't gonna blow up my skirt.

This is a well done fusty gentleman's citrus chypre, no rough edges, a tasty jasmine in its heart, and it has legs. I must say, I like it, I like it a lot—but I don't need it.

...a part of the "American" Dream was also born. During the economic crisis around 1896, many sought their fortune and gold in the Klondike region. Quite a few were successful. If anyone is interested: Since then, about 560 tons of gold have been mined there, up to today.
But what does gold have to do with Gravel?
The opening has something golden for me. A beautiful herb-fresh-cool, mineral citrus, underlaid with a gently fruity orange note that brings no sweetness and lasts surprisingly long. Almost as if one were standing early in the cold water of the Klondike River, panning for gold. When the sun comes out later, jasmine makes its way into the fragrance, providing a bit of warmth and making the scent softer. Lavender joins a bit later, but stays more in the background without dominating, contributing its balanced spiciness to the fragrance.
Towards the base, American Dream becomes a bit darker with patchouli, a little vetiver, and a hint of moss. This must be what the riverbank smells like when it warms up in the sun.
The simple bottle with the river pebbles fits this scene perfectly.
Longevity and sillage are, as usual with Gravel, good.
American Dream is my favorite from the line. Overall, a very harmonious, rounded, balanced fragrance that suits any occasion and never comes across as intrusive.

AMERICA 1920, the First World War is over, the economy is booming, and the American population is more eager to spend than ever before. The automotive sector is growing, hardly anyone is without a job, which naturally increases spending on consumer goods. The "American Dream" - from rags to riches - is for many people not just a dream, but an emerging reality.

GRAVEL has captured this America of the 1920s, preserved in a perfection that is unmatched. It should be noted that the perfume does not smell like a dishwasher, but clearly embodies the pinnacle of success up the career ladder. It smells of success, glamour, and glory, hot cars, easy women, cigar rooms, and stacks of dollars. I would like to pull a cinematic comparison from my pocket: no one could wear this scent better than Leonardo DiCaprio in "Wolf of Wall Street"!

BUT about the scent itself. I find it to be the American counterpart to the fragrances from Penhaligon's, particularly "The Tragedy of Lord George" comes to mind. While they do not smell identical, they share that typical barbershop note - as has already been mentioned! This one, however, is definitely finer, rounder, and more flattering. Although I must say that I cannot align myself with the aforementioned fragrance direction. I hardly perceive it as floral-citrusy at any point. For me, it leans more towards a woody-creamy/bummy-creamy direction. Those expecting citrus will be disappointed. Consequently, it comes across quite creamy and soapy and lays gently on the skin. The development is relatively straightforward, only towards the end does it become softer and gentler. Lavender and vetiver form a wonderful scent pair and are well-balanced in composition. The longevity of American Dream is about 6-8 hours, and the sillage is perceptible for about 3 hours before it gradually fades. The bottle is top-notch, as it actually contains small stones that make it appear valuable and elegant. Overall, it somewhat resembles hotel hand soap from the early 20th century.

SO, anyone looking for a great autumn fragrance and who has enjoyed Penhaligon's will find this one. You get a soapy-creamy scent composition of the highest class with solid performance. Moreover, it is suitable for those who like to wear a shirt; it does not quite fit the casual look. I would also envision it on a man aged 40+, even though I am rather young myself. But that is for everyone to decide. Lastly, a word about the price: at 150 euros for 100ml, it is perfectly reasonable, especially considering its English brother ;)

Have a great evening,
Be sure to test this
Bene

Americans dream of oldschool scents? This fragrance is more what I expected from "A Man's Cologne." Sure, it’s not as complex as the "true" old schoolers. But still, it definitely leans in that same old-fashioned, damp-green-earthy direction. For me personally, it's a no-go, but I don't want to offend the lovers of such scents. :)

The scent starts off somewhat Mediterranean: damp leaves and a few citrus fruits surround you. All of this is fresh and bitter, laid on a somewhat smooth, not too earthy-cellar-like patch. Still - somehow not so friendly, rather strict and uninviting.

It smells like this for the next few hours before the fragrance loses its damp aura and somehow shifts into a somewhat plastic, musty-smooth-mossy direction. And it’s no longer bitter either.

Even though the first part of the fragrance isn’t really my thing, it did have a certain substance and character. After that, it becomes trivial and meaningless. Like my comment. :o)

The fragrance lasts a good 7 hours on my skin, with a rather moderate, close-to-the-body sillage (4-5 points).

Unisex? Not to my taste. More of a masculine scent, which doesn’t mean that women can’t wear it.

To the old school lovers: If you’re looking for an old school scent in a somewhat reduced version, this might please you, especially if you like it green and bitter. Otherwise, you’re really not missing anything here, as (at least) I have encountered several similar fragrances already.

Many thanks to Don for the gravel hiking package. I have complied with his request and written a comment on this fragrance. So I apologize if the comment turned out to be too short. :o)

The American Dream, from rags to riches.
But where on this journey does this fragrance stand?
Is it a millionaire who has reached the end of the journey? One who enjoys the sun by the pool in his villa in the Hamptons with a whisky or, in this case, gin. A clear no!
Is it the scent of a dishwasher? To some extent, yes, because the opening immediately reminded me of a freshly cleaned restroom in a burger joint. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a rundown place in the Bronx, but rather a very well-managed franchise of a golden M, the flagship of the chain within a 50km radius.
Once the opening is over, the dishwasher gets promoted, matures, grows older, and opens his own restaurant in the countryside, catering to a well-off clientele with truly fine food.
The journey is indeed the most important part of the American Dream, the development. From restroom stone to a beautiful green-citrusy-fine old-school scent. Give it some time, it gets better, although not particularly special. Is it worth the money? No, absolutely not. Is it a nice fragrance? Yes, indeed!
Would I prefer a Beau de Jour or Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche? Definitely!