Le Sel d'Issey Eau de Toilette was and still is a really good freshie with a great salty aquatic note. Probably at the current prices, it's also a fragrance I would consider getting as a cool, casual no-brainer. With this DNA, Quentin Bisch has once again proven that he can create these catchy DNAs. I was eagerly anticipating this EdP, which brings significantly more depth and has transformed from a sporty freshie to a fresh-spicy day fragrance with endurance. Price-wise, this release is still quite expensive, as it has just been launched. However, in a few months, it will be considerably cheaper like most of the offerings from the Issey Miyake brand. Currently, the prices are also reasonable since you get quite a lot for your money. I find this DNA quite catchy again, just like most of Bisch's creations. I think it's cool that the original DNA has been incorporated here, and it truly deserves the term flanker.
The packaging and bottle are quite elegant and significantly more modern than the outdated flankers from the L'eau D'Issey line. The color gradient with the light and dark shades is also quite fitting for this fragrance progression. In terms of scent, this EdP clearly aligns with the EdT. The salty aquatic note is very present here as well and impresses with a certain casualness and a very unique note that doesn't smell like every other freshie. Here, much more depth comes to the forefront, along with significantly spicier notes that transform this fragrance into a noble day scent. A wonderful salty note, aquatic and algae notes give this fragrance a fantastic aquatic character that feels very elegant and not synthetic. Additionally, there is a lovely cedarwood note. Frankincense is also present here, but in a very gentle manner and not really smoky. Amber adds a bit of warmth, yet far from making it a heavy scent. The fragrance feels very elegant and is a great companion for everyday wear and throughout the year. It is an all-rounder, as you get a wonderful mix of freshness, spiciness, wood, and light warmth. The feel-good factor is high here, and it will likely be prone to compliments like much of Bisch's work. Performance is quite good and impresses me totally for everyday use. The scent easily lasts through a workday, and it will also score points in other situations. The sillage is also quite good, and you are noticed, making you feel comfortable.
Overall, it's already an upgrade, although you can certainly own both. This one is of course significantly nobler and more elegant, while the original is a bit more casual. Overall, a fantastic salty DNA.
