Bal à Versailles Jean Desprez 1962 Eau de Toilette

I keep reading how the original formulation is absolutely glorious (it is), and the reformulation is a shadow of its former self (somewhat true). I purchased samples of both vintage and current BaV, and they both smell fantastic. The vintage edt sample I have is fuller and richer, but after years in the bottle, the top notes are somewhat degraded. Some are gone, some don't hold up for long. But there are so damn many notes in this unhinged formula, I still get a little hint of brightness here and there. And the heart and base... wowwowwowWOW!! It's resiny and herbaly. And poopy. But not in a bad way.

Today's formulation holds up, in my opinion. My current edt sample isn't nearly as potent as the vintage, but it has the same DNA. It's lighter, slightly less fecal, and all the notes are fully intact. If I could go back in time and smell the original BaV, I know I would like it best, but I can't so I'll enjoy what's available now. Ignore the naysayers, and try a sample of the new juice.