Les Jeux sont Faits Jovoy 2013

I purchased my first scent from Jovoy as a sample because my then-favorite YouTuber kept mentioning it. It was "Psychedelique," and I initially found it really dreadful. "Les Jeux sont faits," which I bought around the same time, was much more tolerable. And yet: The bitterness with which it starts made me take a step back early on. However, encouraged by others who found its drydown appetizing, I gave it another chance.
The initial bitterness still had to be overcome. (I am now sure that it is the angelica root.) But I found it increasingly attractive and appealing, although also very masculine. (A sincere compliment to all the ladies who wear this scent!) But what comes next, this tobacco aroma + rum/gin: No, it does not smell like a pub. It took me a long time to realize what it reminded me of: A few years ago, I sailed on an old flat-bottomed boat on the IJsselmeer, and there was this magical moment when I was sitting below deck and the overwhelming scent of old warm wood washed over me. I have rediscovered that moment - and the associated feeling of security - in "Les jeux sont faits." It has since become my signature scent.