Hommage à l'Homme Lalique 2011 Eau de Toilette

My perfume collection is slowly reaching an unprecedented size. Before I fully become a fragrance junkie, I plan to rein in my testing and purchasing activities for the time being - that's the plan! ;-) Recently, I've "spread out" in all possible directions, approached old classics, tried my hand at modern scent bombs, put rare niche fragrances to the olfactory test, and completed my preferred fragrance direction of fresh-fruity/spicy/woody to fit my budget.

And as the title suggests: Hommage à L'Homme was just what I needed, and I mean that literally. I can also gladly tell you why: Not exactly young in years (over 45), I generally can't relate much to the highly praised classic fragrances here. They simply don't suit me as a creative designer and alternative music fan, who only digs out a suit and tie for a wedding. But of course: I'm not 20 anymore and I gladly and gratefully forgo most current fads and trends - including in relation to fragrances.

The classic bottle in the Guerlain style clearly indicates that H à H targets less the young urban hipster, but rather the established, possibly stylish gentleman. And the fragrance embodies about 70 percent of what is expected, thus representing the classic high art of fragrance design, which unfortunately is often not my thing: too smoky, too spicy, too leathery, too mossy... there's almost always something that bothers my nose, even though I believe in the quality of the creation. However, the higher the percentages for "older" are, the more I can be sure that a fragrance and I won't become friends.

H à H, however, stands out because it is not too "anything" for me and does not contain a note that repels me from the outset... and that, without slipping into the squeaky modern or trendy sweet. In a "classic men's fragrance," one simply skips oak moss and leather and instead manages to set slightly floral, fresh, and sweet accents. Not too much of anything, so I get the impression that I have a good year-round fragrance in front of me. To conclude with a comparison: no hearty Maß beer, no peaty single malt, no hip gin gin mule... just a substantial Grauburgunder!

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ADDENDUM: After wearing it several times, I must correct myself a bit! Not fundamentally, but in the base, H à H ends up being a bit too "something" for me, namely too piercing, too bitter, and too sour. What a shame, but that's just how it is!