APOM Homme Maison Francis Kurkdjian 2009

After 6 years of Parfumo, I feel tired, drained; it seems like I have smelled everything before. Be it the countless new releases from designers or the highly praised niche fragrances.
Once a former teacher said, "There are many good football players, but only a handful possess the talent to be outstanding," and the same applies to perfume.
Sauvage, Bleu de Chanel, Aventus, Epic Man, or the highly praised Baccarat Rouge - all good fragrances, but they lack the talent to be exceptional or even unique.

So the search continues for which one comes closest to the holy grail. Tests upon tests. I finally stumbled upon the name Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Never heard of it! Can this guy do anything? Oh right, I see he is the one behind Le Male. Doubts, but whatever! Apom sounds good, high ratings, why not, order a sample and wait!

A few days later, the sample arrives. With no great expectations, I spray it on. Disillusionment! Hatred! Dismay! It smells boring, too much orange, too musty, too old-fashioned. The sample should be tested a few more times before it disappears back into the cupboard for a long time.

Months later. A cool gray Sunday. I take the decant in my hand and press it. Nothing special! I lie down on the couch and watch something on Netflix!
Suddenly, a yellow flash in the sky, a flaming meteor crashes to earth.
My heart races, my pupils dilate, my hands are drenched in sweat. I smell this unique organ, so beautiful, so warm. I close my eyes and begin to dream. I walk along a lonely beach at the North/East Sea; it’s October, far too cold to swim. The wind blows, it’s cloudy, around 12 degrees. A single ray of sunshine breaks through the cloudy sky, touching my skin. And Apom touches my soul!