Flash Back Olfactive Studio 2013

Whoever pulls the trigger on Flash Back - metaphorically speaking - is immediately bombarded by a cloud of herbaceous, astringent rhubarb. But within a few minutes, fine, nutty vetiver reveals itself. The overly sharp acidity retreats appropriately quickly and makes room for a more aromatic sourness. Even a Granny Smith can still be counted among the such in comparison to the rhubarb.

This is quite successful. Herb-fresh-distinguished. Undoubtedly a pleasant summer scent. If it weren't for, firstly, a clear excess of closeness to Terre d’Hermès. Within two hours, Flash Back takes on a similar flint-like twist. On the skin, the vetiver may be nuttier than in the original, but that is not enough to be considered truly independent.

Particularly, of course, Flash Back soon loses its freshness. After a lackluster two or three hours, it has become quite earthy, and after four hours, it is on the skin. While it remains present into the evening, it is additionally noticeably supported by a musk base. The vetiver also maintains its nutty-earthy character quite well, but overall, it presents a very weak picture (höhö). Ultimately in both senses. The clone colleague Red Vetiver from the house of Montale is better from start to finish.

If something special or original must be found by force, at least the following idea should be mentioned: A chemical scent that I had already perceived in Ombre Indigo from the same studio, which is presumably due to the marketing concept surrounding photography. That could also be involved in Flash Back; not overly penetrating, but I still find it noticeable. However, it might also be a leftover of rhubarb. The stuff smells to me almost fresh from nature, as if it has sprung from a laboratory.

So I have a choice. The "classic" or the niche. Only: If it’s niche, then I would undoubtedly reach for the far more durable Montale, which also comes at a more affordable price.

Many thanks to Ergoproxy for the sample.