Herod Parfums de Marly 2012

After already owning two real highlights from Parfums de Marly (Layton and the simply magnificent Oajan), I made a blind purchase of Herod. I should have left it alone; however, a sample was included with the fragrance itself. Thus, in the end, I was relieved to be able to return the original packaged bottle.

After the first test, I initially perceived very little to nothing at all. The two other Marlys mentioned above hit you almost immediately and then embark on a wonderful journey of development. Herod, on the other hand, remains quiet, very quiet, with a hint of tobacco, a bit of smoke. None of the listed notes can I directly perceive here, except for later a feminine cherry note, paired with floral accords. Almost like roses, lily of the valley.

In anticipation of hopefully a more masculine development soon, I waited in vain. On the contrary. The fragrance remains linearly feminine and disappears again after just an hour! Additionally, my nose was in direct (!) contact with my arm. Hello? Where are you, please!?

IS THIS REALLY IT FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FRAGRANCE? Unbelievable…

Where are the guarantees for masculine notes like tobacco and incense? Not present, not even remotely recognizable.

The tester was applied again after a week. Sometimes you just have a bad day. Unfortunately, the cited experience repeated itself.

No guys, this is not acceptable, return initiated.

100 of my other conventional fragrances have a significantly stronger character and presence than this one. For me, it's a fake-both in price and content.