Aqaysos Pierre Guillaume 2017

The niche and I: We're only semi-good friends! Whether it's Amouage, Creed, Montale, M.F.K., Nasomatto, Tom Ford, or Xerjoff - usually everything is a bit too extreme for me (and of course, especially too expensive). Suddenly, you smell like secondhand clothes, Indian curry, a visit to a brothel, or wet asphalt. Sometimes also like marzipan potatoes or furniture polish, like grandpa's apartment or the inside of a new car! ;-)

I actually stumbled upon Pierre Guillaume through an offer to order some fragrances for testing, namely Aqaysos, L'Eau Guerrière, Indochine, and Rivages Noirs. The surprising thing: I like ALL four! Because they are balanced and harmonious to a degree that (in my opinion) most niche brands lack!

Aqaysos is my favorite (as in the community). Fruity, woody, and fresh in one. I quickly forget all the Aventus clones along with the pineapple. Because here, everything forms a perfect liaison, strong enough but not too intrusive, with clearly noticeable blackcurrant that gives the woods a bit more space in the drydown, without the citrus top notes completely disappearing. And yes: The musk encourages continuous sniffing!

For me, it's balance par excellence. I like the original, but not the extreme. I keep up with the times, but not with fashion. For once, I think I could sustainably invest in the niche with Pierre Guillaume! :-)