Upon initial spray and opening, the vibe is that of a very well done traditional citrus aromatic fougere - in the vein of eau sauvage, scandal, etc.
The opening was a bit disappointing, if I'm honest. It smells great, very high quality and complex blend to be sure, but I just didn't need another trad citrus aromatic fougere.....
BUT, it changes quickly on skin. The citruses are there, sure, but the fragrance becomes a rich, elegant, regal, woody, even modern mens fragrance. I've heard this described as smelling like money, and I get it. It does smell very refined, very expensive, but not terribly stodgy. It has modern aspects - I smell a bit of Apex, a touch of sauvage elixir in this. Not so much the spice, but the clean hardwoods and green notes at the base give an echo of that profile, but they're not redundant due to the citruses and florals lending a smooth, fresh, elegant layer that doesn't exist in Apex/Sauvage Elixir. The overall vibe is a bit different from those, and the brutal masculinity that hammers the nose in Apex is softened and lightened, freshened and cleaned here. But, it's still there lurking around the corner - making no apologies.
Overall, this fragrance grew on my quickly and strongly. Don't let the first 20 minutes fool you, it's going to get better and get different.
Not for young men per se, unless you want to smell completely mature and confident. This can clown you if you aren't confident with it.
Projection is on the strong side of moderate.
Longevity is 8 hours, easy.
Scent on this gets better and better as it develops. 8.75/10
Overall a traditional, but modern tinged mature mens fragrance, for mild temps.
