Opium pour Homme Yves Saint Laurent 1995 Eau de Toilette

I first smelled OPH on a winter hollyday in Turin, 2006. It was almost a mystical experience, almost 20 years later I still remember the day.

Despite the sales assistant advice, who really wanted to push me some other fragrance, I bought my first 30ml bottle. For some time was my special occasion fragrance. Since then I had multiple bottles, EDP included.

I got bored of it and I didn't ware it for a couple of years. Two years ago I smelled it again on someone. I was struck by nostalgia, I had to have it again. The same day I ordered a fresh bottle.

It was, of course, the newest reformulation, I thought it was the same as always, and I was happy with my bottle.
But a few weeks ago I ordered a vintage miniature from ebay, and I have to admit it, it's quite different!

The vintage one is definitely richer, reminds me more of the EDP than to the newest formulation. The opening is very different, smells smoother and syrupy, has a camphoric accord (a bit like tiger balm), which I personally love very much. And is stronger.

Still, the new version isn't bad, I don't agree that it's just a shadow of itself. It's still Opium, just a bit fresher and more casual.
It remains one of the best designer fragrance you can buy at your local perfumery.

But if you love it as much as I do you own it to yourself to try the vintage too. It's not yet crazy expensive, but it gets harder to find. I bought two 100ml splash bottles from 1995 and one of 30ml.

For me it is a 10/10 fragrance, my personal favorite for winter, night time or special occasions.