Black Bold
I agree that this is a solid fragrance from a relatively unknown house. The opening is reminiscent of Clinique's Happy, with a musky undertone similar to Versace Man Eau Fraiche.
It's a suitable option for the summer and the price point is reasonable.
While the longevity is moderate, you can certainly reapply throughout the day as needed.
Overall, it's a good choice for casual events and office wear.
Lemon
This fragrance offers a smooth blend of florals with a subtle hint of anise in the background, which isn't overpowering or dominant in any way.
The anise combines with the vetiver base to provide a solid foundation for the florals to stand on.
The initial burst of lemon and lemon verbena fades quickly, giving way to a pleasant purple floral scent that sits close to the skin. A light woodiness and soft spiciness from the anise add some depth to the fragrance.
The only downside is the lack of projection. However, this might be perfect for those who prefer a more subtle scent that stays close to the skin.
Overall, it's a pleasant fragrance that's worth trying if you're a fan of floral scents with a hint of spice.
Worth a sample
Amouage's take on a green mint fragrance, this scent boasts great performance and a persistent galbanum and minty smell throughout the drydown. The opening is the best part, with a blast of sweet, dewy, and green scent that blends well with the ivy and orange blossom.
The mint comes off more like what you would find in a shaving cream, but it doesn't lean barbershop. However, the sweetness of the top notes fades, leaving a rough synthetic soapy accord in the drydown. While not the worst, it may disappoint those who loved the opening or wanted a photorealistic scent of a mint garden.
The performance is great, and while some might be able to wear this in the summer, it's better suited for the spring or fall. It might come off too harsh in the summer heat, but it lasts an entire workday, so there's no concern with longevity.
Worth a sample for those who enjoy green scents, but the drydown may not suit everyone's taste. Nonetheless, Amouage should be commended for trying something different. However, the name doesn't match the scent, and it could have been called "Mint Imagination" or "Ivy Dew". If you loved this scent but want a more photorealistic take on a mint garden, try Undergrowth by Rook Perfumes.
Sniff
The Extrait version of this fragrance is a significant improvement over the EDP.
While I appreciated the original, I found the midsection to be a bit too rough and jarring due to the clash between the rose and oud notes.
However, the Extrait version addresses this issue and delivers a smoother and more refined experience throughout the entire scent duration.
The fragrance sits a bit closer to the skin compared to the EDP, but it still boasts excellent performance.
While I'm still undecided if the price increase is worth it for a more polished version of the original, I can confidently say that this is an exceptional fragrance that deserves a sniff.
One Man Show
Overall, this fragrance is a good value for its price point. It reminds me of the cherry-based fragrances released by Tom Ford, but with a designer twist.
Although the listed notes include honey and oud, I mainly detect saffron, amber, and hints of green apple tartness. While it doesn't have the projected sillage and longevity some have reported, it lasts a workday and could have been reformulated.
The scent is smooth and decently blended, although it does have a slightly synthetic feel.
Despite this, it doesn't come across as harsh or screechy. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this fragrance is worth considering.