Quarterback

It's a smokiness that isn't campfire, a sweetness that's not cloying making this a perfect scene for those colder months when you want to conjure warmth. Very unique and unisex, will be worthwhile for all sorts of occasions but probably better at night than during the work day. They sell it in travel sizes too which is really great.

Tried this having never heard of it on a trip recently and had to get a decant because I almost dropped the $ for a bottle right there. It's hard to explain, but I read somewhere that the feminine freshness though bordering on unisex would do better on someone else than themselves and that's about where I lie with it. I think i'd enjoy smelling this on someone else, I can't decide if it's a daily driver for me or not, I'm going to work through the decant and see if it can get into my rotation as I look for more fresh/rose-scented things that I can wear yearound. Overpriced for what it is, for sure, but I will say that it's my favorite of this house by far, none of the other things in this collection did a single thing for me.

Ummagumma by Fzotic / Bruno Fazzolari is a testament to the art of olfaction, a symphony of spicy-smoky notes that was introduced to the world in 2017. This perfume is a seamless blend of contrasts, much like the transformation from summer’s warmth to autumn’s cool embrace.

The spicy kick of saffron dances with the sweet allure of chocolate, reminiscent of that first sip of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. The smoky tones of tobacco and labdanum intertwine with the woody backdrop of cedar and sandalwood, invoking the image of a crackling fireplace. Gentle whispers of vanilla and tonka bean absolute bring forth the sweetness of autumnal desserts, while leather and frankincense lend a deep, rich warmth that wraps around you like a soft blanket. And just as fall carries with it the delicate bloom of carnations, Ummagumma does not shy away from floral notes, adding a touch of elegance to its robust character.

While my fragrance preferences may have evolved, Ummagumma’s enduring blend of spicy, smoky, woody, sweet, and leathery notes beckon me back every fall. It’s not just a perfume; it’s an olfactory journey through the nuances of a season in flux.

I have never been siren songed into buying a perfume immediately after it releases, much less a blind buy, but this being limited edition AND a tennis scent made me curious enough after seeing the notes to take the plunge. I highly do not recommend anyone do that in the future.

First off, price wise this is way more price per ML than I ever pay and wouldn't again, much less without getting a sense of the smell ahead of time. I was mortified that when it arrived, I'd not want to ever wear it and would have to discount it to get rid of it. Making matter worse, it showed up why I was away on vacation so I had to wait an extra week to check it out.

Having finally gotten to dance with it a bit, I can say that it's a very wearable bottle of juice. They did a generally good job. I would say that you should investigate the La Boticá line's "Barcelona" as the spring notes of this reminded me a lot of that, though "Crush Balls" (a terrible, terrible name. I could think of dozens of better tennis-related names for this that would be cute) is certainly greener. My green scent of choice these days has largely been another new perfume, the tomato-y Green Spell from Eris. Crush Balls is sweeter than them both without being too much so.

The thing DS&Durga did best with Crush Balls is making sure it projects without making it overpowering. This is one you can wear and not worry that it's going to fade after an hour or so, heavy sprayers should keep that in mind.

All in all, I don't regret taking the plunge on this studio juice from DS&Durga. Crush Balls is pretty unique in my collection and might be the best yet execution of a tennis-styled scent. I wouldn't call it a must-have, or even remotely life-changing. But if you're looking for an interesting bottle to add to your collection, especially if you're of the trading variety, this one could be an okay look. If you can smell it beforehand, I'd encourage that though.

I suspect the exclusivity part will wear off soon and there will be decants and half bottles available, at which would be a worthwhile acquisition

Cashmere in Cognac is truly a fresh showstopper. It boasts an invigorating blend of notes, from the warm embrace of Charred pinyon pine and New Caledonian sandalwood to the sweet allure of Vanilla CO2. If you’re one to steer clear of synthetics, this might not be your cup of tea.

However, if you appreciate a fragrance that’s light yet distinctive, this one shines through in almost any season, particularly under the sun’s rays—even in winter’s chill.

Whether you’re dressing for a day at the office or a night on the town, this scent is sure to lift your spirits. One caveat: its sillage is on the subtler side, so be prepared for a more intimate scent experience