Scentgorlie

First impression based off of an official spray sample:

This is actually what I was hoping Après from Ellis Brooklyn to smell like. This feels like a much more refined and full bodied version of that scent. It opens extremely spicy (pine) cedar on me, which leans more “masculine,” and then as it sits on my skin it becomes a bit sweeter and more “unisex.” I don’t pick up on the black currant at all, which is a bummer, and the vanilla is definitely behind a bunch of woods, greens, and musk—but the rest of the notes are pretty present to my nose. (The rose is *very* faint.) The cedar seems to dominate a bit, but I don’t mind that. If you’re looking for a foresty-woody Christmas tree candle in the form of a high end niche fragrance, this could be it.

I personally think it is just ok for now because it doesn’t feel particularly special to me, but I’ll be interested in revisiting my sample when it gets colder out and we move into holiday season territory.

*I used the terms “masculine” and “unisex” in quotation marks to help describe the feelings best associated with what I smell, but I’d like to make it clear that I’m not indicating who gender-wise would best suit this fragrance. I think anyone could pull it off if it sounds like their scent profile.*

First impressions based on the sample in the Akro Discovery Kit:

A refreshing take on an otherwise generic section of fragrances - masculine/masculine-leaning woody aquatic.

Opening was extremely salty, like medicinal seaweed. The dry down gets sweet(er) and the woods become more prominent. Sillage/longevity is powerful - 1-2 sprays.

I went from disliking it to thinking it is ok on me. Not for my personal taste, but on the right person I could see this being super sexy and alluring. I might try it again in the colder months though.

If you’re bored by most woody aquatics, this could be worth a try.

The opening of this fragrance was really intense for me, it almost knocked me off of my feet when I tried it in store. It’s very reminiscent of Bath and Bodyworks food gourmands, or yankee candles.

Once it dries down and settles, and a fair amount of time has passed, it’s kinda pleasant. Sweet and warm, with the food element retained but calm. I was super impressed by the longevity, but I can’t get past that intense opening.

This one is for those who are into super rich and realistic food gourmands to enjoy this.

I am in love with the initial opening, a calm, creamy coffee. But, it turns into an overpowering lavender very quickly and stays there. I would love for this to be reformulated so that the coffee is more prominent. I don’t mind the idea of lavender as a supporting character, but I do find the name deceptive and so my expectations wound up leading to disappointment.

Realistic Coffee-Forward Frags:
Akro Awake (aromatic, bitter, refreshing coffee)
Kerosene Follow (sweet and rich fudge coffee)

A beautiful, long lasting, comforting, creamy coffee/vanilla with rose all balanced. The longevity is super impressive and I get random whiffs throughout the day. I could see this being too invasive to wear to work or around those that are sensitive to fragrance. But, it’s deep and complex without being overbearing. Even as more of a skin scent, the notes are still prominent to smell each one while remaining blended beautifully.

I agree that it can feel more rose than café, and that the rose is at the forefront with the vanilla. The coffee here is more of a supporting role. If you’re looking for a sweet and rich coffee forward fragrance, try Follow by Kerosene.