Serpentarius

Wow! That was my first impression putting my nose to this. In love.

I usually don't layer but this one plays well with my other fragrances, as I like the boozy-sweet-spice combo. There was kind of a woody base left from this morning and I put The Extreme (AF) over it and WOW again. I know that's not necessarily a true 'layer' but I'm actually going to try it.

I have to spray quite a bit of this (3x to each side of the neck, 1 to each hand or wrist)...to some that's not much. I'm just used to heavier beastmode fragrances where 3 sprays is all that's needed. No need to be shy with this one. 5-8 sprays seems to be the sweet spot for me.

This is super smooth and versatile. Very unisex. The scent profile probably isn't very unique at this point but I don't really care. I've only had this stuff for 2 days and have put a dent in it!

I have Game Time from Alexandria Fragrances, Casino Elixir, and Casino Elixir 2.0. Casino Elixir was the first one with this DNA I purchased. Love it! My only gripes are the strong alcohol opening (only lasts a few seconds though) and the atomizer, which sprays a bit wider and mistier than I'd like (also an older bottle so the metallic-colored coating is wearing out). Edit: I think all or most Dua fragrances have that initial alcohol blast.

I bought Game Time as a lover of AF, curious of their take. It's more subdued/subtle...not as sweet and juicy as CE, but it is more refined and overall 'higher quality'. I slightly prefer CE but its more expensive and only sold in 30ml unless you can get a special edition bottle.

CE 2.0 I bought because CE didn't seem to last very long on my skin and it's ranked higher here. Well, I'm here to tell you...it's my least favorite of the three. There's this stank on it I do not care for. Also noticed it in Pour Homme (By Man clone) and Drowning in Zest. I keep hoping it will go away. It isn't as pronounced after 20 minutes or so but still lingers. Its as if CE 2.0 tries to mimic GT but with less oakmoss in the drydown and more black currant (?). Still serviceable but I prefer the other 2 more. Maybe it will get better over time.

This is a borderline 'wow' for me, where like almost turns to love. It's pocket is date night/close encounter, so don't expect a lot of projection and sillage (your skin may yield a different result) as parfums generally stay closer to the skin. It has a reputation as a compliment puller and its been true in my case, so its crowd pleasing at the minimum. High sex appeal, low complexity. If you're just starting out with building a collection or new to fragrances in general, this is a great pick up! Even as a straight blind-buy. This is best for cooler weather evenings and gents in their late 20s and up but keep in mind, 'best' is just a suggestion based on a scent profile. The matrix is yours to break!

Speaking of, I get undertones of grape from MWP, which I really like. It's not vanilla-heavy to my nose (and great because I have plenty of vanilla-featuring fragrances already). It's really balanced, so its not overly sweet. I consider this gourmand-ish, as its a bit lighter and subtler than other gourmands I've put my nose to. I wish I picked up on more booziness.

I really like the bottle/presentation. The atomizer is a solid quick spritz and the cap secures nicely. I bought it at retail and felt it was a tad overpriced at $105 for a 100ml. I hadn't been to a fragrance counter in person since the pandemic began, so I didn't mind that much. This is a welcome addition to my fall/winter rotation. 9/10

This is divine! Every time I spray this on, I smile. It's like 60% BR540 and 40% Aventus. I bought Casino Elixir 2.0 immediately after getting this one but its not as sweet/lively. Good longevity, 6+ hours. Very versatile, any occasion or time of year. Biggest drawback is that it only comes in 30ml and a 100ml is like $175...if its in stock, sold out currently. Going to try Game Time from AF, as they have 100ml in stock for about $70 cheaper.

I have put my nose to Elysium (EdP) and this is a dead ringer for it. I'm sure there are some subtle differences people may detect during its life cycle but I doubt others will notice. I don't care how close the clone is, as long as it smells great. The OG (parfum) bottle is nice though!

Some people have compared Elysium to Aventus. They are maybe 25% similar to my nose, yet I had a server at a dispensary guess that I was wearing Aventus. Given its popularity though, it may not have been due to the scent profile. Zion is more 'green' than Aventus' 'fruity', and while both dry downs are enjoyable, I like Zion's more.

I'm receiving my 100ml bottle today, after initially buying a 30ml. There was more black currant and citrus in the opening but it seemed to fade after the first couple uses. I'm hoping it will return as it matures because it's one of my favorite aspects.

The more fragrances I come across (and own), the more I appreciate the dumb reach. Zion has that versatility: any time, any occasion, any weather. It's not going to offend anyone. It's masculine without being overpowering. Not too sweet or fruity. It pulls compliments. Lasts for about 4-5 hours before becoming a skin scent for a few more. Armslength of projection, decent sillage.

9/10 overall