SirKai

I blind bought this because CW is cheap and classic. When I first smelled it, I hated it. It reminded me of the Right Guard SportStick I wore in high school. It followed me for hours, mocking me: "What are you, some Axe Bodyspray wearing bro?"

I gave it a few more chances, and it grew on me. I've learned by experience that many of the classics have been mercilessly copied over the years. You've smelled countless body sprays and deodorants that have copied the Cool Water vibe. You'll associate the smell with the imitators.

But that's not fair. CW is a good smell. It's very manly. For me, it's the smell of a gym locker room. This is not a scent to impress women, it's a smell to impress other men, basic in the best way.

I've come to appreciate the dry-down the most. It opens in this big, familiar "aqua" way, but it has a fair bit of spiciness to the dry-down that allows you to layer a "later in the day" scent over it in the afternoon as it wears off. Encre Noir Sport sits on top of it very well.