Stv23

First of all... By chance, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the website of a small perfumery from France at just the right time, which had the fragrance available for sale. I immediately ordered it, and shortly thereafter, it was sold out again. About a week later, the package with the bottle arrived, and I have been able to extensively test and wear the fragrance in my daily life for a few days now.

My impression during the first test mirrored quite accurately what was already described in the first review further down: a brief Aventus-like start with grapefruit and a relatively quick transition to a brighter or lighter Sauvage Elixir. I was initially satisfied, as I like Sauvage Elixir and enjoyed the combination with the Aventus vibes.

However, the more I wore the fragrance in the past few days, the more a different picture emerged for me: At the beginning, there is a clear similarity to the original Aventus, specifically to the somewhat darker and berry-heavy batches. Additionally, there is a bitter grapefruit that brings a pleasant freshness. This lasts for about two hours, during which a slight smokiness develops over time, similar to what I also know from newer batches like 21N01 or the Emperor Extrait. After two to three hours, the warmer and spicier notes start to come through, which clearly distinguish it from the original. Here, a comparison to Sauvage Elixir is definitely appropriate in my perception. However, for me, there are now rather slight similarities between the two fragrances, and they certainly do not smell completely alike. Above all, the Aventus vibes remain present in the background, and everything blends beautifully together.

To put it briefly or at least try to... A darker and spicier, somewhat warmer version of Aventus, which is initially accompanied by a bitter, citrusy freshness and later reveals parallels to a Sauvage Elixir.

Overall, it does not strike me as linear at all, but rather very multifaceted and complex with a varied scent progression. At first, I was satisfied with the new Absolu Aventus - now I am thrilled by it!

EDIT: A few more words about the bottle... When I first saw pictures of it online a while ago, I was somewhat disappointed with the design, as it seemed very cheap and somewhat careless. However, once you hold it in your hand, it truly feels very high-quality and elegant, and the simple design is quite impressive.

I am still very undecided about Black Tie and can of course only give a subjective opinion...
My first impression is that it somehow misses the theme or I expected something different / somehow more elegant with that name. Jeremy has mentioned it in his videos several times in the same breath as PdM Layton Exclusif, which also contains citrus fruits in the top notes as well as guaiac wood and cardamom later on, and which is one of my absolute favorite fragrances. In fact, Black Tie has no similarities to Layton Exclusif for me at all.
I actually find Black Tie to be a pretty good scent, but it is too simple and too one-dimensional in its progression. The top notes build a certain tension and create excitement for more, but unfortunately not much else happens after that. Overall, I would say it mainly consists of citrus fruits and a certain leathery-woody note with a hint of synthetics and a relatively linear development.
For me, it leans more towards a better Office for Men with more edges and corners and therefore honestly not worth the high price... But if you can share the current 2 for 1 offer with someone, you can get it for about 160 euros / 100 ml. And in my opinion, that is definitely worth it if you are looking for a new everyday fragrance.

While Aventus only convinced me after several attempts, Viking captivated me from the very first moment.

The essential components for me are pepper, rose, and sandalwood, surrounded by the freshness of peppermint. What fascinates me most here is the versatility of the scent. At the same time classic and modern, elegant and somehow unrefined, a light freshness alongside an exciting and never boring complexity. For me, it fits every season and is suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

At first, like many others, I was puzzled by the intriguing name Viking, as I couldn't initially grasp the association. However, it is now precisely the versatility described above that comes into play. One should not only imagine the Vikings as ruthless warriors and raiders, but also as seafarers, explorers, and traders who ventured not only to Iceland, Greenland, and America, but also through the Mediterranean to the north of Africa and the Middle East. In this way, it all makes sense to me after all.

I absolutely have to write a comment about Roi d'Orient, as this was the first fragrance I consciously purchased and wore for a long time. Even now, as I get to know more and more amazing niche perfumes, this one still ranks among my absolute favorites.

At first, a peppery freshness is noticeable, but over time it gives way to sweet-powdery, spicy, and also subtly woody notes. A very warm and pleasant scent, and so far the only one for which I have actually received a compliment or two.

It fits perfectly with the colder days of autumn and winter, but in my opinion, it can also be wonderfully worn on mild summer nights. For me, it is not just a feel-good scent for home, but it also fits perfectly for going out in the evening.

It will definitely always have a place in my collection, even as more and more significantly more expensive niche fragrances join it.

So now it’s time for my first comment here on Parfumo and my first review for a fragrance ever...

Jubilation XXV Man - A wonderful scent that captivated me from the very first moment. At the beginning, it’s primarily the combination of blackberry and honey, enveloped by incense, that is distinctly noticeable and makes me take deep breaths to sniff it on my skin again and again. I haven't experienced anything like this with any other perfume so far, although I am just starting to dive into the world of niche fragrances.

Over time, the fascinating complexity becomes more apparent. Spicy, woody, warm, slightly sweet... Where other perfumes quickly become boring for me, this one is definitely not the case. I have often read that Jubilation XXV is especially recommended for autumn/winter. I also enjoy wearing it in the summer, but only in the evening when the temperatures have cooled down a bit. However, I can imagine that it will be even better suited for the colder season, and I am already looking forward to it!

Now unfortunately, the big BUT... Longevity and projection really leave much to be desired. On my skin, it lasts only 2 - 3 hours intensely for my own nose before it becomes significantly weaker and after 4 - 5 hours is hardly noticeable to me. I also have to apply it on my arms and keep sniffing very close to my skin to perceive it. Unfortunately, I don’t get much of the scent on my neck at all. Strangely, it’s quite different for my girlfriend... She can perceive it much longer and more intensely on me than I can myself.

Ultimately, after testing it with a sample, I had to quickly get a full 100 ml bottle. Despite the issues with longevity and projection, I simply like the scent too much!