WG1810

TL;DR: Herod is a unique fragrance with sweet-spicy-floral-smoky notes that evoke beautiful memories. Despite its appealing composition, the longevity of three and a half to four hours could be better. Overall, it is an olfactory masterpiece that is particularly appreciated in the cold season.

It is true what people say: fragrances capture memories. And this special ability is exactly what Herod possesses. When I smell this fragrance from the sprayer, I immediately find myself back in that beautiful and long-gone moment.
It feels like a tender reminder of the kindness and warmth we all carry within us. It evokes a sense of gentleness that brightens my aura and makes my interactions more heartfelt. Throughout my life, I have felt a great love in my heart that this fragrance instantly recalls when I am caught in the daily grind.

For me, Herod is a unique composition of sweet, spicy, floral, and slightly smoky notes that come together to create an extraordinary aroma.

The opening of Herod features a warm, slightly smoky cinnamon note, accompanied by a spicy-fresh woodiness created by the synthetic fragrance material "Pepperwood" - which, by the way, does not smell synthetic at all!
The fragrance slowly opens within ten minutes and becomes heavier. The cinnamon becomes noticeably spicier and sweeter. Added to this are incense, delicate floral notes, and a rich, warm depth from the tobacco.
Around the fifteenth minute, Herod reaches an intoxicating spicy-sweet depth. A beautiful, complex interplay of sweet-spicy-floral-smoky fragrance notes emerges. At this point, I must confess: I find it difficult to pinpoint individual notes.
The fragrance accord beautifully evokes the clichéd image of a festive atmosphere in a warm, dark room illuminated by a crackling fireplace. In the background, a peppery spiciness and a floating smokiness can be perceived, gently rounding off the fragrance and leaving an aromatic tingle in the nose when smelled.
Subsequently, Herod maintains this composition for about two hours until it begins to diminish in sillage. At this point, it may not have a bombastic projection, but it is also not a skin scent. From an arm's length away, it is still quite perceptible.
During the third hour, the strength of Herod gradually decreases, reducing to vanilla and patchouli, which can still be smelled from very close up. After three and a half hours and more, the fragrance remains close to the skin until it is almost completely gone. The overall longevity of the batch from spring 2022 on my skin is thus about three and a half to four hours.

This leads to its only shortcoming: Herod is as beautiful as it is weak, which is truly a shame. For a fragrance of this price and quality, its longevity could be improved.

Nevertheless, Herod is a wonderful fragrance for anyone looking for something special. Its composition creates a beautiful interplay of warm-spicy notes, making it perfect for late autumn and the cold winter. I can definitely understand why some have also mentioned enjoying this fragrance lightly in the summer.

Anyone who has not yet tried this fragrance or is unsure for other reasons is missing out on an olfactory masterpiece by the sadly departed perfumer Oliver Pescheux. Herod has deeply moved me and has thus become a vessel for beautiful feelings.

A classically elegant gentleman's fragrance with floral-spicy notes. It opens very aromatic and reminds one of the distinctive smell of a spice shop. In my opinion, the floral heart notes that blend with the spices after a while are the highlight of this fragrance. It creates a delicate, fine scent that lingers on the skin and exudes an elegant, intimate aura.

For me, No. 89 Eau de Toilette was a blind buy and my first classic fragrance, which I find quite acceptable at a price of around 60 EUR for 100 ml. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the spicy opening - but I think that as a newcomer, one gets used to it over time and grows fond of it.

I like to see No. 89 Eau de Toilette as a "classic alternative" to the well-known "L'Homme | Prada," even though the two fragrances differ quite significantly in their scent profile and development. Those looking for a fragrance with soapy attributes and who are fond of L'Homme might find satisfaction with "No. 89 (Eau de Toilette) | Floris."

Was it a good blind buy? Yes, I think so. Anyone who enjoys fragrances with a soft, floral character and a spicy opening, dresses smartly, and wants to feel a bit like James Bond will also like this perfume.

In terms of seasonality, I believe the fragrance is a great all-year-rounder (as long as winter is snow-free and resembles a gray autumn), as it radiates a certain warmth through the spice and a certain freshness through the floral heart notes.

From my perspective, No. 89 Eau de Toilette is perfectly suited for the workplace with its relatively short longevity and unobtrusiveness. After three hours, it is still pleasantly noticeable to others nearby, while I quickly become nose-blind.

All in all, I consider No. 89 Eau de Toilette to be a wonderfully pleasant and elegant fragrance with a unique character that has rightfully earned its place in the collection.