@Phil H That’s a very fair and measured take. Hype can set a pretty high bar, so it’s not unusual for something well-made to feel a bit underwhelming at first. Your comparison to the EDT with a touch of Polo Red makes sense, it suggests a familiar structure with a slightly warmer, spicier edge. The way you describe the leather as smooth and well-integrated rather than animalic also points to a more modern, wearable interpretation, which a lot of houses seem to be leaning toward now. Projection being moderate doesn’t surprise me either; many newer releases prioritize balance over outright performance. It’ll be interesting to see how it develops on your skin over a full wear, especially in terms of longevity and how that leather note evolves.