After an amazing weekend in the city with my wife shopping. We went to buy some fragrances (Shocker) 😜. While we may or may not have gone a little overboard which we are prone to do we had an amazing time! All of this to be said, we have been making relationships with some sales people and when we were discussing our collection and what we were about to add. The manager came out and presented us with this Armani/Prive Lacquered display box!! They said these are very hard to get and that they have only had 1 or 2 come in, but they knew we were the right people to have it. They gave it to us for free! Not something I had expected or even knew existed. This is one of those things that keeps me buying from an actual store with an actual person. Even though I may be able to get a "deal" somewhere else. I prefer the relationships. Now I Just have to put my bottles in. I have 2 open spaces to fill. But probably not for long!! 🤣

(5) Xerjoff Tony Iommi Monkey Special vs. (2) Initio Side Effect This final isn’t about sweet booziness alone, it’s about how you indulge! Monkey Special brings boozy swagger, leathered confidence, and attitude that doesn’t ask permission. Side Effect counters with heat, spice, and temptation, pulling you in with a slow, deliberate seduction. This is indulgence with edge versus indulgence with intent and only one defines what The Drinker really stands for. What say you?

(4) Mugler A*Men Pure Malt vs. (2) By Kilian Angels’ Share This is memory versus immediacy. Pure Malt brings malted warmth, smoke, and nostalgia, a whiskey remembered through time. Angels’ Share delivers rich cognac sweetness and oak right up front, indulgent and impossible to ignore. Both honor the barrel, but only one defines whether time is meant to be felt slowly… or enjoyed now. What say you?

(1) Maison Martin Margiela Jazz Club vs (2) Amouage Interlude Man This final isn’t about the drink, it’s about the night. Jazz Club captures the quieter moment, where rum-soaked woods and tobacco cling to the air and nothing needs to be said. Interlude Man fills the room with smoke, incense, and aftermath, heavy and immersive like the bar after last call. It’s atmosphere versus familiarity, and the Barfly stays for one more round. What say you?

Busting down another sample while sitting at home during today’s wintry mix outside. First impressions on this are very basic. Seems like a very generic woody fougere without much flare. I get the pepper on top with woody florals following close behind however nothing is taking my breath away here. Definitely daily wear safe, non offensive and easy on the nose but it just comes across as a dated fragrance. Meanwhile it was released in 24’😂. Anyway, full pass for me with this one. Smell great brothers. Smell great.