Read about this one quite some time ago. Forgot that I had ordered some samples from Arquiste and this was one of them. Decided to try it today to ease out of the boozy tobacco fragrances I’ve been wearing for the last week. The write ups when this came out were all complementary, I just never tried it. More on that later. When I initially sprayed it at eight this morning, I wasn’t impressed. The opening burst came across as too sweet, but I figured I would see what developed. It’s 3 PM now. The scent is still strong, it has opened up nicely. The sweetness is long gone. I have a nice mix of wood, leather, Amber and a hint of something earthy. It’s too earthy to be the coffee note, which I don’t smell yet. Nanban’s dry down is impressive, shifted my mood to a productive yet easygoing mindset. It’s a scent I have not smelled before but triggers something in memory a kind of, “Tis what ‘X’ should smell like.” Definitely a good fit for cold weather, anything below say 35°. As I’m working from home today, I don’t have feedback from anyone else, but I like it. What’s interesting is I think the dry down is work safe, the opening, not so much. If you’re going into the office, maybe spray it early. Give yourself some time so that it starts to unfold by the time you’re into your workday. Definitely a later in the week fragrance. It’s a bit too mellow, in my opinion, for Monday morning. I think this one’s a go, and PR aside, I was not impressed with the other Arquiste fragrances that I had smelled a couple years ago when I ordered the sampler. This is a standout in their line up.

My dad told me I can keep this one. They don't make Dunhill anymore. Can anyone suggest alternatives?

Hey guys, quick pause from the brackets for a moment!! I just want to say how genuinely grateful I am for the participation, the conversations and the passion you’ve all brought to The Booze Wars so far. These wars aren’t just about picking winners, they’re about sharing experiences, discovering new scents and giving some well-loved favorites the respect they deserve. My goal has always been twofold: to introduce you to fragrances you may not have explored yet, and at the same time support the ones many of us already love and reach for. None of that works without your votes, your comments and the back-and-forth that makes this community what it is. So thank you for showing up, engaging and making this more than just brackets on a screen. This thing only works because of the #Brotherhood and I don’t take that lightly! Now… let’s finish this the right way! Get out the Vote!

(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?

(1) Nasomatto Absinth vs (7) M. Micallef Gntonic Two philosophies enter the glass. Gntonic is crisp, balanced, and sharply executed, a cocktail mixed with precision and restraint. Absinth is raw, bitter, and uncompromising, capturing the spirit itself without polishing the edges. This final asks the ultimate Mixologist question: Do you value control… or truth? What say you?