I happened to be in the area and popped into Nordstrom's to check out some of the new releases, and saw they had the new PDM Dorval available for testing. I picked up a sample from the sales associate and did a couple of test sprays on my arm. My initial impression is that PDM may have a new hit on their hands. It reminds me a little of Layton, but with a more approachable profile. It opens with a bit of pink pepper and cardamom, and as the day progressed, the cinnamon, clary sage, and vanilla became much more prominent. It has a nice bit of smokiness and that classic PDM DNA that I think made the original lineup so well liked. We will see what the hype machine says, but personally, I'm impressed, and it's definitely worth checking out and sampling. Initial Impression: Scent: 9 It's a little similar to other things, but I really like it, and I can't wait to give it a more thorough wear, especially in cooler weather Performance: 8 So far it's projecting nicely. Ive had it on for about 6 hours now, and it's faded to mostly a skin scent, but I only put two light sprays from the tester bottle on my wrist. Packaging: 9 I love the gray bottle. It's simple and elegant, and stands out. It reminds me a little of the Amouage Opus bottles. Price: 2 $400!!! Do they know what this economy looks like? Maybe they do, and that's why they can get away with it. They definitely want to stay with an exclusive market. If I decide to buy, I'll be waiting for it to show up at the decant sites or hope to find it heavily discounted somewhere.

Match #71 takes us back to the winner's bracket and its final four fragrances. We're heading into the final week of this tournament, and after more than two months of side-by-side testing, I have a much better sense of what I genuinely enjoy wearing. Today's semifinal: Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême versus Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée. I've really become fond of the Chanel during this tournament. It's not as loud or attention-grabbing as some fresh fragrances, but that's part of its appeal. Citrus and mint lead into an aromatic heart before that smooth tonka-and-woods base takes over. It's sophisticated, versatile, and remarkably easy to wear. I fully expect to have a bottle of this in my collection for years to come. But then there's Eau Givrée. From the first time I tested it in this tournament, I've thought this fragrance was something special. That blast of citron, juniper, and Timut pepper is incredibly bright and refreshing, but it's what happens afterward that really separates it for me. As the opening settles, the mineral and woody layers begin to emerge, transforming that initial citrus explosion into something far more complex and interesting. I've said before that Eau Givrée was making a serious case to become my spring and summer signature fragrance. More than two months later, nothing has changed my mind. So as much as it pains this Chanel fanboy to send another Chanel down to the second-chance bracket, this one isn't quite as agonizing as some of the recent decisions. Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée wins Match #71 and advances to the winner's-bracket final two. Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême drops into the second-chance bracket. Eau Givrée has been one of the revelations of this entire tournament for me. At this point, "next level" still seems like the best way to describe it.

Our own Lon C. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbG52JnySSE/

Headed out for a beard competition tonight. Decided to wear my favorite scent out tonight for the slight confidence boost. First time doing this, hope it’s fun. Nothing quite like a boozy cherry leather to put me in a good mood. Stay smelling great my brothers.

I got out of bed planning to finish my review of Godolphin before my son woke up, so i sprayed Godolphin on 1st thing this morning. Then I thought the leather in Godolphin and the leather/suede in Ganymede were very close to each other. So I added a shot of Ganymede, and it works. Ganymede seems to be in orbit around me, while Godolphin is closer to my body. They dont feel like they're in the same space competing. Ganymede is hanging on the outskirts, and Godolphin is staying closer to home. Just my impression. I may try this again when im out in public and can get some feedback. Today is just a day around the house. For a silly Saturday experiment, Godolymede isnt bad at all.