Picked this up somewhat at random as part of a sample pack. I agree with many reviews that its very similar to Aventus in terms of overall style - with that combination of top citrus and underlying woody notes. I personally didn't find the opening overly harsh (I've seen some commentary around this), rather I found it fresh, and quite well balanced, the longevity and projection are somewhat average. However, its a pleasant alternative to Aventus, at a much more accessible price point. If I were considering an Aventus alternative, I think I'd likely opt for something like Afnan's Supremacy Not Only - which has a bit more potency, decent quality, and can be picked up for under £50.

Grabbed some Mancera samples this week - this is the first one I've tried - very impressed. prominent spice, leather, nice blend of subtle floral - backdrop of tobacco and mild vanilla. To me, there is something of the original Opium profile here, finely balanced with no small nod to Ombre Leather - would opt to wear this more in cooler and/or evening settings. decent projection and staying power too.

Picked this one up a while back as part of a small haul, and first time wearing it today - the citrus, pepper, and vetiver blend is definitely there, can also detect a hint of lavender as well - so for me the core DNA is appealing. Given the citrus prominence, it seems to have very decent longevity so far, 5+ hours. I'm not sure I'd go with this as an evening scent, but decent for daytime wear - though that might be done to my personal preference more than anything. It's one of those where I'm not 100% sold on it just yet - perhaps need a couple more wears, I often find it tricky to be overly conclusive on the first try........

Released in 2024, created by perfumer Pierre Montale. What makes this one interesting is that it was crafted to capture the rugged, sun‑baked spirit of that famous stretch of Italian coastline. Were wild herbs growing along cliff edges, warm stone, and sea air carrying salt and sunlight. It’s part of a small batch of travel‑inspired releases, and stays true to that signature Mancera polish: bright enough to feel fresh, rich enough to feel expensive, and never cheap or overdone. It opens with Italian Rosemary, Lemon and Cardamom that's zesty but never sharp, that rosemary hits first with a clean, aromatic snap, the lemon is bright and natural, and the light pinch of cardamom adds just enough warm spice to keep it from feeling plain. It settles beautifully into Cedar & Pine, Fig Leaves, Sea Salt and Grey Amber. The salt is perfectly balanced: briny and mineral‑rich, not that fake soapy marine rubbish you get elsewhere; fig leaves bring a soft, velvety green smoothness, while the woods and amber give it proper weight and warmth right through the middle. It dries down into Oakmoss, Tonka Beans, Sandalwood and Labdanum, earthy, smooth, gently resinous, with just a whisper of soft sweetness from the tonka that never turns cloying. Performance is about 6+ hours easily on skin, solid with a polite projection early on, then a lovely consistent trail that stays noticeable without shouting. It holds up perfectly in high heat – never turns heavy or sour – and works brilliantly for everyday wear, office, casual outings, holidays or even smart‑casual evenings. Dependable, well‑crafted and full of genuine character – easily one of Mancera’s most underrated warm‑weather gems. My Rating 7/10 Scent 2 Longevity 2 Sillage 2 Y/N 1

Was in the mood for something a bit different today so I went oldschool. This is the masculine counterpart to one of the most legendary fragrances ever made, and it stands entirely on its own as a true classic. Released back in 1995, I was only 19 so this was not on my radar back then. It was crafted by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier. Said to capture that same dark, sensual mystery of the original 1977 Opium, it stood out completely against the lighter, aquatic trends that dominated the 90s. The fact it's still on the shelves atests to its huge depth and character. It became a vital revenue anchor for Yves Saint Laurent right through the late 90s, before Tom Ford took over the house’s creative direction, if you can find some of the older formulations you may well have struck gold. My bottle is from 2025, but the older ones are extremely valuable. It opens with such a distinctive, recognisable kick, with sweet, licorice‑like star anise paired perfectly with juicy, tart blackcurrant; bold but never cloying, and nothing else from this era smells quite like it. The heart moves into sharp, warming pepper and crisp galanga, adding lift and spice so its not heavy or syrupy. Then the dry‑down is absolute perfection: rich bourbon vanilla blends with smooth, resinous tolu balsam and firm atlas cedar, giving it warmth, elegance and real backbone. Performance is exactly surprisingly not too shabby for an edt. This juices projects and wears quite well. I'm getting 5+ hrs on skin, with a full, confident sillage that commands attention without ever being rude. It projects beautifully in cooler weather and settles into a very classy, close‑to‑the‑skin trail that people will remember you for. Versatile enough for date nights, work or evenings out, but absolutely at its best when the temperature drops. If you love scents with real history, I got a nice little collection of these oldies. Anateus, Eau Savage, Kouros,Pi, etc, this belongs in every serious collection. My Rating 8/10