(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?

This is the 2nd of four samples I picked up from this company last year. I've been waiting for a good day when I wasn't worried about being around a lot of people to give this one a try. Scent: 7.0 It reminds me a lot of being in my 20s and early 30s. I wore a lot of patchouli oil and smoked clove cigarettes and burned Nag Champa incense (in the little blue box you get at your finer bodegas and convenience stores). This is exactly that scent. Enough so that it's very nostalgic for me. I saw my best friend, and she commented that I smelled how she always remembers me from when we were young. As much as I love it, though, it's not really who I am anymore. It's nice to visit, but like they say, you can't really ever go home again. Performance: 9.0 BEAST. I've had it on for 8 hours now, and it's not letting up or letting go. I'm going to smell like this until I die. Projection: 8.0 I was walking outside, and the wind was blowing from behind me. I'm sure they could smell me in San Antonio, two hours away. Presentation: 3.0 The bottles are very generic, and the sample came as a 1mL dabber, which I personally hate. I decanted it into a little sprayer for convenience. The bottles aren't bad to look at, but they just have nothing to distinguish themselves or stand out. The brand is also very confusing and difficult to sort out. The fragrances are listed on one page, and the notes are located on a completely separate page with no links back and forth. It makes it very difficult to sample and find items that might be worth checking out. Perceived Value: 8.5 The pricing isn't bad. At $60 for 30mL in the Extrait de Parfum concentration, this is pretty affordable. Overall: 7.1 If I was me in my 20's and early 30's, I would have worn this every day, and it would have been my signature scent. It practically was anyway. I think that this scent is how many of my friends probably remember me smelling back then. But I'm 52 now, and while I still absolutely adore this scent, it's symbolic of a life I no longer lead. It was nice to visit and see the old place again, but I don't have any desire to live here any more.

I’m curious if anyone who picked up Noir, Requiem or Legend Noir feel they were worth it?

Hey guys Joe A. here with another one for ya’! Round 2 voting is now open! I included shortcut links here in one place! Please take a moment to cast your vote, debate your pick, and/or throw some shade! Love to hear from ya’! The Booze Wars - The Drinker (R2G1) - (1) By Kilian Black Phantom vs. (5) Xerjoff Tony Iommi Monkey Special The Booze Wars - The Drinker (R2G2) - (3) Xerjoff Don vs. (2) Initio Side Effect The Booze Wars - The Mixologist (R2G1) - (1) Nasomatto Absinth vs. (4) By Kilian L'Heure Verte The Booze Wars - The Mixologist (R2G2) - (6) Imaginary Authors Saint Julep vs. (7) M. Micallef Gntonic The Booze Wars - The Barrel (R2G1) - (1) Nasomatto Baraonda vs. (4) Mugler A*Men Pure Malt The Booze Wars - The Barrel (R2G2) - (3) Amouage Overture Man vs. (2) By Kilian Angels’ Share The Booze Wars - The Barfly (R2G1) - (1) Maison Martin Margiela Jazz Club vs. (4) By Kilian Apple Brandy on the Rocks The Booze Wars - The Barfly (R2G2) - (3) Nasomatto Duro vs. (2) Amouage Interlude Man

(3) Nasomatto Duro vs. (2) Amouage Interlude Man The barfly as a person, raw, leathered, unapologetic vs. the bar after last call with smoke, ash and aftermath. Do you side with the man who never leaves… or the night that won’t let go? What say you?