Match #71 · Brotherhood Of Scent

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Match #71

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.

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Match #71