This is an affordable, timeless classic that is well regarded within the community. A fresh, sweet, spicy, and earthy scent that is very versatile, easy to wear and inoffensive, for any season or occasion, with moderate projection and longevity. A grab and go staple. Website Notes: Top notes: Artemisia, mandarin tree and violet leaves. Heart notes: Nutmeg, Virginia cedar wood and white pepper. Base notes: Vetiver, musk and tonka beans.

Friday in NY, and today I reached for Balliamo from Bottega Veneta. After a pretty full week, this one just felt right. Balliamo literally means “let’s dance” in Italian, and there is definitely something more relaxed and playful about this fragrance — but still with that polished Bottega Veneta character I’ve really come to enjoy. It opens bright and energetic with pomelo, citron and fresh pepper, giving it a crisp citrusy spice right away. Then the fragrance becomes much more interesting. There is myrtle, lavender and white fig in the heart, which gives it this green, aromatic and slightly creamy quality before it settles into cedar, vetiver and Ambronova. What I like is that it feels fresh without being simple. The fig adds a little richness. The pepper keeps it lively. And the cedar and vetiver give it enough structure that it still feels completely appropriate for an office day. With temperatures a little cooler here on Long Island today, it also feels like a very comfortable way to finish out the workweek. Maybe that is part of Friday for me. Polished enough for the office. Relaxed enough for Friday. And just a little reminder that life should have some fun in it too.

SOTD — Memoirs of a Perfume Collector Tales from Zanzibar Today I’m wearing Tales from Zanzibar, and this is exactly the kind of tropical fragrance I like because it doesn’t smell like the typical coconut suntan-lotion scent. Right from the opening I get a big blast of juicy fruit, especially guava, mixed with lime, mandarin and this cooling mint that keeps all that sweetness from becoming too much. The guava is really what separates this one for me. It gives it that exotic tropical-fruit smell instead of just another citrus freshie. As it settles down, the coconut starts showing up, but it stays more in the background rather than taking over. The drydown gets sweeter and slightly musky with the candied fruits, ambergris, moss and that very transparent oud underneath everything. I really wouldn’t call this an oud fragrance at all. It’s there more to give the fragrance some depth and keep all those fruits from smelling too simple. What I really like about Tales from Zanzibar is that it smells like a tropical vacation without smelling cheap or juvenile. It’s bright, sweet, fruity and refreshing, but there’s enough weight underneath it to make it feel like an actual niche fragrance. Definitely one of those fragrances that gets your attention when you first spray it. Tropical, juicy, different and extremely easy to enjoy. Tales from Zanzibar is a winner for me.

I’m late to the ATH game but I’m glad I’m slowly getting into this house. Nice and bright. Clean scent. Opens with a fizzy citrus. Hangs around with green apple, oakmoss and dry wood. Perfect for a sunny, low 80s kinda day. Happy Friday gents.

I know this fragrance isn’t for everyone but it’s a powerhouse. The notes blend together nicely and the longevity is nearly endless. The fiery ginger & juicy pineapple notes ignite the senses, while creamy coconut wood deepens the allure. Anchored by sensual ambergris, sandalwood, and tonka bean, this scent is crafted to captivate.