This (like Beach Hut Man) is one of Amouage’s famously misnamed fragrances: it is not even close to a blue fragrance, though it is a king. So, half right. This is basically funk and fruit – in that sequence. The oud and animalics get to work right out of the atomizer. If you find them challenging, and many people do, just sit around for 15-30 minutes and they move to the background while black current and orange and the woods and frankincense make their way to center stage. The sequence is just the opposite of Gold Man, in which the almost claustrophobic masculine florals lead the way and then subside to make room for the smelly but clean civet. In both King Blue and Gold Man, the combination is electrifying. So also are the longevity and sillage. I know very few men of any age that would consider this a signature scent, but like others from the house, it makes for an utterly unique wearing experience. Warning: unless you have some advanced knowledge, I would under no conditions wear this to a job interview or on a first date.

Marshall’s dumping Oxford Row for $40 here in NJ.