My First bottle of 2026, picked this up yesterday, it's been on the list for a while and the price was right. That said I also managed to get my nose on the new release of The One parfum. They had no stock yet, just the display bottle which I was allowed to spray away with. Initial thoughts, Wow. It seems to be a deeper, richer, and smoother take on the classic The One DNA. I'm hoping that this is a sign that they have listened and improved the performance issues of the OG. Anyway back to Noir Extreme, if I was too only ever have 3 Tom Ford fragrances iin my collection it would be Ombre Leather, Black Orchid and of course Noir Extreme. I first got my nose on this last year in a discovery set and fell in love. Well now I got it and nothing has changed. This is an amazing fragrance and a great way to start the year off. I'm gonna call this what it is, a woody Oriental masterpiece, it's classic, seductive and sophisticated scent that IMO can be worn equally well by man or woman. There is a girl that wears this a lot in my office and you can follow the scent trail in the mornings. Itsvery addictive and recognisable.But can it break into my top 5, let's see. I will say that Sonia Constant certainly gives Alienor Massenet a run for her money as my favourite perfumery with this one. The opening is a vivid energetic blend of spices and citrus. You'll immediately notice the exotic warmth of Cardamom, Saffron, and Nutmeg, which isbalanced by a s sharp burst of Mandarin and Neroli. This initial phase is like the Spicey and sweet are sparring in the ring for dominance. At its core, the fragrance distinguishes itself with that rather unique Indian Kulfi accord. I don't think I've come across this in a fragrance before? It's an Indian dessert which is paired with Rose Absolute, Jasmine and Orange Blossom, which adds a layer of complexity and a subtle richness. At the base you get one of the most sensual and long-lasting dry downs I've experienced. It starts with that Amber accord which is deep, resinous and warming. Anchored by a rich Sandalwood and a molten, sweet Vanilla ember, leaving a lingering, addictive, and deeply satisfying trail on the skin. I swear this fast creeping up my fragrance charts. It's looking like an New Year's New Entry?

Today I was talking amongst the brothers and I had a thought of a simple question. What was the first parfum you smelled when “the passion” hit? Not the first time you recognized frags, but when you really got serious!!!! For example, mine was not Polo Green or Old Spice or Stetson For Men. In 1978-1984ish options and knowledge was very limited. Especially in an area of the country with maybe 2 TV channels available possibly 3 in the winter when the leaves fell off the trees. Sounds crazy right???? I was 25 and been in my first war before computers were a thing. Sorry. Regardless, the first frag that had me was my father’s Vetiver By Guerlain. The OG. Luckily I still have my last OG bottle from 1988. I had first found Polo Green and Drakar Noir but the vetiver???? That was class. So what say you brothers? Did you get real about frags seriously when older or younger??? What was it that got you and why???? I realize we also have many younger people here and really want to hear your thoughts and experiences as well!!!