Match #16 in my 40-fragrance tournament turned out to be one of the easier decisions, even though I genuinely enjoy both fragrances. It paired #28 seed Givenchy Gentleman Original, fresh off its play-in victory, against the #5 seed Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée. Givenchy Gentleman Original (1974, created by Paul Léger) is a timeless classic built around patchouli, leather, cinnamon, vetiver, and oakmoss. It's warm, masculine, and full of character, proving that great fragrances never really go out of style. Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée (2022, created by Christine Nagel) takes a completely different approach. Its bright citron opening is unmistakable without ever becoming overpowering, while the juniper berries, Timut pepper, mineral notes, and woody base create one of the freshest and most refined citrus fragrances I've ever worn. Neither of these is a longevity monster—both give me around six to seven hours—but that doesn't bother me. I'm perfectly happy to respray a fragrance I enjoy this much. In the end, though, this wasn't particularly close. Eau Givrée is simply next-level for my tastes. The balance of citrus, woods, and mineral notes is exceptional, and it's going to take a very special fragrance to knock it out of this tournament. Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée advances comfortably, while Givenchy Gentleman Original heads to the loser's bracket. And with this match, we're halfway through the first round proper. Eight more matchups to go and then we turn our attention to the loser's bracket and start elimination matches. Stay tuned.

Well, although this one gets a lot of glaze everywhere and it’s good, this is a DNA I’m not too crazy about. I guess it might be the caramel that makes it too sweet to my taste, but I don’t see myself craving it as much. However, I do enjoy the aromatic, resinous, and spiced properties added by the cardamom, and its strong woody amber accord. This one could be considered as a “dressed up, night outs, special occasions” scent, projects and last beautifully but is more suitable for cooler weather (perfect for my office.)

How do you go about finding fragrances you like? I have purchased multiple samples of fragrances that fall into the category of sense that I am not sensitive to. Thus far, I’m not finding great success in ones that I like. Do you keep trying the same ones with the hope that you start to like them? Do you just keep trying new ones? Obviously that needs to be cost prohibitive. I read the note profiles, I watch YouTube videos about the different sense to get an idea. Getting a little discouraged with spending fair amounts of money without any sort of success. Looking for ideas on what others are doing.