Happy New Year, gentlemen. I ordered a sample decant of Xerjoff Alexandria II from Scent Split and gave it a couple of wears this week. Two things surprised me. First, this fragrance has a reputation of being a beast performer but it is a below average performer on my skin. Has performance declined in recent formulations by chance? Maybe it's nose fatigue on my end because reviews on performance are overwhelmingly strong. The second surprise ... I had no idea that this fragrance has the same drydown as 40 Knots. Does anyone else pick up that powdery, amber, coca-cola-esque drydown or am I losing my mind? Lol. I like the tart opening, with the slightest hint of cringe and funk, as the fragrance quickly evolves and transforms (in Xerjoff fashion). I will be spending more time with this one but it's not what I expected at all.

Just sitting around the house preparing a class on The Sociological Aspect of Gangs and Gang Culture and wanted something that would severely oppose the subject matter lol. Liquid Brun as many will know is not just a dupe of PdM Althair its a flat out theft. Having both I have smelled them side by side and can confirm they are 99% similar to my nose with the OG being a bit more rounded and LB a slight syrupy. The vanilla soda note is the most prominent feature and it is a sweet vanilla glorious juice. If you aren’t a fan of sweet vanilla then run like a vampire from a thousand suns lol. You may also wonder why I have both its because I have a sickness where I will own a higher dollar one and if a dupe is good I will wear that on a day to day basis and the OG to events. I know I am goofy.