Quick SOTD today, Brotherhood, as I crack open this decant from my boooy @Steve Louis. Thanks for letting me try it out, brother, you definitely know my taste. I recently tested the ever-popular Encre Noire OG, which naturally piqued my interest in trying the EXTREEEEME version. This one was released in 2015, again crafted by the talented Nathalie Lorson. Previous review for Encre Noire can be found here: https://www.skool.com/bos/sotd-encre-noire-by-lalique?p=eb1c6592 Now that you’ve read, studied, and memorized my previous review 😜, let me follow up with this bad boy… All I really need to say is that À L’Extrême is the big brother version of Encre Noire. This brother moved out, went to college, experienced life, went through a few learning experiences, and came back home with stubble on his chin. Still the same DNA but grown up. The fragrance keeps that dry, woody profile but now brings warm amber vibes along for the ride. It’s resinous, warm, spicy, and deeply woody. I also pick up a touch of ashiness in the base, like a charred piece of wood from the fireplace. Super masculine and honestly feels really high quality. Longevity is a slight step above the OG for me, about 4 hours of solid usability, with hints still clinging to clothes afterward. Sillage is present for the first couple hours but sits fairly close to the body. I imagine adding a few more sprays would really bring it out. Overall, I’m giving this one an 8.1/10, and I WILL be adding this to my collection for sure. Let me know your take on Encre Noire À L’Extrême… Do you love it? Hate it? Is it redundant to own both? I say it kind of is… Have an amazing day, scent bros! Top: Cypress, Elemi resin and Bergamot Mid: Haitian Vetiver, Vetiver, Incense and Orris Base: Benzoin, Sandalwood and Patchouli

Yea know, ya think ya know somebody... We went to an outdoor music fest this evening to see a "clone" of the Beatles, and they weren't bad at all! But in anticipation of the evening which included two other couples, I thought it would be appropriate to go with a stronger Amouage frag (for once.) I gave my wife the choice. I presented her test strips of four frags: - Amouage Interlude 53, - Amouage Interlude Black Iris, - Amouage Reflection 45, - Amouage Opus XIV Royal Tobacco (would have been my choice). She said she liked them all a lot but picked the 53. In fact she was adamant that I wear the 53. I'm starting to see that ol' 53 is probably her favorite niche frag in my collection and maybe her favorite scent of all! I would have bet money she would have gone with the 45. Anyway, I've written at length about this frag and yes, I know there are several that find it completely objectionable, which is amazing to me, but we can debate that another time. For those of you unfamilar with 53, it's a flanker of the original "Blue Beast", Amouage Interlude. 53 is an experience of organized chaos to profound harmony. The high concentration (53% oil) makes the initial blast incredibly dense and rich. The opening is oregano and pimento, but it feels more integrated and less sharp compared to the the OG, which is a great frag too. The heart is where the intense incense and opoponax make a thick, smoky amber accord. IMO this stage is opulent and quite unique. This FINALLY gives way to the base, which is all about a masterful blend of DARK smoke, leather, and a little woody oud. Again, it's pure magic. Interlude 53 is a well-aged, complex masterpiece—deeper, wider, and more harmonious than the OG. Believe me brothers, I can go on and on about this frag, but I swear, even when I smell this stuff off a test strip, I get a rush like some kind of illegal drug completely engulfing my brain. Seriously, a RUSH... It's almost evil. 10.0/10.0.