I’ve had this sample for a few days now and decided to give it a full wear. I didn’t grab a picture of my sample so a stock photo will have to do for today. Launched in 2025, the perfumer is Delphine Jelk. It is a limited edition flanker (yes really), blending fresh citrus with the signature almond while delivering surprisingly strong performance for a "cologne" style release. It opens with a burst of grapefruit, lemon peel and bergamot. It’s refreshing without being sharp or harsh. This quickly transitions into a creamy almond, with a subtle cherry pit/Amaretto like bitterness and sweetness, lightly spiced by cinnamon. The drydown has a warm, woody depth from the vetiver, incense, and vanillin creating that burning cool or hot/cold paradox Guerlain promotes: fresh and clean upfront, but with a masculine, slightly smoky backbone. It is polished, classy, and elegant. Very Guerlain, anchored by the gourmand almond DNA. Performance is far better than typical colognes. Longevity is 7-8 hours with strong projection for the first 2-3 hours. It's an EDP concentration despite the Cologne Forte name, which explains the punch. This is versatile enough for spring/summer/daytime, but would work year round. If you enjoy citrus forward masculines with a gourmand twist and hate weak performers, this could work for you. It’s fresh yet substantial, classy, and long lasting. Highly recommended for spring/summer wear or anyone who loves the L'Homme Idéal DNA.

This one has been around in my collection for a while as well. But I’m wearing it for the first time today. I’m more inclined to wear heavy, dark, complex, eccentric fragrances. Although I also enjoy the more mass pleasing ones, they will always be at the end of the line waiting to be wear. However, I’m digging this one. The notes combination makes it very versatile, providing the best of the two worlds. On one hand, the fresh, slightly sweet, green and aquatic nuances, and on the other hand, the spicy, wood, mussy, musky, and smoky nuances blending in perfect harmony. Performance and longevity out of the question. Absolutely worth it.