Inspired by: Creed Virgin Island Water The opening off the first spray is bright and refreshing with heavy lime, bergamot and mandarin, delivering a crisp citrus burst that feels vibrant and uplifting. Running through the citrus is a smooth coconut milk note that gives the fragrance a creamy, sun-lotion style freshness rather than a sharp aquatic blast, making it feel relaxed and summery straight away. As it settles, the scent becomes softer and slightly sweeter with sugar cane and jasmine adding a gentle tropical sweetness that keeps the fragrance airy and light rather than overly floral. The sugar cane brings a subtle syrupy warmth that blends beautifully with the coconut, creating that laid-back island feel. In the dry down, rum, tonka bean and musk add a warm, slightly boozy smoothness that sits comfortably on the skin, with the musk keeping everything clean and wearable while the tonka adds a soft creamy sweetness that lingers. Performance is solid for this style of fragrance, generally giving me 6–8 hours with moderate projection, leaving a fresh tropical trail that feels easygoing and uplifting, perfect for warm weather, holidays or casual daytime wear. Overall rating: 9.0/10 Admittedly I haven’t tried the OG as of yet - but in research Aquatica is supposedly 70-80% similar to the OG in opening with the Aquatica being much more lime heavy and sharper but as it dries down it’s 85-95% similar with main differences being Aquatica has a more dominant lime and VIW is more noticeable with the rum and creamy coconut. Sounds right up my alley and do still want to try the OG.

I was enjoying a Manhattan as a nightcap last nigh on the trip and was struck by the scent. Normally when I have one I ask for orange peel instead of cherry but this time didn't specify and was taken in by the dark boozy slightly sweet cherry that this iteration of the drink produced. I wouldn't be adverse to the more normal for me version that leans more into Orange zest and slight bitterness of orange peel as well - or perhaps both. This was what I had hoped SWY Stronger had been and putting it out to Killian for a new release to accompany the current Angel Share family. Curious as to others thoughts on this - would this be something you might also get behind? What are some other booze or drink accords you might also get behind or also enjoy?