SOTE - Veneno by French Avenue + Pasha de Cartier Noir Absolu by Cartier
I was out shopping today and I tried Mashrabya by Lattafa just to compare it to the Veneno I have back home. Both are really good clones of Smoking Hot By Kilian. I was blown away by the Lattafa and I brought the test strip home to compare it to my Veneno. Turns out that they're both really good and you can't go wrong with either one. (Yes, they're both blind buy safe at Burlington.) The Veneno is known for its smoky, apple shisha and tobacco notes. You can't miss them... Anyway, I put on the Veneno with the idea of making it my SOTE, but within five minutes, I felt it was missing something. I asked Gemini and ChaptGPT what they thought would be a good blend and they both suggested Naxos. I'm thinkin' nah - that's not what I want... Then I asked about Pasha de Cartier Noir Absolu. Their replies were: Gemini - The combination of Pasha de Cartier Noir Absolu and French Avenue Veneno is a masterclass in modern layering. ChatGPT - I’d rate it one of the best “wear-anywhere, smell-amazing” blends from your collection. Thanks again to @Jamal Moore for the Cartier. Again, unlike the Veneno, the Pasha de Cartier Noir Absolu is NOT A CROWD-PLEASER!! However, it's very unique and great for blending. Inspite of the two players we're working with here, this is not a chaotic, loud mix. In fact it’s refined, controlled, and dare I say, mass appealing? The opening is creamy and woodsy. The Veneno comes in with its sweet ambroxan and really classes up the whole thing. But this is no kiddie frag... On dry-down it's just great. It settles into a creamy, amber-woody, gourmandy (which I usually don't like) scent. The Veneno contributes a silky sweetness and bright trail while the Noir Absolu gives it depth and structure. There is NOTHING unisex about this one. This one is all about gentlemen smelling good (and in control.) IMO this is definitely one of my best blends. I think it's sexy as hell and it's sweet but good for a "mature" guy like me. This smells like a very expensive frag that would be great for a night out presuming you DO NOT OVERSPRAY!!