Wood and Spices

Montale Wood and Spices doesn't quite live up to my expectations, as the wood presence is evident, but the spices are noticeably absent. The scent mainly consists of woods and citrus notes, with a prominent orange and bergamot combination paired with sandalwood, whereas I don't detect any oud or vetiver. This has seasonal versatility and unisex appeal, similar to Versace The Dreamer in its creamier, sharp woodsy dry down. However, the comparisons aren't particularly striking. Instead, it's a semi-fruity, slightly sharp, woody blend that lacks spice for me. Although discounted on Beautyspin at $105 for 100ml, I'm not compelled to purchase it, but it remains a worthwhile try as I can envision it suiting some individuals and being agreeable to many.

This is a must-have for any fragrance connoisseur, period. Consider investing in Sculpture instead.

The essence of this perfume is to experience its distinct characteristics: sniff it on the card, then apply it to your skin and take some time to wander. Two utterly different scents emerge. Initially, I detected a fresh aroma when testing it on a card, possibly with bergamot or aquatic undertones, which didn't resonate with me, given the label's "Wood and Spices" description. Later, after reevaluating the name, I decided to retry it on my skin. This time, I discovered the wood and spice nuances that had eluded me initially. The initial bright notes faded rapidly, replaced by a rich, slightly sweet wood scent. Ultimately, this transformation won me over, and I ended up purchasing the perfume. It's crucial to test this fragrance on yourself before dismissing it – you might be surprised by the complete metamorphosis it undergoes.

This perfume possesses an unappealing scent reminiscent of bodily odor, rendering it difficult for me to ignore its similarity to sweat-soaked underarms.

I sampled this perfume from the discovery kit and detected notes of oud, sandalwood, fresh tobacco, and prunes. It exhibits remarkable longevity, typical of Montale's fragrances. While I appreciate its unique character, it's not without flaws - the opening is overpowering, and a single puff feels excessive. However, after four or five hours, the scent mellows out and becomes enjoyable to wear. Interestingly, my wife has an instant affinity for this fragrance whenever I put it on.