Yatagan

There's not much left to be said about this particular fragrance beyond my concern that I wouldn't exude sufficient masculinity while wearing it. This is an ultra-masculine scent, and only a select few would have the aura to pull off its essence.

I'm utterly enamored with the aroma of this perfume. It's absolutely divine, and I must say, it has won me over completely. Vincent Marcello was a true master perfumer, creating not one but three exceptional fragrances before disappearing into the unknown, which only adds to the allure of this scent for me. Its uniqueness is undeniable, although I do find myself wishing it lasted longer on my skin - ideally, I'd want it to stay with me all day and night. Alas, it seems to fade after around 3-5 hours on clothing and even less on my skin. When it's present, however, it's nothing short of incredible. The quality is simply exceptional, and I'm excited to see if allowing the bottle to age will enhance its longevity over time. For now, I can confidently say that this perfume is a true masterpiece, with a nose behind it that's truly genius-level.

This scent embodies an unbridled sense of primal power, conjuring images of ancient hunters strolling through a lush forest, surrounded by the warmth and mystery of crackling flames. The aroma is undeniably masculine, transporting me to a world of untamed wilderness and unfettered imagination.

Here is the rewritten comment: I recently acquired a newer formulation (batch 402114) of this perfume, and it's clearly distinct from my 2010 bottle. The base is weaker and overall, it seems simpler. However, this makes it more suitable for modern tastes. In that sense, it reminds me of my recent reformulation of Kouros compared to vintage Kouros. It still captures the essence of Yatagan (albeit a decade ago), with its distinctive celery quality, but it's certainly less masculine. The main issue I have is that I prefer deeper, more complex vintages and can't see any reason to wear this one. I disagree with Andy the Frenchy's previous statement on this topic, as I consulted a fragrance chemist who provided insightful explanations about the nature of chemical composition and how smell works. In essence, perfumery revolves around volatility and shelf life extension measures that minimize changes in chemical compounds over time. Oxidation can actually make fragrances worse, not better, and may even cause skin rashes, as studies have shown.

This intriguing fragrance begins with a pronounced celery root accord, evoking the scent of a farmer's field during its initial minutes. The pine and cracked black pepper notes contribute to a fresh, green quality, before gradually shifting towards earthy undertones that define Yatagan's character. In contrast to other perfumes, this one relies on herbs, woods, grasses, and animalic extracts rather than fruits or flowers. As the fragrance settles, its various components merge harmoniously, reminiscent of rich yet clean soil after a rain shower. The image of an uprooted oak tree, with its roots exposed and a subtle musky presence lurking nearby, serves as a fitting analogy for Yatagan's unique essence. This scent is best suited for cooler, wetter months when the air is crisp and the earthy undertones are particularly appealing.