The Scented Hound

February 7, 2012
by The Scented Hound 3 Comments

1969 by Histoires de Parfums

Yesterday, I received a lovely package from Paris (who doesn’t love mail from Paris!!!), because I had ordered a sample pack from Histoires de Parfums comprised of 6 samples of my choice for $10. A great deal considering that you can $10 off your first order. So today, I tried my first of the six, 1969. From a smell of the vial, I was expecting something heavier and more musky. But when I first applied it, the peach exploded off my skin. I was scared, I’m not the type who wants to smell like an orchard. I always have to remember to give it time, great things come for those who wait… and indeed it did. Once it began to dry, it mellowed into a lovely, calm and lightly sweet musky scent. The name of this parfum is based on the year 1969, which the website says is an “erotic year” that represents the sexual revolution. Not quite sure if it represents that for me, but what I did find was a scent that falls outside my normal preferences. I am looking forward to sampling the other Histories samples soon!

From the Histoires de Parfums website:

Top Note: Fruit of the sun, Peach.
Heart Note: Rose, White Flowers, Cardamom, Clove
Base Note: Patchouli, Chocolate, Coffee, White Musk

Bone Rating: 3 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: oriental, peach, musk
Classification: Unisex
Expense: Moderately expensive – $125 for 2.2 oz.

February 5, 2012
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Ambra Aurea by Profumum

More sampling, more to love. I had to try Ambre Aurea due to my love of ambers, despite the fact that at $240 a bottle I probably was not going to buy any. At that price, something has to be “over-the-top” special. So my expectations were high for this scent to surprise and delight me. A tough one to describe…when you first apply it, it’s almost chemical in it’s introduction. At first I was concerned, but then quickly, the scent transforms into a delicious warm, slightly sweet and enveloping amber. It is a very reassuring fragrance with a subtle sexiness about it. This truly is a unisex parfum, I can see this wearing well on both men and woman. I have the feeling that the characteristics of the scent would probably vary greatly on each individual. A truly beautiful fragrance. But at $240 for 100ml, I’m still not sure if I’m going to venture forth to purchasing a full bottle. I’ll have to give that some thought. However, I’m very much looking forward to testing out some more of the Profumum line.

From the Profumum website:

Olfactory Notes: Grey Amber, Incense, Myrrh

Bone Rating: 5 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: amber, warm, subtle
Classification: Unisex
Expense: Expensive – $240 for 100ml

February 4, 2012
by The Scented Hound 5 Comments

Bel Ami by Hermes

Today we’re going old school. I rarely find an Hermes scent that I don’t love, and this is not an exception to that rule. Bel Ami is a man’s cologne. There is nothing feminine about this scent. And when I say that its old school, it conjures up images in my head of Cary Grant wearing a tux on the Riviera. It is one of those scents that is distinctive, long lasting, powerful and one that I always get comments on when I wear it (all good). So what’s so special about it? I think it’s the wonderful combination of the patchouli and leather that really stick out. Which is funny, because I am typically not a fan of either in most scents. But add the cardamon and amber and something magically happens. I highly recommend this for men who love real manly man men’s colognes. Just remember, a little goes a long way with this scent.

From the Hermes website:

Irresistibly charming and masculine. An audacious mix of cardamom, amber, patchouli and leather.