Krigler | The Scented Hound

WHAT I SMELL: Topaze Imperiale opens with large blast of astringent alcohol, which then leads to this almost sour-smelling pine (kind of like dirty socks). Thankfully, that little spell soon moves into a warm spice that seems a bit nutty and smells brownish to me (yes, don’t ask me why, but it makes me think “brown”). After around five minutes, a little oud makes an appearance. It’s lightly chewy and again, moves out-of-the-way quickly for the sandalwood to take its place along with hints of vetiver. It’s smooth with streaks of sharpness that make it a bit lighter. Soon again there’s another change; this time a dry wood that comes into play. It’s a wood that seems to have been aged with some smoke and incense. After 20 minutes, the fragrance becomes very dry, highlighted with just a faint top layer of rose. Where before I could only think that this could be worn by a man, with the inclusion of the rose, I now think it of this as very unisex. All I can say is that Topaze Imperiale is classic and classy…and it lasts for a very long time.

From the Krigler website:

A rich mélange, grounded in a seductive Amber base, Topaze Imperiale evokes the undeniable allure of the precious stone. Intriguing top notes of Vetiver, Musk and Sandalwood lead to an addictive heart of Vanilla, Neroli and Oud before leading to the magnetic base that is accented by notes of Amber, Galbanum, Rose and Mandarin.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: This reminds me so much of my beloved Amouage Fate Woman, but this is less powdery and contains more of a burnt wood effect which makes this more masculine. It’s like its Amouage Fate Woman’s big brother.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE TOPAZE IMPERIALE: smoked, eternal, confident

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT TOPAZE IMPERIALE: I Am the Makeup Junkie

BOTTOM LINE: Thanks to the wonderful Daisy from coolcookstyle, who purchased this precious jewel at Sniffapalooza and gave me a sample. Topaze Imperiale is classic, with an incredible amount of subtleness. This is a keeper and I’m thinking that maybe it’s my turn for a full bottle??!!!

Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Oriental
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $245 for 50ml EdP from the Krigler website

OUD FOR HIGHNESS 75

WHAT I SMELL: I swore I was putting on Montale’s Black Aoud when I first applied Oud for Highness 75. Not for the faint of heart, but unlike Black Aoud, I didn’t get the burning tire sensation. What I did get a huge blast of agarwood and a sweet, sweet saffron. It smells rather like rose, but I don’t see any rose listed in the notes. I have to admit that I was worried that this would be too loud, but as time goes on, the “in your face” aspects of the perfume move to the side and you’re left with a very sweet, yet cozy ambered honey. This is a bit sweeter than I would normally like, but I do like it.

From the Krigler website:

Custom Made fragrance created in 1975. Joining again the collection in 2010. Oud For Highness 75 has been created in honor of its Royal Highness of Jordan combining Crushed Royal Asian Oud, Amber, Sandalwood, Saffron and Honey. Combining cultures and traditions, this fragrance is a Royal testimony to Oud.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A cheerful majesty.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE OUD FOR HIGHNESS 75: sweet, happy, dignified

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUD FOR HIGHNESS 75: Cafluerbon, dbeauty Junkie, Perfume-SmellinThings

Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Oriental Woody
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $305 for 50ml EdP

ESTABLISHED COGNAC 66

WHAT I SMELL: Established Cognac’s opening is an odd combination of a strong cognac sweetened with what smells like a bit of cotton candy. Very quickly the sharp cognac alcohol turns to a spiced and surprisingly dry herbaceous oak. I would have expected that this fragrance would be moist, but instead it’s very dry. I don’t get much sillage from this, nor is it long-lasting. After a couple of hours this completely disappeared on me.

From the Krigler website:

The quintessentially London classic since its creation. Men have it, women desire it! Simple audacity, world-class composition offers a perfect blend of Cognac, Apple, Indian Tagette, Caramel, Oak…
Distinctly masculine woody undertones; an eternal favorite.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: An old library with musty books.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE ESTABLISHED COGNAC 66: oaky, musty, worn

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ESTABLISHED COGNAC 66: I couldn’t find any reviews, except for a few comments on Fragrantica.

Bone Rating: 2 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Aromatic
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $175 for 50ml EdP

BOTTOM LINE: I am intrigued by this line. I’m not sure if it’s because of its exclusivity or the fact that they have been around since 1904. In any case, you can purchase their fragrances either online on their website or at one of their two retail locations; one in the Plaza Hotel in NYC and the other in Monte Carlo! Anyone want to take a trip to Monaco?