1981X

Scent Breakdown

1981X starts with a promising burst of candied lemon peel and a medicinal lavender note, not unlike opening a vintage cough drop tin. The bergamot is fleeting, morphing quickly into the core: a cloying honey and cinnamon accord. Here's where it noticeably diverges; the tobacco is much more muted, almost undetectable, replaced by a synthetic cashmere wood that smells vaguely of dryer sheets. This creates a flatter, less complex mid than what it emulates. The drydown is dominated by an intensely sweet vanilla and tonka bean combination, edging towards an almost sickly saccharine quality, reminiscent of cheap vanilla extract. It lacks the smoky depth and nuanced spice of its inspiration.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is impressive; this stuff sticks around for 8+ hours on skin, even after showering. Projection is also substantial. I got a solid 2-3 arm lengths for the first few hours, settling down to a persistent scent bubble for the remaining wear time. I tested this at the office and got a few compliments initially, but by the afternoon, I detected a slight weariness from those around me. Use caution in close quarters.

Is it Worth It?

If this scent were a character in a movie, it would be the eager, slightly try-hard understudy who performs all the right moves but ultimately lacks the charisma and soul of the lead actor.