I Am The King

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Wearing I Am The King is like listening to a cover band play your favorite song. You recognize the melody, but the nuances and soul of the original are missing. It's a decent substitute if you're just after a similar vibe, but be prepared for a more synthetic and less polished experience overall. The longevity is commendable, but the initial harshness and the plasticky drydown are noticeable drawbacks. This could work as a casual, everyday scent if you appreciate its strengths, but it won't replace the satisfying quality of the inspiration.

First Impressions & Dry Down

I Am The King kicks off with a sharp bergamot blast, but instead of the juicy, photorealistic citrus you find in Sauvage, this one veers into lemon cleaning-product territory. The pepper is loud, almost screechy, and there's a peculiar metallic tang that clings to the skin. The heart attempts to recapture Sauvage's spicy-floral blend, but the Sichuan pepper feels more like coarsely ground black pepper with a bitter edge. The lavender is subdued, hiding beneath the spice. As it dries down, the ambroxan takes over, giving it that signature "blue" fragrance feel, but with a plasticky undercurrent. The cedar is present, but muted and the labdanum adds a subtle sweetness that is slightly out of place. It's a recognizable interpretation but lacks the smooth, refined character of the original.

The Performance Stats

I've been wearing I Am The King for the past week in various situations - office, casual outings, and evening events. It lasts a solid 6 hours on my skin, projecting strongly for the first 2-3 hours; easily reaching beyond arm's length. After that, it settles closer to the skin but remains noticeable. I even wore it to the gym and it held up surprisingly well.