Classic Match

How it Smells

Classic Match explodes with a bracing juniper, but immediately veers off course from its inspiration. The basil smells more like dried Italian herbs than a fresh garden. The artemisia adds a concerningly bitter, almost medicinal edge reminiscent of old cough drops. The heart doubles down on the pine needles, resulting in a slightly acrid note, and the leather is a whisper of synthetic suede instead of supple hide. It lacks the original's depth. The drydown presents a ghostly tobacco, laced with the stale, dank mustiness of damp cardboard, not the evocative earthiness of oakmoss and patchouli. There's a noticeable plasticky undercurrent lingering long after the initial spray.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is fleeting, disappearing after a meager 3 hours. Projection is intimate, barely extending past the skin after the first hour. I tested this while running errands and found myself reapplying it constantly, a futile attempt to recapture its fleeting initial burst.

Final Thoughts

This is for the individual who wants to evoke a fleeting impression of ruggedness, but not the true grit. This is suitable for a quick trip to the grocery store or a casual dog walk, but it won’t impress at a dinner party or in the boardroom. It’s a fleeting nod to a classic, but ultimately lacks the gravitas and staying power to create a lasting impression.