Aspen

Scent Breakdown

Aspen opens with a bracing marine accord. The listed sea water note registers, but with a sharper, more synthetic edge compared to Cool Water's smoother oceanic facet. The lavender and mint are present, yet less refined. The heart attempts the signature Cool Water blend of sandalwood, neroli, and geranium. However, the sandalwood here is a simpler, almost cedar-like impression, and the neroli lacks its characteristic luminous quality. The base aims for musk, tobacco, and oakmoss, providing a fairly linear drydown. A distinct powdery note becomes apparent after an hour, diverting further from the original's clean musk and subtle tobacco nuances. Aspen is about 88% similar to Cool Water. The primary difference lies in the ingredient quality and blending.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 4-5 hours of noticeable presence. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, creating a sizable scent bubble. It then quickly retreats to a skin scent. Repeated applications will likely be needed throughout the day for consistent wear. If you are seeking a high degree of accuracy, the original remains the superior choice. However, for casual, everyday wear where cost is a primary concern, Aspen presents a viable option. Given the vastly different price points, those prioritizing affordability over ingredient quality will find Aspen satisfactory. For those unconcerned with minor variances, perhaps not.