Divin Asylum

How it Smells

Divin Asylum opens with a somewhat jarring citrus accord. The grapefruit leans towards a candied sweetness, almost reminiscent of grapefruit soda, lacking the nuanced bitter pith of the real fruit. The bergamot struggles to cut through, presenting a fleeting, almost artificial lemon cleaner note. As it transitions, a prickly vetiver struggles to emerge, battling a syrupy black currant that dominates the heart. The juniper is largely imperceptible, adding only a vague herbaceous quality. The drydown unveils an ambergris that smells closer to ambroxan, imparting a metallic tang, alongside a thin, almost papery leather. The vanilla attempts to smooth the edges, but instead contributes a cloying sweetness. The overall effect deviates significantly from its inspiration, exhibiting a lack of depth and complexity.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at approximately 5 hours. Projection is initially strong, extending to about one arm's length for the first hour, then rapidly settling closer to the skin. Tested in both indoor and outdoor environments, the scent remains relatively consistent throughout its lifespan, albeit with a gradual fading of the citrus notes.

Bottom Line

Wearing Divin Asylum in place of its Roja Dove inspiration results in a markedly different experience. What's gained is a bolder, sweeter opening, trading subtlety for immediate impact. What's lost is the refined elegance, the multifaceted development, and the sophisticated interplay of notes present in the original. The synthetic quality of the base notes ultimately detracts from the overall enjoyment.