Imperium

Conclusion

Imperium aims for the luxurious but misses the mark. The aggressive opening and synthetic drydown make it unsuitable for anyone seeking true sophistication. This fragrance is best suited for a young man who values perceived loudness over refined taste and is willing to sacrifice subtlety for initial impact. Someone who hits the gym directly after a shift at the tire shop.

Notes & Nuances

Imperium opens with a sharp, almost acrid blast of grapefruit. The lemon is subdued, more akin to lemon cleaner than fresh citrus. There's a brief resemblance to the inspiration, but the bergamot lacks the smooth complexity of the original. The heart attempts vetiver, but lands closer to green pepper, mixed with an unpleasant, synthetic juniper note reminiscent of cheap gin. The black currant struggles to surface, giving off a faint, artificial sweetness. The drydown is where it truly deviates. Instead of a refined ambergris, there's a vague marine accord and a plasticky leather scent. The vanilla emerges as a sickly sweet note that clashes with the other elements. It lacks the refined blending of the Roja Dove Elysium.

Longevity & Projection

On my skin, Imperium lasts about 4-5 hours. The projection is initially strong, filling a room within the first hour. After that, it quickly fades to a skin scent. I tested this during a workday and received zero compliments – one colleague asked if someone had spilled cleaning fluid.