Magnificent 7

First Impressions & Dry Down

Magnificent 7 opens with a brisk bergamot blast, not the sun-drenched citrus groves of Italy, but more like a bergamot-scented cleaning product. The rosemary emerges quickly, a camphorous, slightly medicinal edge that clashes with the synthetic mandarin. The heart is where this aims for the original M7, but falls short. Instead of the rich, nuanced agarwood, there's a generalized "woody" accord, almost pencil-shaving cedar with a hint of band-aid medicinal oud. The vetiver is green, but thin, lacking the earthy depth. The drydown is dominated by a powdery musk that obscures any remaining amber, leaving a vague, slightly plasticky finish that lingers without developing any real character.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is deceptively good, clocking in at around 6-7 hours. However, projection is moderate in the first hour, projecting about an arm's length, before quickly retracting into a skin scent. I tested this during a rainy afternoon walk and found the humidity amplified the medicinal notes in an unpleasant way.

Bottom Line

This fragrance feels out of place. Save for a cold night at home, I can't imagine wearing this. It tries to emulate a sophisticated warmth, but the synthetic elements create a jarring experience. It is suitable for fall or winter, but only if applied very sparingly.