Pride

Scent Breakdown

Pride opens with a sharply tart bergamot, closer to grapefruit rind than a sweet orange. The angelica and patchouli heart arrive quickly, creating an earthy, slightly bitter counterpoint. It smells like damp soil laced with licorice root. Where it diverges from its inspiration is the base; the coumarin is much more pronounced here, lending a synthetic sweetness, like artificial vanilla extract. The amber is also thicker, bordering on cloying, and the musk has a slightly plasticky edge in the drydown. It lacks the airy, almost ethereal quality of the original, opting instead for a heavier, more brooding sweetness.

Bottom Line

This is a fragrance for cooler evenings when you're feeling introspective. Imagine a dimly lit bar, sipping on a spiced rum while contemplating the meaning of life. It suits an individual with a complex, somewhat melancholic disposition, but may be too heavy for daytime wear or warmer climates. Autumnal, nocturnal, and best suited for moments of personal reflection.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clinging to the skin for around 5-6 hours. Projection is initially strong, filling a room, but it settles closer to the body after the first hour. I wore it during a rainy afternoon and found it amplified the sweetness, becoming a bit overwhelming.