No. 199

How it Smells

Louche No. 199 opens with a blast of pineapple, no question. It’s trying *hard* to be Aventus. You get that initial juicy, fruity hit, but it's definitely got a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge than the real deal. The bergamot and apple are there, adding brightness. As it dries down, the birch comes through, giving it that smoky characteristic. However, the birch is less refined. The jasmine and patchouli are subdued, and the base is a fairly standard musk, oakmoss, vanilla blend. Overall, I'd say it's about 92% of the way to Aventus. The opening is close, but the drydown lacks the complexity and smooth blending of the original.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

If you're Aventus-curious and don't want to drop a fortune, Louche No. 199 is a solid option. It scratches that itch . Is it a 1:1 clone? No. Does it smell good and give you a similar vibe? Absolutely. If you’re super discerning and demand the *absolute best*, stick with Creed. But for daily wear, when you don't want to worry about using your expensive juice, this is a great, affordable substitute. it's a winner.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is decent . I get about 5-6 hours of longevity with moderate projection for the first hour, then it settles closer to the skin. It's definitely office-appropriate after the first hour blast. Re-application might be needed in the afternoon if you want to keep it going strong.