No. 295

Olfactory Experience

Louche No. 295 opens with a recognizable apple accord, leaning heavily into a synthetic interpretation. The plum is less pronounced than in Boss Bottled, replaced by a sharper lemon note, creating a somewhat unbalanced opening. The heart attempts to replicate the cinnamon and carnation spice of the original, but the mahogany feels thin. It lacks the warmth present in the original, coming across somewhat metallic. The base of vanilla, sandalwood, and cedar is where No. 295 comes closest to the mark. The vanilla is prominent, though quite linear, and the sandalwood offers a pleasant creaminess. The cedar provides a dry counterpoint. Overall, it achieves approximately 87% similarity.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 4-5 hours of noticeable presence on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, then quickly settles into a close skin scent. It doesn’t have the room-filling presence of the original.

Conclusion

No. 295 is a decent attempt at Boss Bottled. It captures the essence of the scent profile, especially in the dry down. However, the opening and heart are marred by noticeable synthetic edges and a lack of depth. If you're on a strict budget and simply want a familiar scent, this is an option. Is Boss Bottled worth paying 3-4 times as much? If you value a smoother, higher-quality composition, then yes.