Touche

The Scent Profile

Touche opens with an aggressively candied pear, leaning closer to an artificial pear hard candy than the genuine fruit. The lavender and mint are present, but heavily subdued, almost a faint whisper beneath the saccharine blast. The heart introduces a cinnamon accord, though it lacks depth, and there's a distracting caraway note that comes across slightly stale, reminiscent of old rye bread. The clary sage attempts to add herbal complexity, but struggles to cut through the sweetness. The base is dominated by a creamy, almost cloying, black vanilla husk. There’s a noticeable synthetic amber accord adding a generalized warmth, and the patchouli is a mere shadow, lacking any earthy character. Compared to its inspiration, the DNA is recognizable, but the execution falters, replacing nuanced complexity with a blunt, sugary intensity and a plasticky undercurrent.

Final Thoughts

Touche is most suited for youthful, club-centric environments. Its unapologetic sweetness might appeal to those seeking a bold, attention-grabbing scent for evening wear. Best reserved for cooler months or controlled indoor climates.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is moderately impressive, clocking in around 6-7 hours. Projection is strong for the first two hours, easily extending beyond arm's length, before settling into a more intimate scent bubble. Tested in both indoor and outdoor settings, the sweetness can become oppressive in warmer environments.