Ancestral Papyrus

How it Smells

Ancestral Papyrus blasts off with a surprisingly tart, almost sour green apple note that’s noticeably harsher than the original Y. The ginger is present, but it lacks the effervescence; instead, it smells slightly metallic, like cheap ginger ale left open overnight. The heart attempts to mimic the aromatic freshness with sage and juniper, but it comes across as a muddled, vaguely herbal scent with a faint, medicinal undertone. The drydown is where it really departs from the inspiration; the amberwood is cranked up, resulting in an overly synthetic, woody-amber accord that clings to the skin with a somewhat irritating, scratchy quality. There's a plasticky cedar note alongside it. The overall effect is less refined, more aggressively synthetic.

Is it Worth It?

This fragrance is for the young man still in college, who needs a serviceable scent for everyday wear to classes and the library. It is a daily beater fragrance. It won’t impress, but it also won't break the bank.

Projection Power

On my skin, Ancestral Papyrus lasted around 4 hours, with projection extending about an arm's length for the first hour before quickly receding to a skin scent. I tested it at the office, where it didn't offend, but it also didn't garner any compliments, likely due to the diminished sillage.