Night Pour Homme III

Olfactory Experience

Night Pour Homme III initiates with a brisk neroli tempered by cracked black pepper. The cardamom is present, though it leans towards a medicinal, cough-syrup sweetness rather than a warm spice. The heart struggles to fully bloom; the iris surfaces, yet it is a powdery makeup bag version, lacking the original's elegance. Geranium adds a metallic tang, clashing somewhat uncomfortably with the vegetal mate note. The drydown is where this diverges most significantly. Cedar asserts itself, but with a raw, splintery quality. Patchouli offers only a vague earthiness, eventually fading into a generic amber accord with a plasticky residue.

Projection Power

Longevity on skin hovers around 4 hours, while on clothing it persists for up to 6. Projection is initially moderate, extending about an arm's length for the first hour, then rapidly becoming a skin scent. Tested during both daytime office wear and evening social settings.

The Verdict

This fragrance occupies a confusing space. It aims for sophisticated, yet its components never coalesce into a seamless experience. Best suited for the cooler months, perhaps a crisp autumn evening. The setting should be casual – a coffee date or a walk in the park – where subtlety is key and its shortcomings are less noticeable. Not recommended for formal occasions or situations where a refined impression is paramount.