Gladiator Oud

There was a surprise sample in the box. I probably wouldn't have picked it out myself, but it is absolutely surprising. In fact, the cinematic experience begins after just half a second. One doesn't want to waste any time, after all. The fragrance has a very strong note and takes off right away, just as previous reviewers have written. It lacks a bit of soul for me, but I will give the scent a whole day solo.

'Little monster' You press the atomizer. Then the first moment: you open your eyes and look directly into glaring light. First reaction: close your eyes and turn away. Second reaction: you check whether you see spots of the complementary color in the background with your eyes closed. You don't see them, but you smell an intense wave of saffron fragrance, something curry-like that exudes only a mild variant of cumin, soon cardamom—not the one from the wall cabinet above the kitchen counter, but that of the perfumers. Little honey can be sensed; it likely provides the subtle sweetness. Then, when the whole thing—I don't want to say calms down, but when the nerve center has gotten used to it—intense but not unpleasantly warm woods. You know it: a high-end creation that packs a punch. You can lure me with something like that.

On me, Gladiator Oud smells less like spices than damp wood. Maybe it's due to my skin, maybe the formula. The quality is there, but the direction didn't quite convince me. Very intense.