Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more...

[Brooks Otterlake]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Lighter and fresher about covers it. Still recognizeable, but more wearable, and I think the added "airiness" helps open up the composition a bit and add some of that "sea air" roominess.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Lighter and fresher about covers it. Still recognizeable, but more wearable, and I think the added "airiness" helps open up the composition a bit and add some of that "sea air" roominess.

I hope it's not more of a generic "fresh marine" now. The original was about as fresh as I'd want to go, and it actually smelled marine versus what the mass of the perfume industry labels "marine." I found it very wearable on my skin.

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[Brooks Otterlake]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

I hope it's not more of a generic "fresh marine" now. The original was about as fresh as I'd want to go, and it actually smelled marine versus what the mass of the perfume industry labels "marine." I found it very wearable on my skin.

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I don't find it generic.

 

[ripjean]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

I'm still wondering about the ILN numbers on both new and old. They are both ILN43592, and I have read that if this number changes, there has been a reformulation. Obviously nothing concrete to prove this, but it seems viable. I know this to be the case with Dior.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

I'm still wondering about the ILN numbers on both new and old. They are both ILN43592, and I have read that if this number changes, there has been a reformulation. Obviously nothing concrete to prove this, but it seems viable. I know this to be the case with Dior.

That's interesting. I literally just have brought my newly arrived bottle in and it also has the same ILN. I will test it soon and give my impression.

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[Brian5701]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

These are finally at my local Ulta.

Eau de Vert Boheme starts out really grassy and then settles into something very close to LV Cactus Garden, maybe less sweet. Not my style, but fans of CG should check it out.

Oud Minerale impressed me. I ended up picking up a bottle. It's been a while since I tried the previous release of it. Either this new one is better, or my tastes have changed. Transparent, stony, woody, mineral water. I don't get seaweed, more like a rocky grotto. Looking forward to layering it with some white florals.

 

[Brooks Otterlake]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Oud Minerale impressed me. I ended up picking up a bottle. It's been a while since I tried the previous release of it. Either this new one is better, or my tastes have changed. Transparent, stony, woody, mineral water. I don't get seaweed, more like a rocky grotto. Looking forward to layering it with some white florals.

Yes, this is a good description of Oud Minerale 2.0.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

I managed to try out the new Oud Minerale today. Sadly, my decant of the old PB version was totally empty and dried out, so no direct comparison, but it is generally just as I remembered it - you're taking a stroll on a wet, rocky beach adjacent to an evergreen forest. Someone has built a driftwood fire in the distance. As you walk, you sip a dram of Laphroaig and breathe in the sea air, with wafts of salt spray, seaweed, and smoke from the distant campfire pairing perfectly with the smoked peat notes in your Islay whisky. Okay, maybe I got a bit carried away there.

If there is anything that is different from my memory it is the opening, which has a woody, even boozy character that reminds me even more of Islay whisky than I remembered. Of course, it has been a while, so I don't know if it is different at all. Either way, a wonderful scent for people like me who enjoy these notes.

 

[mikeperez23]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Even though I don't really like aquatic scents I love Oud Minerale...it's bizarre.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Even though I don't really like aquatic scents I love Oud Minerale...it's bizarre.

Same.

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[Castingshadows]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

You know I actually really enjoyed Oud Minerale. Back when I first got into “Oud” I wanted a sample of TF Oud Wood but the SA gave me Oud Minerale instead.

If this stays true to the original it’s a nice salty freshie. The seaweed note was always something that drew me in and I found it really unique in the dry heat.

Another example of an ouddy aquatic/fresh/blue scent is Hayra by Prin. It’s a similar structure with heavier emphasis on oakmoss and oceanic notes but the incense note in the drydown is fantastic. I know you didn’t ask about it but I find it to be in the same wheelhouse and also worth sampling.

 

[slpfrsly]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Gave Oud Minerale another wear today and ensured to spray the back of my hand so I could 'sniff test' periodically through the day.

Very similar to the original in all honesty, most of the difference is in the opening spray. In terms of notes it feels a little smoother, a little flatter, but the same central accord - rubbery salty goodness - is the same. The only difference I'd say is a slight 'incense' note in the heart, something between amberwood (which dominates Costa Azzura to my nose) and some kind of olibanum. This could easily pass as a synthetic 'oud' note, I suppose, made more prominent in the this release for whatever reason as I would say I smell less of the overt styrax in this scent. Actually maybe not, sniffing again. The styrax is still strong. It's just that there's a slightly smoother amberwood note that's present for the first hour or so (I can't smell it in the base).

Overall, however, the fragrance is as good as identical to the Private Blend. I'd emphasise the fact the new version feels a tad smoother and also that performance is less bombastic but it's still very strong. I also think this version feels 'drier' but I wouldn't want to really back that up with anything solid, that could easily just be a trick of the mind or whatever.

My reservations with the fragrance are that I feel uncomfortable wearing it. I regret wearing it in a professional setting, put it that way!

Still a really good fragrance. I like it a lot. Just not sure it fits what I'm looking for anymore. Very pleased it's been re-released though. I'm leaning towards my needs being met by Issey Miyake for this kind of fragrance though. I almost think Oud Minerale is like the 'smart casual' aquatic fragrance, far better suited to evenings and in particular the dead of winter than it is anything casual or for warm weather. In fact I'll go out on a limb and say this is almost strictly a cold weather fragrance, which is the conclusion I came to with the Private Blend, it smells great cutting through the crisp, cool air, but wearing this in the heat just adds to the potential for cloying and annoyance (clannoying?).

If you liked the Private Blend, buy this, you won't be disappointed. The slightly reduced performance is only a good thing in all honesty. If you didn't like the PB, don't bother. If you haven't tried it, hmmm...approach it with an open mind!

 

[slpfrsly]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

If there is anything that is different from my memory it is the opening, which has a woody, even boozy character that reminds me even more of Islay whisky than I remembered. Of course, it has been a while, so I don't know if it is different at all. Either way, a wonderful scent for people like me who enjoy these notes.

Yes, I would agree with this as well. There's *something* in the opening and mids which is different, for sure. After a few hours it's the same scent, just a bit flatter. What you're calling booze I called incense, it's something like that.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Yes, I would agree with this as well. There's *something* in the opening and mids which is different, for sure. After a few hours it's the same scent, just a bit flatter. What you're calling booze I called incense, it's something like that.

Have you ever tasted Islay Scotch Whisky, e.g. Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin? It has a characteristic peat smoke note from the way they smoke-dry the malted barley before fermentation. I can see how you might get a smoky incense note and I get Islay whisky.

I can also vouch that performance has not taken a hit. A day later, during my second shower after application, I was still getting wafts of the drydown.

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[ripjean]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Good to hear that it seems to be similar to the much higher priced original! I am enjoying the fragrance a lot and for £90 a bottle (I bought two), it does not seem a bad price.

 

[slpfrsly]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Have you ever tasted Islay Scotch Whisky, e.g. Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin? It has a characteristic peat smoke note from the way they smoke-dry the malted barley before fermentation. I can see how you might get a smoky incense note and I get Islay whisky.

I can also vouch that performance has not taken a hit. A day later, during my second shower after application, I was still getting wafts of the drydown.

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Yes, I totally understand what you mean. It's a good reference. I'm also of the mind that performance is still massive as well. It's still projecting off my skin and it's near enough 12 hours since I applied it.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

Also interesting to see people say this is a winter fragrance. I wear this one to the beach lol. This is close to about as "freshie" as I get. But then I do like dark fragrances.

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[slpfrsly]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

I'm not sure how many people say Oud Minerale is a winter fragrance, that's just my assessment of it in all honesty. I'd say 'summer nights' would also work well, but it's just too strong for a day to day wear. I've tried a fair few aquatics and while the notes are evidently similar, the fundamental feel and structure of a light aquatic is markedly different to OM. The 'easy breezy' quality of most aquatics, whether fruity, watery, or sport-chemically, is absent in OM as it is in Sel Marin and other niche marines/aquatics. OM in particular feels like something perfectly suited to the cooler air where its razor sharpness can cut through and really make a statement. Given its huge projection and sillage - I think the strongest perfume I've ever owned, in all honesty - I'm leaning towards it as a statement-making fragrance for winter or possible summer nights where you want your fragrance to be experienced by others. It's the antithesis of an aquatic where the purpose is to wear a fragrance that other people won't even know you're wearing. So that's why I've come to that conclusion. It came through a fair amount of wearing of Oud Minerale back in 2019. If others agree, then great, but I think I'm the only one who's suggesting it's better in the winter so don't feel put off by that if you feel differently. It's all just a matter of perception etc.

 

[Danny Mitchell]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

^based on the PB version, I totally agree with it being a winter scent. Or at least a cool evening scent. Reminds me of Tobacco Oud without tge tobacco.

 

[slpfrsly]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

^based on the PB version, I totally agree with it being a winter scent. Or at least a cool evening scent. Reminds me of Tobacco Oud without tge tobacco.

That's definitely interesting, not least because of the mentions of whisky as above. But also because I also thought there was crossover with Noir Anthracite. Different notes, yes, but a similar sot of tonal 'feeling' in terms of a dark, sharp, slightly bitter, gloomy, yet damp and refreshing fragrance.

 

[slpfrsly]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

After several wearings of Oud Minerale, I'm happy with it. Good fragrance, basically everything I hoped for when I first started my search, and it's at the right sort of price where the Private Blend is obviously ridiculous. Not quite as brash as the PB, there's some more soft greenery in the re-release, but ostensibly the same fragrance.

 

[philosophe]

Re: Tom Ford 'Resort Collection' - return of Neroli Portofino & Mandarino Acqua, Oud Minerale & more

After several wearings of Oud Minerale, I'm happy with it. Good fragrance, basically everything I hoped for when I first started my search, and it's at the right sort of price where the Private Blend is obviously ridiculous. Not quite as brash as the PB, there's some more soft greenery in the re-release, but ostensibly the same fragrance.

Definitely still a favorite of mine. I don't know if it's actually less brash for me. If anything is different to my nose, the fir tree forest bit was slightly toned down and a smoky wood aspect was intensified slightly, which as I mentioned adds to the Islay whisky vibe, mostly notable in the opening. But, like you said, any changes are barely noticeable. And the performance is still insane. This fragrance has the half-life of uranium.

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[slpfrsly]

Happy to report Oud Minerale has passed the obligatory 6 month trial period I place on fragrances. It's a really fantastic fragrance and I have an inkling it may not be available for very long, so I've stocked up on multiple bottles. I also managed to nab a private blend bottle for stupidly good value as well, less than the current version sells for at full price. I do think there are some minor differences, most notably in the perfomance which does seem less ridiculously bombastic than the PB - which is a good thing, as 2-3 sprays will last all day, rather than being a health hazard.

 

[PrinceRF]

Happy to report Oud Minerale has passed the obligatory 6 month trial period I place on fragrances. It's a really fantastic fragrance and I have an inkling it may not be available for very long, so I've stocked up on multiple bottles. I also managed to nab a private blend bottle for stupidly good value as well, less than the current version sells for at full price. I do think there are some minor differences, most notably in the perfomance which does seem less ridiculously bombastic than the PB - which is a good thing, as 2-3 sprays will last all day, rather than being a health hazard.

Excellent!

 

[slpfrsly]

I received a negative response to Oud Minerale over the weekend, which confirms to me that it's just a tad too strong and dark to be worn as a daily fragrance. I still love it but probably have to be more discerning with how/where I wear it.

 

[slpfrsly]

Received another negative comment about Oud Minerale last night.

 

[Melbourne21]

all I get is compliments everytime I wear it 😁

 

[slpfrsly]

I've had a lot of compliments as well. But mainly from a normal distance. When women get close to me, some can't stand it and it seems to flip on its head in terms of appeal. Maybe I just need to spray less but I'm not just going to dismiss negative feedback.

 

[basicDave]

Happy to report Oud Minerale has passed the obligatory 6 month trial period I place on fragrances. It's a really fantastic fragrance and I have an inkling it may not be available for very long, so I've stocked up on multiple bottles. I also managed to nab a private blend bottle for stupidly good value as well, less than the current version sells for at full price. I do think there are some minor differences, most notably in the perfomance which does seem less ridiculously bombastic than the PB - which is a good thing, as 2-3 sprays will last all day, rather than being a health hazard.

Hey, I like reading your reviews and trust your nose... do you wear Oud Minerale in warmer weather? I know previously you said it was a cold weather fragrance. A lot of people on Fragrantica voted for it during the spring and summer. Do you have a cutoff temperature for wearing this one? After reading this thread, I'm very interested in checking it out. If it's reasonable to wear in a climate controlled environment (office) when it's hot out, then I'm very interested.

 

[slpfrsly]

Hey, I like reading your reviews and trust your nose... do you wear Oud Minerale in warmer weather? I know previously you said it was a cold weather fragrance. A lot of people on Fragrantica voted for it during the spring and summer. Do you have a cutoff temperature for wearing this one? After reading this thread, I'm very interested in checking it out. If it's reasonable to wear in a climate controlled environment (office) when it's hot out, then I'm very interested.

It's much better in the cold in my opinion. It's a heavy dank aquatic that smells a bit like gasoline from a distance. You can wear it in warm weather, certainly, but it's not something suitable for summer days when it's really hot. It cuts through the cold beautifully and the contrast of fresh salt with a synthetic rubbery darkness (it smells a lot like neoprene, the material they use to make wetsuits) makes it an ideal fragrance - but adding heat in to the mix just messes it up slightly. There are some fragrances that almost bloom in warm and humid air/on a warm body, and this is fragrance that you don't really want that happening with. I'm also down to 1-2 sprays with it, max, as it's ridiculously strong. I'd recommend buying it for sure. If Mandarino di Amalfi had 50% of the performance Oud Minerale had, I'd say go with that (it's a very good fragrance) but unfortunately it's weak as a kitten.

 

[basicDave]

It's much better in the cold in my opinion. It's a heavy dank aquatic that smells a bit like gasoline from a distance. You can wear it in warm weather, certainly, but it's not something suitable for summer days when it's really hot. It cuts through the cold beautifully and the contrast of fresh salt with a synthetic rubbery darkness (it smells a lot like neoprene, the material they use to make wetsuits) makes it an ideal fragrance - but adding heat in to the mix just messes it up slightly. There are some fragrances that almost bloom in warm and humid air/on a warm body, and this is fragrance that you don't really want that happening with. I'm also down to 1-2 sprays with it, max, as it's ridiculously strong. I'd recommend buying it for sure. If Mandarino di Amalfi had 50% of the performance Oud Minerale had, I'd say go with that (it's a very good fragrance) but unfortunately it's weak as a kitten.

Hmmm, thanks for your impression. It's interesting how the reviews on Fragrantica make it sound like it's ripe for summer. I'll probably get a sample and see if I make it through. I did blind buy Noir Anthracite, and while I liked it, I didn't wear it much and ended up selling it. The only TF I own and wear on a regular basis is BdJ signature. So Oud Minerale is probably not as wearable as BdJ right? (Especially when it gets above 80F).

 

[slpfrsly]

Hmmm, thanks for your impression. It's interesting how the reviews on Fragrantica make it sound like it's ripe for summer. I'll probably get a sample and see if I make it through. I did blind buy Noir Anthracite, and while I liked it, I didn't wear it much and ended up selling it. The only TF I own and wear on a regular basis is BdJ signature. So Oud Minerale is probably not as wearable as BdJ right? (Especially when it gets above 80F).

The hive mind on that site is like the zombies in dawn of the dead a lot of the time. You'd think it would good for warm weather because it's an aquatic, right? That's why people vote it's good for spring and summer. The reality is different. I imagine the majority of people who vote on those things only test the fragrance briefly, rather than owning it or wearing it/testing it thoroughly. Noir Anthracite is pretty close to Oud Minerale in a lot of ways. There's a shared dark feel to them, but approached from totally different angles. I thought about buying Noir Anthracite but considered it too close to OM.

I don't think it's as wearable as BdJ, no. If you go light on the sprayer, then yeah, you can get away with it as a fairly versatile fragrance. If you have a somewhat large collection it's a safe enough buy as well. It's something you could wear all year round if you really wanted to, but maybe not on a regular basis. It's not exactly work safe. You'll have to try it for yourself, don't let me make your mind up for you. Personally, I think it works much better in evenings and for nights out, where it can cut though the air. The most enjoyment and most positive feedback I've had from it is in extremely cold weather, and that makes sense to me given the nature of the fragrance. It's that kind of fragrance, it smells very good at a distance, but I've had numerous negative comments now when in enclosed spaces. Summer nights would be no problem but for really hot weather, I'd avoid and go for a fresher aquatic alternative.

Fragrantica for reference:

 

[basicDave]

The hive mind on that site is like the zombies in dawn of the dead a lot of the time. You'd think it would good for warm weather because it's an aquatic, right? That's why people vote it's good for spring and summer. The reality is different. I imagine the majority of people who vote on those things only test the fragrance briefly, rather than owning it or wearing it/testing it thoroughly. Noir Anthracite is pretty close to Oud Minerale in a lot of ways. There's a shared dark feel to them, but approached from totally different angles. I thought about buying Noir Anthracite but considered it too close to OM.

I don't think it's as wearable as BdJ, no. If you go light on the sprayer, then yeah, you can get away with it as a fairly versatile fragrance. If you have a somewhat large collection it's a safe enough buy as well. It's something you could wear all year round if you really wanted to, but maybe not on a regular basis. It's not exactly work safe. You'll have to try it for yourself, don't let me make your mind up for you. Personally, I think it works much better in evenings and for nights out, where it can cut though the air. The most enjoyment and most positive feedback I've had from it is in extremely cold weather, and that makes sense to me given the nature of the fragrance. It's that kind of fragrance, it smells very good at a distance, but I've had numerous negative comments now when in enclosed spaces. Summer nights would be no problem but for really hot weather, I'd avoid and go for a fresher aquatic alternative.

Fragrantica for reference:
View attachment 219114

Yeah, Fragrantica is a very strange place, and yet I keep going back... haha

Well I appreciate your thoughts on it. I'll probably get a sample or see if it's in store somewhere instead of blind buying the bottle. It sound like one I wouldn't wear too frequently especially now that we are getting into summer. I am really curious to smell it though.

 

[Castingshadows]

Yeah, Fragrantica is a very strange place, and yet I keep going back... haha

Well I appreciate your thoughts on it. I'll probably get a sample or see if it's in store somewhere instead of blind buying the bottle. It sound like one I wouldn't wear too frequently especially now that we are getting into summer. I am really curious to smell it though.

I think for what it’s worth that Oud Minerale works really well in warm weather. In fact I’d only wear it in warm weather. The overal vibe of that fragrance isn’t really something that I’d find comforting in cold weather nor do I appreciate the way it presents itself in cold weather.

Also keep in mind that the “fragrantica hive mind” isn’t much different than the hive mind around here. That’s just the fragrance community in a nutshell.

 

[SmellSharpe]

I think for what it’s worth that Oud Minerale works really well in warm weather. In fact I’d only wear it in warm weather. The overal vibe of that fragrance isn’t really something that I’d find comforting in cold weather nor do I appreciate the way it presents itself in cold weather.

Agreed. I would never wear Oud Minerale In the winter. Late spring to early fall for me. And then out come the Ouds and leathers!

 

[basicDave]

Nice to hear other opinions. I have a 10ml decant of the private blend on the way. Looking forward to seeing what it's all about

 

[basicDave]

The hive mind on that site is like the zombies in dawn of the dead a lot of the time. You'd think it would good for warm weather because it's an aquatic, right? That's why people vote it's good for spring and summer. The reality is different. I imagine the majority of people who vote on those things only test the fragrance briefly, rather than owning it or wearing it/testing it thoroughly. Noir Anthracite is pretty close to Oud Minerale in a lot of ways. There's a shared dark feel to them, but approached from totally different angles. I thought about buying Noir Anthracite but considered it too close to OM.

I don't think it's as wearable as BdJ, no. If you go light on the sprayer, then yeah, you can get away with it as a fairly versatile fragrance. If you have a somewhat large collection it's a safe enough buy as well. It's something you could wear all year round if you really wanted to, but maybe not on a regular basis. It's not exactly work safe. You'll have to try it for yourself, don't let me make your mind up for you. Personally, I think it works much better in evenings and for nights out, where it can cut though the air. The most enjoyment and most positive feedback I've had from it is in extremely cold weather, and that makes sense to me given the nature of the fragrance. It's that kind of fragrance, it smells very good at a distance, but I've had numerous negative comments now when in enclosed spaces. Summer nights would be no problem but for really hot weather, I'd avoid and go for a fresher aquatic alternative.

So I got my decant last Friday and I've done four full wears. I gotta say... for me this is a fresh, warm weather fragrance. It feels casual too, very easy to wear. I was surprised at how mild the opening is. I definitely smell the marine notes along with a somewhat bitter iodine/seaweed accord. But it never feels dark, and the seaweed accord isn't overpowering. It balances the marine freshness well. The main evolution of this fragrance for me was going from salty marine/seaweed/iodine feel to a salty/woody/soft pine-fir feel. The drydown is nice as there is a great combo of salt, woods, a leftover pine/moss, and faint dry amber in the very back. Like driftwood really.

But at no point would I have thought to call this scent 'dark'. My wife really likes it. So much so that she wore a spray of it this morning. It was cool to smell it on someone else. The sillage seemed pretty darn good. It was strange because I could smell it in the air, but when I went to smell it on her, it didn't smell strong at all. In the air, it put out this soft but deep blue marine feeling. Very round, nothing sharp. Just like a cloud.

Anyway, I will definitely be wearing this during the summer. Just for the record, my decant is of the PB version.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Just got a bottle of the "Resort" edition. Perhaps it's a fake...but this is not the PB version of the scent. While the opening notes are the same, the heartnotes of peppercorn overwhelm the original's marine notes. It's fine; it's just not PB Oud Minerale.

 

[slpfrsly]

Just got a bottle of the "Resort" edition. Perhaps it's a fake...

That's certainly a possibility by the sound of things.

 

[slpfrsly]

Anyway, I will definitely be wearing this during the summer. Just for the record, my decant is of the PB version.

In which case, you are a braver man than me. It got to the point where I was only wearing Oud Minerale in cooler weather, but this Christmas just gone, I decided it was just too strong, too particular, and too dark/sharp/synthetic for its own good. I still like the scent but unless it's an infrequent wear (which I'm not interested in, having a small wardrobe) then it's a hard fragrance to pull off in any weather - especially when it's warm, in my opinion.

There aren't too many modern fragrances that run the risk of "cologne guy" status, thanks largely to how much fresher and less animalic masculine fragrances are now. But Oud Minerale slips in to that category. You're right to point out its performance and sillage as impressive: it really is. And as much as I like the fragrance, it's not easy to wear it in public/around other people.