Christmas Gift For Texbilly?

[texbilly]

Gents,

My wife has asked me for gift ideas. Cologne is always near the top of my thoughts. Any suggestions? For what it's worth, here are some I already own and wear often, in no particular order:

PdN New York
Dunhill For Men (1934)
Guerlain Derby
Lalique Encre Noire
Gucci Pour Homme
Knize Ten
Brooks Brothers 1818
Caron Number 3/Third Man

Willing to gamble and go in blindly!

 

[azmark]

I'm a Caron fan and since you seem like a complicated fellow, a complicated scent would do you well. Put Yatagan on there

 

[texbilly]

I'm a Caron fan and since you seem like a complicated fellow, a complicated scent would do you well. Put Yatagan on there

Ah, the limitations of a partial list - I own Yatagan and love it! Indeed, a complicated, ever-evolving scent, Mark, but my family and friends would say I'm anything BUT complicated! Thanks anyway!

 

[StylinLA]

That's a great list. Anything on it is worthwhile.

The best wet shaver scents on there are probably Dunhill 34 and Knize 10. Knize 10 is now available in fresh new bottles from Lucky Scent. Dunhill 34 a bit more challenging to find, but it's out there. If you go for that, best coach the wife to be very exacting about making sure she gets the right one. Dunill has several scents for men with "Dunhill" in the title that websites will spit back at her. They may or may not have any understanding of the '34 distinction. That "34" is mostly slang amongst us aficionados. I believe this one is properly called DUNHILL FOR MEN.

The most expensive and hardest to find is Derby. I haven't tested it enough to render a meaningful opinion. I know it is highly regarded by many, and that the Guerlains are usually pretty special once you get to know them.

To my nose, the most exotic and toughest to wear is 3rd Man.

PdN New York is would probably be considered the most sophisticated by many.

The rest are all good, but don't stand out as much those above here. Easier to find too.

 

[jakespoppy]

This is a fun post, Bill, especially for someone who knows you. You may not be complicated, but I know you appreciate complex scents. I also know you are a sensitive guy - at least sensitive enough to give consideration to what colognes Mrs. Texbilly likes and doesn't like on you. I can't remember what all colognes you have or have had, and you've probably expanded that list anyway. But I'll suggest a few that I think are very nice scents that are complex enough for you to enjoy, but not so polarizing to upset the peaceful environment you enjoy at home.

All of these I would consider as having the same very rich, oriental "feel" as PdN New York. They don't smell "like" PdN NY, just a similar vibe; you would feel comfortable wearing them anyplace you'd enjoy wearing NY.

- Guerlain Habit Rouge (Might be available at one of the fragrance stores at the Round Rock outlet mall - but you probably already have this, or are familiar with it)
- Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne (not sure where to get; a friend sent me a sample)
- Tiffany for Men (Order direct from Tiffany for best price)

I look forward to seeing what other suggestions you get. I might have to add some to my Christmas list, too.

 

[texbilly]

That's a great list. Anything on it is worthwhile.

The best wet shaver scents on there are probably Dunhill 34 and Knize 10. Knize 10 is now available in fresh new bottles from Lucky Scent. Dunhill 34 a bit more challenging to find, but it's out there. If you go for that, best coach the wife to be very exacting about making sure she gets the right one. Dunill has several scents for men with "Dunhill" in the title that websites will spit back at her. They may or may not have any understanding of the '34 distinction. That "34" is mostly slang amongst us aficionados. I believe this one is properly called DUNHILL FOR MEN.

The most expensive and hardest to find is Derby. I haven't tested it enough to render a meaningful opinion. I know it is highly regarded by many, and that the Guerlains are usually pretty special once you get to know them.

To my nose, the most exotic and toughest to wear is 3rd Man.

PdN New York is would probably be considered the most sophisticated by many.

The rest are all good, but don't stand out as much those above here. Easier to find too.

Stylin, I REALLY appreciate your great insight, as always. What I didn't make too clear (but have now edited) is I already own everything in the list. I included it to represent some of the scents I wear often. So, knowing your expansive fragrance wardrobe, any suggestions that would be nice "extensions" of the ones I already love?

 

[DFrancis]

I would suggest giving out the list and let her pick out the one she likes best, how often will you be likely to wear something she dislikes? Whereas if there is one you both love, then it's going to get a lot of use.

 

[texbilly]

This is a fun post, Bill, especially for someone who knows you. You may not be complicated, but I know you appreciate complex scents. I also know you are a sensitive guy - at least sensitive enough to give consideration to what colognes Mrs. Texbilly likes and doesn't like on you. I can't remember what all colognes you have or have had, and you've probably expanded that list anyway. But I'll suggest a few that I think are very nice scents that are complex enough for you to enjoy, but not so polarizing to upset the peaceful environment you enjoy at home.

All of these I would consider as having the same very rich, oriental "feel" as PdN New York. They don't smell "like" PdN NY, just a similar vibe; you would feel comfortable wearing them anyplace you'd enjoy wearing NY.

- Guerlain Habit Rouge (Might be available at one of the fragrance stores at the Round Rock outlet mall - but you probably already have this, or are familiar with it)
- Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne (not sure where to get; a friend sent me a sample)
- Tiffany for Men (Order direct from Tiffany for best price)

I look forward to seeing what other suggestions you get. I might have to add some to my Christmas list, too.

Nicely done, Randy! I always trust you suggestions -- considering you were the one who re-launched my love of fragrances!!

I do own Habit Rouge and as luck would have it, it's one of the few Mrs. Texbilly doesn't care for at all. She considers the vanilla note too sweet. But I love it!! However, I like your two new suggestions and will add them to my research list. Thanks!

 

[texbilly]

I would suggest giving out the list and let her pick out the one she likes best, how often will you be likely to wear something she dislikes? Whereas if there is one you both love, then it's going to get a lot of use.

Thanks, Darren. Yes, I thought about doing this once I gather a list. The challenge will be how many she can test in person at brick and mortar stores.

 

[joshmpdx]

Great post, and nice wardrobe!

What do you think of Mazzolari - Lui? it seems to fit right in with what you enjoy, but wouldn't make anything redundant.

I also picked up a sample of Ormonde Man, and think it's fantastic... another good option!

 

[StylinLA]

Stylin, I REALLY appreciate your great insight, as always. What I didn't make too clear (but have now edited) is I already own everything in the list. I included it to represent some of the scents I wear often. So, knowing your expansive fragrance wardrobe, any suggestions that would be nice "extensions" of the ones I already love?

D'OH- I hate it when I don't read carefully. Well, then you already have great selection.

I'll toss some out. Poke around for other reviews and see what looks potentially good to you.

Santos de Cartier Concentre- Nice patchouli/sandalewood scent. Distiinguished and gentlemanly. Underrated.

Habit Rouge Beau Cavalier or EdP- These are both same scent. Beau Cavalier was a limited edition for US market that may be hard to find now. But the European EdP is still findable. A slightly different HR formula with a touch of agarwood. Overall effect is to make it smoother and better longevity. In my top 3.

Domenico Caraceni 1913 - Super elegant scent. Dressy.

L'Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme- A borderline gourmand scent good for any age. Not cloying and loud like A*Men or anything like that, but a touch of "sweet" that will make make your wife want to be close. Underrated.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille- Another sort of "sweet" one. Pretty heavy vanilla with jussssst enough tobacco to remind you it's not just vanilla. Though the Tom Fords Private Collection are unisex, this and Tuscan Leather seem to be predominantly bought by men. Probably a better casual scent than work.
Might be too unisex for many. But it leans pretty masculine imo.

Le Labo Rose 31- A sort of modern classic I think. Must be Le Labo's signature scent. Quite nice and wearable in any circumstances. Good rose note. Becomes a woodsy cedar scent on drydown. Contains a touch of so called "nasty' in the form of cumin.

Penhaligons Sartorial- The newest from Pens. It's been growing on me. It's not something new and different as much as it is a very good modern take on the classic fougere. Solid and versatile.

 

[texbilly]

Great post, and nice wardrobe!

What do you think of Mazzolari - Lui? it seems to fit right in with what you enjoy, but wouldn't make anything redundant.

I also picked up a sample of Ormonde Man, and think it's fantastic... another good option!

Josh, thanks! Ha, I'm going to have to get some Mazzolari Lui simply for the experience this reviewer describes. Many of us have seen his commentary before but this may be his most colorful one yet! From Basenotes:

Blockbuster” doesn’t do this scent justice. “Ballbuster” is more like it. Mazzolari Lui is a sock in the jaw, delivered effortlessly by a guy sporting dark sunglasses and two days’ worth of carefully cultivated stubble. It’s muscular leather, bold woods, tobacco, and a hint of smoke, all swirling around a core of blazing, animalic patchouli strong enough to put hair on Fabio’s chest. Even the powdery woods in the drydown have external genitalia. A healthy dose of sharp, aromatic lavender contributes a touch of the barbershop (which is where the house of Mazzolari started), but this barber’s place is full of hulking Mafiosi with 45s in their ankle holsters and stilettos up their sleeves. These aren’t the loutish guys with heavy Brooklyn accents – no, they’re well dressed and elegant, with all of their brutality concealed beneath their custom tailored suits.

With all of its steroids and testosterone, Mazzolari Lui out-Antaeuses Antaeus, knees Bois du Portugal in the nuts, and eats Parfum d’Habit for breakfast. It’s not the animalic brew of civet, castoreum, and costus root you’ll find in Muscs Koublaï Khän either: it’s nowhere near that “pretty” or seductive. Nor is it as stark and dry as Yatagan, even if it’s just as bold. No, this one is very much its own animal, and that animal is male. Mazzolari Lui is a masterpiece, no doubt, but I haven’t found the circumstances under which I’d wear it. If you do, just make sure to use it very sparingly. The sillage and projection are both nuclear, and though the stuff smells great, two full sprays of it are probably enough to empty the room.

 

[bythbook]

Hey Bill -

I would've recommended Le Labo Rose 31 - but that's already up there (SylinLA smells good, eh?)... so how about another leather?

With a decant in hand, I'm craving a full bott of Creed Royal English Leather. I can't describe scents worth beans (or scents that aren't worth beans, for that matter), but REL is different enough from K10 to warrant a go. (...and I LOVE K10!)

OR... maybe a whole bunch of decants from Mudassir? If I had another couple of bills to spend on stinkums, me, I think I'd go through Mudassir's list & grab a handful!

 

[Masterkova]

Based on what you own, you might like some of MPG's offerings.

Perhaps Parfum d'Habit for a walk in the woods, Santal Noble for those woods chopped down, or Eau des Iles for a dockload of coffee in an exotic port.

 

[Austin]

Bill add to your list L'Artisan Timbuktu and MPG Santal Noble and Parfum D'Habit. You can sniff these at Enchante. Ask Chas. for samples.

 

[Archerfire]

Bill, you are getting so many wonderful suggestions that you'll never be able to choose and then she'll just have to get them all for you! I'll keep it to three.

Domenico Caraceni 1913 - already mentioned and, in a word... classy

L'Artisan Fou d'Absinthe is super good and probably my next purchase. Good reviews to check out on basenotes.

Histoires de Parfums Ambre 114 - If she really wants to splurge a bit. Top notes of thyme, nutmeg; Middle notes: amber, rose, patchouli, sandalwood, cedar, vetiver and geranium; Base notes: ambergris, vanilla, musk, tonka beans, and benzoin. Nice spice beginning then the woody sweetness comes through. It's a marvelous scent that seems to last forever (in a good way) on my skin.

 

[Jim]

Bill
No real commentary other than I like many frags that you seem to-

Throw these into the mix.

Aramis Havana -Vintage
JHL- vintage

Hope Santa is good to you,

 

[scottb]

Floris 89? You could get a nice combo with the soap or cream.

Givenchy Vetiver if you're in a classy green mood.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Bill.... Is Dior Eau Sauvage too pedestrian? I'm asking the Blonde Nurse to snag me a Flacon of it for Christmas.

 

[jakespoppy]

....Givenchy Vetiver if you're in a classy green mood.

...and available from Dillards online for about $81 shipped.