I tend to try and like most things old-school and vintage. After perusing some older threads about Special Reserve and being intrigues by the descriptions I had to try it. I can't find such magic elixirs locally at any B&M so off to Amazon I went. I had an order in my cart and added the SR for $6.50. It arrived yesterday and I had to try it right then.
OK, this stuff comes on strong, no doubt! After a few minutes I started picking up some of the scent descriptions. I have to agree with those who say that Special Reserve is complex. It seems to have distinct base, middle, and top notes (whatever that all means). Previous reviewers describe it as:
Bold, manly/masculine, smoky, woodsy, spicy, leathery, slightly musky. The more interesting descriptions include "A cross between a leather jacket, new car, Ivory Soap and a touch of Cinnamon" or "A freshly oiled baseball glove or well-work armchair". I like how some describe it as "what John Wayne's house would smell like". And when describing the "leather" scent, some say don't think high-end leather jackets but think leather tack, work gloves, or a chair at the gentlemen's club... leather, whisky, cigar smoke! The fragrance experts say the notes are: top-citrusy, middle-leather & tobacco, base-spice and smoke. (I'm guessing SR could be a home remedy for "Low Testosterone)
So, whatever it is, I like it. It kind of pairs really well with Tabac. I was wondering what the LOTH would think so I went light and asked her what she thought. She actually liked it and said she gets mostly a powdery smell.
Well, my initial opinion is that SR is a nice fall/winter scent but maybe not for everyday, around the office use. I'm thinking this stuff is best used after cleaning up and going out after a day of hunting or chopping wood. Maybe for guys night out when there is a little sipping of the brown stuff. whatever it is I can imagine the fragrance is the epitome of YMMV and likely polarizing. Special Reserve is definitely NOT "Reserved"!
Any other 'Special Reservists" out there? Post your impressions.
OK, this stuff comes on strong, no doubt! After a few minutes I started picking up some of the scent descriptions. I have to agree with those who say that Special Reserve is complex. It seems to have distinct base, middle, and top notes (whatever that all means). Previous reviewers describe it as:
Bold, manly/masculine, smoky, woodsy, spicy, leathery, slightly musky. The more interesting descriptions include "A cross between a leather jacket, new car, Ivory Soap and a touch of Cinnamon" or "A freshly oiled baseball glove or well-work armchair". I like how some describe it as "what John Wayne's house would smell like". And when describing the "leather" scent, some say don't think high-end leather jackets but think leather tack, work gloves, or a chair at the gentlemen's club... leather, whisky, cigar smoke! The fragrance experts say the notes are: top-citrusy, middle-leather & tobacco, base-spice and smoke. (I'm guessing SR could be a home remedy for "Low Testosterone)
So, whatever it is, I like it. It kind of pairs really well with Tabac. I was wondering what the LOTH would think so I went light and asked her what she thought. She actually liked it and said she gets mostly a powdery smell.
Well, my initial opinion is that SR is a nice fall/winter scent but maybe not for everyday, around the office use. I'm thinking this stuff is best used after cleaning up and going out after a day of hunting or chopping wood. Maybe for guys night out when there is a little sipping of the brown stuff. whatever it is I can imagine the fragrance is the epitome of YMMV and likely polarizing. Special Reserve is definitely NOT "Reserved"!
Any other 'Special Reservists" out there? Post your impressions.
