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Micallef pour Homme #31

Bergamot, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Clove, Cedar, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk, Vanilla.

Pictured is the more commonly recognized refill bottle. The original is actually quite nice, but aesthetics aside, the fragrance remains the same no matter the container. For those who have enjoyed Cacharel pour Homme, you will probably like this one as well. Micallef #31 was released in 2009, 28 years after Cacharel made its debut. What they have in common is the unabashed use of spices; namely nutmeg.

I no longer have Cacharel, but it was in my wardrobe for quite a few years. A side by side is no longer possible, but I can say that Micallef #31 is stronger in presence, sillage and longevity. It reminds me ( as does the Cacharel ) of a Christmas-time fragrance. It's the spices that give me this impression.

I'm also inclined to pick this scent on overcast, dreary type days when the temps are cool to cold. The Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Clove merged with Geranium and Vetiver are bracing in a good way. The citric contribution dissipates after about 10 minutes, unveiling a more toned down rendition of spice and earth tones. There's a woody undercurrent that's tuned to flesh out the scent as opposed to coming to the forefront.

In the base, drydown and beyond, whatever ragged edges were there are now softened by mild vanilla. It's actually quite nice, masculine and it's here where I can appreciate the integration of spices. It's all less energetic at this stage of development and Micallef #31 finally becomes comfortable. Sillage is good with longevity approximately 5 hours before reapplication, but longer as a skin scent. Thumbs up from Aromi for Micallef's Spice-fest. As always, a sample wear is highly recommended.

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