My Reviewing Regrets: The Five Fragrances That Got Away

As a fragrance writer, the journey often feels like a race against time, with hundreds of new releases and countless classics vying for attention.

In hindsight, some scents stand out—not for the notes I loved or disliked, but for the missed opportunity to share their stories.

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Some of these reviewing regrets, as I love to call them, come from various reasons, the obvious one being owning some of these before I had this blog.

The other reason was that I needed more time to give a particular perfume to appreciate it.

Lastly, I’ll never thoroughly review any of these in the future because those older formulations are no longer available for a decent price.

Here are the five fragrances that “got away,” why I regret not reviewing them, and why I’m sharing some scents that never got a chance to shine in their deserved spotlight here on Scent Grail.

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REVIEWING REGRETS: THE RULES BEHIND MY CHOICES

Before we began the list, I had to set some rules and self-reflection. Otherwise, it would only include discontinued superstars from yesteryear.

1. NO DISCONTINUED PERFUMES – There is no point in writing about discontinued fragrances here since I do not want to encourage you to purchase perfumes for inflated and, sometimes, unrealistic prices. Sorry, M7 and original Gucci Pour Homme 1.

2. PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE FRAGRANCE – Only include fragrances I owned or experienced extensively, ensuring the regret is tied to a missed opportunity for deeper exploration and storytelling.

3. PERFUMES THAT YOU CAN STILL BUY TODAY EASILY – The only logical and reasonable decision. While they are not in my collection anymore, you should still be able to purchase them at a decent price.

4. THESE AREN’T THE ONLY ONES – It would be easy and funny if only these five scents were my reviewing regrets that never got a proper discussion. So, based on the ones that are still easily obtainable and at the top of my head. I might make this a series of continuous articles based on the same idea in the future and provide you with more of my beloved scents that never got a proper review treatment.

5. MOVING FORWARD AND FUTURE PLANS – Acknowledging these regrets isn’t just an exercise in nostalgia—it’s a commitment to do better. Moving forward, I plan to carve out time not to give up on perfumes so quickly sometimes. These short opinions about them will honor their legacy while enriching my connection with readers who share a passion for the stories behind the scents.

5. Mugler A*Men

Mugler A*Men – Eau de Toilette – Mens Cologne – Woody & Ambery – With Patchouli & Coffee Extract – Long Lasting Fragrance – 3.3 Fl Oz

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “A*Men Eau de Toilette launched in 1996 and is the first masculine fragrance by Mugler. This ambery woody cologne for men was designed by Jacques Huclier and seeks to invoke the scent of a confident and adventurous man. A*Men EDT has a greater longevity over average colognes due to being an eau de toilette with a higher concentration of fragrance.”

WHY IS MUGLER’S A*MEN ONE OF MY REVIEWING REGRETS? A* Men is undoubtedly the most unique and intriguing designer fragrance from the 1990s.

This fragrance represents an accurate gourmand profile, arriving well before the recent explosion of gourmand scents over the past decade.

From 2014 to 2015, A*Men became my signature scent for clubbing and nightlife, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of testing this fragrance on your skin; it reveals its character much better than on a blotter strip.

One of the standout features of A*Men is its incredibly rich and sweet note pyramid, anchored by decadent chocolate and robust coffee accords.

The fragrance exudes warmth, richness, and a sense of addiction that entices you to return for more.

Although Pure Havane is probably my favorite from the line, if you haven’t smelled any of them, A*Men is a great first choice.

4. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Profumo

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profumo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 2.5 Fl Oz

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Acqua Di Giò Profumo is a sophisticated fragrance born from volcanic rock and deep ocean waters. Fresh bergamot and marine accords are paired with the deep, captivating radiance of incense – an inspiring and seductive rich material, creating a profoundly intense and adventurous aromatic fragrance.”

WHY IS GIORGIO ARMANI’S ACQUA DI GIO PROFUMO ONE OF MY REVIEWING REGRETS? I am fascinated by how the Profumo remains relevant, oozing a timeless, refreshing quality.

It still stands out as the crowning achievement among its flanker companions. It masterfully intertwines the original’s beloved fresh, marine DNA with the elegant depth of incense and aromatic herbs, all while delivering enhanced longevity.

The latest non-magnetic version is still good, but unfortunately, I noticed a slight softening in its performance, which gave it a somewhat lighter quality.

What I’ve always appreciated about Profumo is its confidence boost, thanks to the added notes of clary sage and incense intertwined with the classic sea notes from the original Acqua di Giò.

3. Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme

Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme Men Eau de Toilette Intense Spray, 3.4 Ounce

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “More freshness, more power, more depth. Eau Sauvage Extrême carries the original accord to the peak of excess and enriches it with a noble woody note that has enveloping accents and a bold contemporary character to intensify its masculinity. With the same timeless chic and same olfactory self-evidence as Eau Sauvage Eau de Toilette.”

WHY IS CHRISTIAN DIOR’S EAU SAUVAGE EXTREME ONE OF MY REVIEWING REGRETS? The underappreciated Eau Sauvage fragrance line member, Extreme, seldom receives recommendations, which I find perplexing.

Fortunately, Dior keeps its fragrances available for a long time, allowing you to experience one of the finest aromatic scents.

The blend of aromatic elements like rosemary, basil, and coriander mingles beautifully with citrus notes and lavender, reminiscent of the blossoming Adriatic islands in springtime—it’s simply exquisite.

If you’re a professional in an office setting and over 30, ensure you don’t miss this exceptional classic masterpiece.

One of my fondest memories with Sauvage came from a summer of 2016 when I worked at a terrible job during the summer heat, and almost daily wearing this fragrance to cool me down and keep me going.

2. Aramis Havana

Aramis Havana for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “A warm, intoxicating fragrance that simmers with sensuality and anticipation of things to come.”

WHY IS ARAMIS HAVANA ONE OF MY REVIEWING REGRETS? Aramis Havana is a fascinating fragrance that embodies the essence of vintage Havana with its rich, spicy, and tobacco-laden profile.

Introduced in 1994, I’m impressed by how much value you can find at such a low price, and the scent elicits a luxurious feel.

The foundation of this distinctive blend consists of intricate, high-quality tobacco leaves, patchouli, and a hint of spiciness from cinnamon.

Despite undergoing reformulation, the fragrance retains its complexity and memorability, securing its position as a highlight in the Aramis collection.

To this day, I still feel sadness that I never adequately reviewed this one, one of the best fresh tobacco fragrances on the market.

1. Versace The Dreamer

Versace The Dreamer for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Perfume created for the romantic soul. Its beginning is sweet, the end quite aromatic living a warm woody trail. Top notes include Clary sage, Lavender and Mandarin. Geranium, Rose and Tobacco are in its heart ending with a trail of cedar and Tonka Bean.”

WHY IS VERSACE THE DREAMER ONE OF MY REVIEWING REGRETS? The Dreamer by Versace was one of the first influential fragrances I adored and wore frequently during a few winters when I was still exploring this hobby.

It features an enticing blend of aromatic and powdery lavender, rich woody tobacco, and a base primarily consisting of sweet and nutty tonka beans.

The Dreamer can feel unique even after more than 28 years since its launch; it’s one of the few scents that can grow on you, even if your initial impressions aren’t stellar.

It’s an excellent release and the last fragrance produced under the creative vision of the late Gianni Versace.

Lastly, it was one of my favorite birthday presents in 2013.

Final Words

This article serves as a nostalgic memory trip for me and a guide for you to explore older fragrances that no longer get in the spotlight from all the fragrance shills that swarmed our beloved fragrance community.

These five perfumes might never get a proper review here because of the reasons I mentioned at the start of this article, but they are one of those compositions that strengthened my love for perfumery.

Ultimately, we all have regrets, but most come from perfumes I used before this website or sold quicker than I should have.

After all, fragrances should only be a nice hobby for us while we deal with much more important stuff in real life.

What do you think about this article covering my reviewing regrets? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.

If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, it is always a good decision to look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.

It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.

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Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!

Best, Marin!
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– Marin Kristić