Burning Barbershop by D.S. & Durga

The fiery opening blast caused a reflex reaction to grab my phone to dial the emergency number for the fire brigade: A very realistic note of burnt rubber mixed with the impression of barbecue smokiness. The first thirty minutes are very intensely smoky, but in the drydown this burnt component mellows gradually into a more restrained smokiness, mixed with glimpses of minty moments shining through the smoky haze.

Once mellowed, darker floral impressions with an earthy lavender are combined with a dark vanilla that is skillfully and respectfully interwoven with the other notes and never in the foreground nor intrusive or heavy. This unusually discrete use of vanilla has struck me as a special skill of this house on previous occasions when sampling their creations.

I get moderate silage, excellent longevity and nine hours of longevity on my skin.

This smoke blast will wake you up on a winter morning, but when you arrive at work the metamorphosis into a wearable scent is complete. Well done, albeit a bit linear in the drydown and in the base. 3.25/5