Gladiator Oud by Electimuss

Strange night apparently; R told me that the cats were going crazy yowling and pacing, and old tomcat spent a large part of the night on my side of the bed, close to me. Very odd.

I slept through it all.

Brother feeling better I think, good start to the new year.

Meanwhile my testers continue to fascinate.

Gladiator Oud by Electimuss
"Inspired by the famed Gladiators of Ancient Rome, courageous warriors who dominated and entertained in the Colosseum, Gladiator Oud opens with a powerful and thrilling accord of salty, elemental ambergris. Cardamom combines with the cool of Egyptian geranium for an impression of steel and strength. Hay absolute, Haitian vetiver and cumin seed capture the sun warmed earth of the gladiatorial arena. Oud oil and cedarwood bring nobility and elegance to the battle, with the gold and glory of victory elicited through accords of intense saffron and honey."

I guess I had some kind of sand and sandals hopes with this, something that made me think of Caesar's Telinium, a mix of olive oil, fenugreek, marjoram and sweet yellow clover, this last apparently smelling like new mown hay. OK, so fenugreek is terrifying stuff, but at least it would have been historically interesting. I admit that this mixture might not have been exactly alluring to a 21st century nose, but still...this really is just oud with geranium extract. Yes, honey, hay, vetiver, I'm sure. I almost got a honey/cumin moment but mayb that's just market susceptibility talking. Gladiator Oud makes my head buzz. First scrub-off of the Christmas testers, and getting it off me was a desperate fight. This thing's got incredible longevity, but it's dull and slightly irritating. I'd have been happier with old Caesar's preference. I bet Cleopata knew when he was on his way.

£395 for 100 ml. Ridiculous.