901
Bon Parfumeur (2017)

At the moment, I'm picking out what are for me some real winners. Latest is the unheralded Bon Parfumeur's 901. For me, this is either a fougere mascarading as a musk, or the reverse. Certainly the note profile and the scent itself are notable by the absence of lavender and oakmoss. However, it's clear from the "The Other Website" that there is a disagreement going on between those who see 901 as a masculine only monster, and those who see it as a dandyish, wear-it-if-you-dare powdery affair. As usual, there's a hint of truth on both sides. There is distinct nutmeg and spice on the 901 journey, very little almond to my nose. It occupies that soft end of the fougere spectrum (Histoires, Houbigant), but also has an element of the taut astringency brought to the table by patchouli and other notes. Tonka and vanilla round things out, but never by occupying the space of spices, aromatics, and "white woods". So it never becomes cloying or too dandyish - it's rather contemporary in feel. In short, another BP win in my short acquaintance with the brand. I like it a lot - just good, strong composition.