Golden Chypre
Grossmith (2012)

This is a light floral-woods perfume with what smells like a natural palette. The name is misleading to me, as I don't smell any oakmoss or anything that approximates the standard mossy chypre drydown. Interestingly, the notes pyramid does not have any moss either, which perhaps indicates that Golden Chypre is sort of a reinterpretation of a chypre rather than the stuff itself. It starts off rather bright, even summery, with a seamless blend of citrus and mild spices, before moving on to a floral mid phase which quickly develops into a very light base of vague woods and musks. It smells very natural, but there is not a lot of development, and as noted by others it is too meek and quiet, and somewhat underwhelming.

Even as a (very loose) interpretation of chypre, Golden Chypre is underwhelming when one can have stuff like Chypre Palatin, Dryad (which is closer to a classical chypre) or several other vintages. I appreciate the how it smells very natural and pleasant, but given its shortcomings and price tag, I see it rather pointless.

2/5

a classic chypre for a classic man, old time vibe, good for every occasion a night at the Opera, an afternoon at the Mall.. but low sillage and good duration!

Grossmith - Golden Cyphre
This is a perfume that suffers from anorexia. It starts with a nice natural cologne-like spicy-fruity blast that smell promising, but for me this is the best part. From that moment it doesn't grow into something 3-dimensional but more behaves in a lightweight and dull way which shows very little expression. No sharp green tone that gives it sparkle or a surprising effect, instead it smells 'tasteless' - it misses the salt and pepper. It catches a minty fruit-fleshy note and settles down in a very mild airy oakmoss note. A very light, unthrillingly pretty little thing, that is very heavely and thrillingly overprized. A good perfume for anorexia-patients, nevertheless. But neither flesh nor fish…

Yikes -- a Grossmith that men could wear comfortably. From top to toe, this will take your breath away. One of the best chypres money can buy.