Fragrance expectations can be a tricky beast. What smells promising on paper doesn't always translate to skin—a lesson Myke and Ryan learned firsthand with Parfums de Marly's newest release, Castley. The journey begins with high hopes as the duo recounts their pre-release encounter with this fragrance, where they could only sample it on a test strip within the store. Initial impressions were positive, drawing comparisons to LV's Imagination and quality Chanel offerings. But the real test came wh...
Jun 02, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 324
Raspberry dreams and powdery reality? That's the unexpected journey we take when exploring Chanel's newest women's release - Chance Eau Splendide. When a luxury house like Chanel drops a new fragrance, the fragrance community takes notice. So naturally, we had to get our hands on this latest addition to the beloved Chance lineup. At $176 for 100ml (nearly $200 with tax), the price point demands excellence, but does it deliver? Support the show Join Our Patreon...
May 26, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 323
Ever wondered how far someone could get simply by looking official and speaking with confidence? This episode dives into the hilariously audacious world of a TikTok comedian who's built an entire brand around posing as an "OSHA Cares Diversity Affairs" representative. Armed with nothing but a white polo shirt, clipboard, and fake badge number, he walks into businesses and confronts management with absurd "anonymous employee complaints" – including one about someone "running around like he on pow...
May 19, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 322
We sample Francis Kurkdjian's "Kurky," a fragrance inspired by the perfumer's childhood nickname. With its fruity, candy-like profile dominated by bubble gum notes and tutti frutti accords, Kurky immediately transports us to memories of Halloween candy bags and childhood treats. Despite its cheerful opening, concerns about longevity and projection quickly emerge—a common criticism echoed in online reviews. At $245 for 2.4 ounces, we debate whether this youthful, predominantly feminine fragrance ...
May 05, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 321
Dan from Soma and Insider Parfums joins The Cologne Podcast for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the fragrance industry that both newcomers and connoisseurs will find fascinating. Support the show Join Our Patreon
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 320
The moment Karson walked into the studio with his full-sized bottle of Louis Vuitton's Imagination, we knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary review. As a self-described "boots and jeans ranch guy," Karson hardly fits the profile of a luxury fragrance enthusiast – but that's precisely what makes his perspective so valuable. Support the show Join Our Patreon
Apr 21, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 319
A single sip of champagne can conjure memories of celebration, luxury, and effervescence - but can a fragrance truly capture that same bubbly essence? Xerjoff certainly attempts this ambitious feat with their Louis XV 1722, a perfume collaboration inspired by the world's finest champagne. Support the show Join Our Patreon
Apr 14, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 318
What happens when a respected professional's 27-year career ends with a single webcam mistake? Myke and Ryan dive into this provocative question as they resurrect the fan-favorite Random Sample Bag segment after numerous community requests. Support the show Join Our Patreon
Apr 07, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 317
The buttery popcorn and makeup accord of Jean-Paul Gaultier's Le Male Elixir Absolu takes center stage as Myke and Ryan work through their initial skepticism about yet another "elixir" release. Their breakdown reveals a fragrance that defies expectations – sweet, slightly salty, and reminiscent of the lipstick accord found in Dior Homme. Despite one scathing online review claiming it "smells like sperm," our hosts find something genuinely appealing in this sophisticated designer offering. Suppor...
Apr 03, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 316
When a fragrance line has been part of your identity for years, a new release can feel like reuniting with an old friend. But what happens when that reunion goes horribly wrong? Support the show Join Our Patreon
Mar 31, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 315
Dior Homme Parfum 2025 takes some unexpected turns - including a rather significant spill that turns our recording table into an impromptu diffuser! As we analyze the notes of iris, amber, patchouli and vetiver, we contrast our experiences with community feedback and grapple with an important question: should reformulations be judged on their own merits, or forever live in the shadow of their predecessors? Support the show Join Our Patreon...
Mar 24, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 314
Ready for a $800 fragrance giveaway? Grab your favorite beverage and settle in as we unbox and review Xerjoff's luxurious Purple Accento – a limited edition fragrance with a hefty price tag that's about to find its way to one very lucky Patreon supporter. This dreamsicle-like scent opens with notes of pineapple, mandarin, and orange before transitioning to loganberry, pink pepper, and jasmine, finally settling into a comfortable base of vanilla, musk, amber, sandalwood, and a hint of agarwood. W...
Mar 17, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 313
In this episode, we explore Myrrh Shadow 403, the newest scent from Bon Parfumeur, and share our genuine impressions about its complex layers. From our initial sniff to the fragrant realms it invites us into, we break down the unique notes including bitter orange, black currant, and of course, myrrh, creating a captivating aroma that stands out from the crowd. As we delve into our experience with Myrrh Shadow, we indulge in lively conversations about the versatility of fragrances, particularly a...
Mar 10, 2025•28 min•Season 6Ep. 312
Our episode kicks off with tales from Milan, where Myke encountered various airport mishaps that turned into memorable anecdotes, bringing out our shared connection through fragrance and travel. Transitioning from airborne adventures, we dive into the carefully curated unboxing of Kajal's latest release, Ruby—a captivating cherry almond fragrance. With our first impressions flowing and sensory details laid bare, we reflect on how the scent resonates emotionally, stirring up nostalgic memories wh...
Mar 03, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 311
Ever had one of those days where everything seems to go hilariously wrong? That's exactly what happened to us, from tire troubles on the road to a close encounter with an impatient driver flaunting a "Cattitude" bumper sticker. Yet, this quirky adventure led us to an unexpected treasure at a department store: a sample of Tom Ford's latest fragrance, Bois Pacifique. We chat about our first impressions and take a nostalgic detour with a "one night stand" review of Van Cleef and Arpels Tsar, a scen...
Feb 17, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 310
We revisit the iconic scents of yesteryears, like the unforgettable Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar from 1989. Step into the sensory-rich world of the early '90s department stores, and reminisce with us about classic fragrances such as Tommy for Men by Tommy Hilfiger. Our journey isn't just about the scents; it's about the stories and emotions they evoke, from our own personal connections to an amusing encounter with Richard, a coffee shop owner who was captivated by Percival. Support the show Join ...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 309
Ever wondered if the most popular fragrances really live up to the hype? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of Percival by Parfums de Marly, a scent that has captivated fragrance enthusiasts worldwide. Myke, with his seasoned nose, shares his personal tales of wearing this luxury fragrance, while Ryan brings fresh curiosity to the table, eager to discover if it stands up to its stellar reputation. Together, we dissect user reviews and draw comparisons to more budget-friendly designer options li...
Feb 03, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 308
We're diving nose-first into the world of Nishane flankers, especially the tantalizing Wulong Cha X, while reliving our love affair with the classic Wulong Cha. Our conversation takes a quirky turn as we dissect an amusing review from Fragrantica, comparing a scent to something you might scrub your floors with. We also share our mixed feelings about the bold and brawny Mephisto by Xerjoff, which left one of us intrigued and the other nursing a pounding headache. Support the show Join Our Patreon...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 307
Can colors have distinct smells? We explore this intriguing question with a side of laughter as we embark on a whimsical fragrance journey. Ever wondered what "blue" smells like? From nostalgic college stories to the fine art of crafting mixed CDs, our discussion meanders into the world of scents with a humorous twist. Lamar Noir by Kajal makes an unexpected cameo as a powerhouse fragrance with beastly longevity, definitely not for the faint-hearted. And yes, we’re giving away a juicy bottle of ...
Jan 20, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 306
This episode, we unpack the tantalizing notes of Kajal's Lamar Noir, an intriguing blend that immediately sparks a playful debate. Jonesox’s review gives us a good laugh, while memories of our own linguistic missteps with words like "persnickety" remind us that exploring scents is as much about personal stories as it is about the fragrances themselves. Special guest Laci joins with her vibrant enthusiasm, sharing her passionate thoughts on this unisex perfume that bridges the gap between the fem...
Jan 13, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 305
What if a fragrance could bridge the gap between youthful exuberance and elegant sophistication? Join us as we kick off Season 6 of the Cologne Podcast by recounting an unforgettable evening in Milan. With noses slightly more seasoned, Myke and Ryan jump into the scent-sational world of fragrances, sharing their impressions of Mancera's Tonka Cola, which left a striking impression during an Italian Uber ride. From the bold blend of cola and cinnamon to the subtle gasoline undertones of Diptyque'...
Jan 06, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 304
Picture this: you're standing in Neiman Marcus, entranced by the allure of a bold leather fragrance that whispers promises of untold olfactory adventures. That's exactly where Myke found himself, sparking an aromatic journey that marks the finale of our fifth season. We explore this potent scent, drawing comparisons to ombre leather, and share insights from Fragrantica reviewer Joan of Arc, who had some thoughts of her own. From berry notes to florals that emerge long after the leather subdues, ...
Dec 30, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 303
Join us on a heartwarming holiday edition of the Cologne Podcast as we reminisce about fragrances tied to personal memories and reveal our Santa wish list. With the festive season upon us, we're here to sprinkle a dash of joy into your day, whether you're knee-deep in holiday shopping or savoring the sweet aroma of freshly baked pies. From tales of lost fathers and found fragrances to the friendly banter over the much-debated Crystal Saffron Extrait, this episode is a fragrant blend of nostalgia...
Dec 23, 2024•5 min•Season 5Ep. 302
Join us as we wax nostalgic over Tom Ford for Men Extreme, with its spicy masculine allure that some of us can't get enough of, while others are left scratching their heads—or rather, noses. We even revisit Camel Totem's laugh-out-loud review, which likens the scent to a cat's unexpected, uh, display of affection. But the fragrance follies don't end there! We get swept away by Argos's Triumph of Bacchus, a scent so complex and captivating it could make a white peach blush. Our friend Nikki joins...
Dec 16, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 301
Ever smelled something that reminds you of food leftovers? We sure have, and on our 300th episode of the Cologne Podcast, returning guest Nikki joins us to revisit a fragrance that's as nostalgic as it is controversial. We find ourselves laughing over a review comparing it to Thanksgiving leftovers and fondly remember Nikki's kitchen skills. As we move on to our one-night stand review of M. Micallef's Red Colorado, we agree it's decent yet not a standout in their lineup, with Nikki taking us on ...
Dec 09, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 300
As the holidays approach, the warmth of Thanksgiving brings into sharp focus the importance of our human connections, especially in times of loss. We share personal stories of navigating the holiday season without loved ones and reflect on the bittersweet nature of these experiences. From aiding a friend during Christmas photo shoots to observing the often unseen struggles behind gleaming family portraits, we uncover the layers of holiday celebrations that are rarely discussed. There's a sprinkl...
Dec 02, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 299
Imagine stepping into the rugged beauty of Colorado with just a spritz of perfume. On this episode of the Cologne Podcast, we kick off with a shared love of the great outdoors and our anticipation for M. Micallef's Red Colorado, a fragrance that promises to bottle the essence of mountainous escapes. Alongside our stories of living and exploring the majestic landscapes of Colorado, we also reflect on our past experiences with the Boss Bottled Absolute, evaluating its lasting charm. Will Red Color...
Nov 25, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 298
COLOGNE15 at Insiderparfums.com Ever wondered what goes into creating a fragrance that captivates the senses and stirs emotions? We promise to unravel the artistry and ambition behind Insidious Absolue, a scent that takes inspiration from Creed's Absolu Aventus. Join us with our friend Dan @fragrance_weirdo, as we navigate the delicate balance of innovation and expectation when launching a new fragrance. Dan shares his journey in curating a range that offers both rarity and affordability, making...
Nov 18, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 297
Fragrance enthusiasts, prepare for an aromatic journey as Ross from TLTG Reviews joins us to share his expert insights on the world of scents. Ever wondered why some leather notes captivate while others fall flat? Ross delves into the intriguing contrast between Boss Bottled Absolute and the somewhat disappointing Spicebomb. We take you through a reminiscence of memorable fragrances like Infrared Eau de Parfum, and explore how new releases continue to shape the landscape of olfactory delights. S...
Nov 11, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 296
Imagine being transported back to 2007, a time when the air was filled with excitement and anticipation around the launch of Tom Ford for Men. Join us as we recollect the robust, citrusy journey of this iconic fragrance, which was sent to us by none other than our friend and fragrance connoisseur, Jonathan Bleep. With a touch of humor, we share the story behind its discontinuation in 2016, our editing escapades, and how this scent became a noteworthy chapter in our fragrance explorations. Put yo...
Nov 04, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 295
