The Cologne Podcast

Link to The Fragrance Banter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/59Oust4S4SSEFJ5TTDhUaT?si=07288512d2f14a25 Support the show Join Our Patreon

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 when they finally got their hands on a proper sample. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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

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 powder" and management having "a personal vendetta against bisexual Brian." From there, we dive into our signature random sample bag segment, pulling out a fragrance for review. The conversation unexpectedly evolves into a spirited debate about cats, the horrifying experience of opening wet cat food, and whether scented laundry products might be interfering with your carefully chosen fragrances – a consideration many perfume enthusiasts overlook. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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 justifies its luxury price point. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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

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

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

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

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. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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

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

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. While frequently compared to Erba Pura, Purple Accento stands apart with its fresher profile and distinctive citrusy bite. Though it leans slightly feminine, its versatility might surprise you – as we discovered when a male friend confidently rocked this fragrance throughout a fragrance expo with stellar results. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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 as we discuss whether this scent leans towards a masculine or feminine profile. We'll reflect on our personal encounters wearing the scent—how it interacts with our body chemistry and invokes certain memories. Can a fragrance transport you to a specific moment in your life? We certainly believe so, and we want to share the stories behind each of our impressions! Support the show Join Our Patreon

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 while also considering its multifaceted demographic appeal. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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 scent that takes us back to the classic masculine vibes of yesteryear. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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 Our Patreon

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 like Dior Sauvage, ensuring a well-rounded discussion for both the fragrance connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Support the show Join Our Patreon

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

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 Mefisto, so stick around! Support the show Join Our Patreon