The Cologne Podcast

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 co...

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, b...

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 "anonym...

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 $2...

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," ou...

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?

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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 in...

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 i...

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 r...

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 ...

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 Ric...

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...

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 th...

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, definite...