Believe it or not, I hadn’t explored the Italian brand THoO before, but I was very familiar with their beautifully distinctive artistic bottles. Previously known as The House of Oud, I had refrained from trying their fragrances, perhaps due to my overuse of Oud scents. However, their creations now transcend the world of Oud revealing an array of scents with a stunning array of compositions.
My first encounter with THoO is with their new Crazy Collection, a fitting choice for someone with a hint of wildness in me. The collection consists of four unique fragrances: Guilty Crush, Wabisabi, Bonbon Pop, and Gambling. I was drawn to the latter, not because of the theme but because of a note that resonated with my Scottish background. Encased in pebble-shaped bottles with gold bases, each bottle features exquisite artwork reflecting the scent within.
Upon the initial spray, my Scottish senses were awakened by the distinct aroma of peat whisky. The spicy and warm undertones of this unique note could have been complex on their own, but the living up to the Crazy Collection, ThoO takes it one step further. Beneath the whisky note, there’s an uplifting blend of bergamot, Sichuan pepper, coffee, and a unique adrenaline element. It almost feels like stepping into a bustling casino for the first time, with a mix of energy, excitement, and a hint of smoky whisky in the air.
The peaty essence transitions smoothly into the heart of the fragrance, blending its spicy notes with the balsamic touch of Elemi and Galbanum. Cypress and lentisco add a fresh and woody dimension, evoking a scene of amber-hued whisky rings left on polished wood surfaces and worn leather seats warmed by anxious gamblers. This is where the scent shifts from its initial boldness to a more wearable aroma, especially for those who may not prefer boozy fragrances.
The perfume has a tinge of gentleman’s club with lingering smoky accents from the peat whisky accord, backed by woods. Cedarwood and Amyris add a subtle freshness, giving the fragrance a refined masculine edge that is both invigorating and soothing. Despite not being a fan of boozy scents, I was pleasantly surprised by this fragrance. THoO has expertly blended disparate elements into a harmonious and captivating perfume. I am now eager to explore the olfactory journeys that the other fragrances in the Crazy Collection offer but for now, I’ll get back to my game of blackjack.
[This bottle was a PR Sample but all views are my own]
BLU BLAZER GUY 