Boss Bottled Absolu is great - but has ONE issue (explained)

Hugo Boss has done it again. In 2024, they released Boss Bottled Absolu, a daring twist on the iconic Boss Bottled line. It smells like a powerful smoky, leathery aroma that’s both bold and masculine. However, as much as Absolu impresses with its intensity and performance, it comes with one big drawback. In this review, we’ll explore what makes this scent so captivating and why its situational nature will turn people off.

Table of Contents

How does it smell?

Boss Bottled Absolu smells like a statement-making powerhouse. It contains incense, leather, patchouli, myrrh, and cedarwood.

The opening:

The fragrance begins with an intense combination of incense and leather. The incense lends a smoky, sweet quality that feels mysterious. Additionally, the leather smells smooth and adds a ‘dark’ texture. This duo creates an immediate sense of potency – letting you know exactly what you’re in for.

Initially, I smell comparisons to another strong cologne – Mancera Red Tobacco.

The mid:

As Absolu develops, patchouli and myrrh notes emerge. The patchouli adds a grounding earthiness to the aroma. Then the myrrh comes along. It has this sweet, resinous richness. At this stage, the scent becomes warmer and more inviting – a contrast to the robust opening.

The dry down:

Absolu settles into a mellow base of cedarwood. It smells warm and resinous, mingling with the earlier sweet and rich myrrh accord.

There’s also, allegedly, a davana (an aromatic herb) note in Bottled Absolu. However, I don’t pick up any of that.

Overall, Boss Bottled Absolu is a daring entry in the Boss Bottled line. It smells assertive with the smoke and leather. Then it settles into a sweet, balsamic and brooding dry down.

This entry cranks things up a notch from its predecessors – even compared to the dark and masculine Boss Bottled Elixir.

Explore Hugo Boss Bottled Absolu on Amazon >>>

Here’s what other people are saying.

From Fragrantica:

Amazing scent. My first impression was a “powdery sweet” vibe that I generally don’t like, while most people do, and I was disappointed with my blind purchase. The disappointment not only quickly faded, but this is my new favourite winter scent. Woody base, spicy, and a little sweet, it’s incredible.

I own 50 fragrances (mostly designer) and Boss Bottled Absolu is my favorite! By a wide margin. It’s an absolu compliment magnet and will melt the heart of almost any lady. Highly recommend it!

The biggest issue with Absolu.

The main drawback of Hugo Boss Bottled Absolu is how situational it is. It’s not versatile at all.

Its intensity can feel overwhelming in hot weather or casual daytime settings – times when fresher fragrances like Louis Vuitton Imagination work better.

Absolu’s warmth and depth make it perfect for autumn and winter, but its bold character is best saved for evening events, special occasions, or date nights. In those moments, it shines as an absolute showstopper (yeah, I’m funny).

man who wears boss bottled absolu — The type of man who’d wear this

As for performance? It’s beastly.

Expect at least 8 hours of moderate to strong projection, followed by another 8 hours of closer, lingering wear. That’s a total of 16 hours of longevity. Spray wisely!