Parfums de Marly Carlisle (Review): Simply the BEST

Parfums de Marly Carlisle is a cologne for men released in 2015. Since launch, Carlisle has ranked as one of the brand’s greatest creations due to its intoxicating and enigmatic character. Further, it also happens to be my favourite fragrance of all time. It’s been long overdue but I’ve finally given this sublime scent a proper review. Read on for my full thoughts.

Parfums de Marly Carlisle smells like warm spices, dark vanilla, and patchouli

Parfums de Marly Carlisle contains green apple, nutmeg, rose, tonka bean, patchouli, and vanilla.

The scent opens with a satisfying combination of green apple and nutmeg. The apple smells fruity sweet, whilst the nutmeg perpetuates a composed, spicy warmth. Together, they smell like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie.

Quick side note: At this early stage, many reviewers draw comparisons with Mancera Red Tobacco. Admittedly, they do have a similar smell, despite the fact Red Tobacco has a stronger focus on oud and smoke. Carlisle opens strongly, but not in the same muscular, brazen way.

Then, a rose note emerges underneath. It adds a floral, airy tinge that simultaneously exudes a faint ‘jammy’ sweetness. It provides balance, elevation and nuance to the notes above.

As the scent progresses, you’ll notice further ingredients reveal themselves:

• Tonka bean – continues to perpetuate some of the sweetness started by the apple – albeit in more of a comforting, nutty way.
• Patchouli – introduces an earthy and masculine bed on which the other notes reside. From here, I smell constant whiffs of it till the very end.

Finally, the dry down phase arrives. The initial sweet apple and floral rose recede, replaced with a dark vanilla accord. It picks up where the fruit left off, pulsing delicate sweetness alongside the patchouli, warm spice, and tonka.

In summary, Parfums de Marly Carlisle smells like fruity apple and warm spicy cardamom that’s softened by sweet airy rose. Then it becomes more mysterious and earthy, with an evolving rich dark sweetness present throughout. Despite its daring character, Carlisle never smells obnoxious or abrasive, upholding the mesmerising style that Parfums de Marly colognes are renowned for.

I totally agree with comments from this reviewer:

Carlisle is closer to perfection than any other fragrance I’ve ever laid my nose on. Delicious green apple wakes your senses on the initial spray, followed by soothing nutmeg which prepares you for the grand performance of Tonka bean and rose dancing on a luxurious bed of vanilla bean and patchouli leaves.

Fragrantica.com

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Performance rates off the charts

Moving on to more good news. Carlisle performs tremendously.

Specifically, it projects strongly from skin for 6 hours, before simmering closer for another 8. Therefore, expect a staggering 14 hours of total lasting power from this one.

Additionally, my testing suggests that it lasts even longer when sprayed on clothes, so be careful!

Suited to evenings and events

Despite its greatness, Carlisle isn’t the most versatile cologne from this niche brand.

Nevertheless, it is a total showstopper in some specific situations.

It’s flawless for nights out, like bar hopping or cocktail venues where you’re out to make a statement. Similarly, it leaves an impact during special events and evening social gatherings, too. PDM Layton is what I consider the daytime equivalent for Carlisle.

Additionally, it smells its finest in cooler conditions, and therefore should be avoided in high heat.

In Conclusion – Parfums de Marly Carlisle

Parfums de Marly Carlisle is my favourite fragrance of all time.

It’s an enchanting scent that always makes me feel my absolute best. The opening tandem of fruitiness and composed spices leave an instant impression, deepening into a more captivating and mysterious elixir over time.

Carlisle is a fragrant suit of armour that will always have a place in my collection.

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I want to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments. What are your thoughts on Parfums de Marly Carlisle?