1996 smells as if CK Obsession for women were reformulated into a scent I love. A creamier, smokier, patchouli-forward version. Like an offspring of Obsession and TF Ébène Fumé. Byredo gets a lot of flack for poor longevity, but a couple spritzes of 1996 on my inner elbow before bed last night is still impressively detectable 10+ hours later. Masculine-leaning, I’d say, but I love it on me. Complex. Heavily resinous - yet wearable. Slightly green, perfectly sweet. There’s a pinch of powder. Smoke, leather, violet, and amber are most prominent on my skin. It’s a smooth and inoffensive leather. The black amber brings Grand Soir to mind. 1996 is earthy, sultry, resinous, warm, dark, sophisticated, and stunning. Distractingly addictive.

Written by catehlers on July 04, 2025