Carlisle by Parfums de Marly

It has a peculiar opening, nothing like what you’ve heard before. Until it dries down, it vibrates like playdough (that soft, colorful modeling clay we played with when we were kids). It has an endless array of notes: bergamot, tangerine, apple, jasmine, violet, opoponax, patchouli, saffron, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, tonka bean, vanilla, tobacco, rum, sandalwood, and guaiac… Although my beginner nose doesn’t detect many individually, the whole is brilliant and spectacular; it hooks you. In my search for the Holy Grail, it’s the most addictive so far; I can’t tear my nose away. A fascinating jewel from day one, the top of Marly’s parfums. If someone not too into perfume gets in the car and says, ‘Hmm… that smells good, what is this?’, that compliment is worth x1000. I think Andrés from Perfume Man would agree; he surely has it but doesn’t show it in videos… normal, I also want to keep it a secret. Versatility 7/10 (winter and cool spring/autumn days). Projection 9/10 (noticeable at 2 meters). Longevity 9/10 (8 to 10 hours). With this beast of a perfume, two things will happen: you’ll smell like Olympus, and many collars will suffer. Don’t feel guilty. A Nicheboy.

This is a category-defining perfume. Upon application, the opening is powerful and reminds me of those plastic dolls, especially the head. After a few minutes, its royalty shines through; I think of Herod and then floral and fruity notes that remind me of Akaster, another gem. Tonka bean, patchouli, rose, and tobacco create something classy with a lot of presence. It’s a great perfume that competes with Layton and Akaster. Very good projection and longevity; you’ll always make an impression. Recommended for all seasons except summer, for formal occasions, and for those over 30, as it’s a mature composition. Scent 9.5/10, trail and longevity 9/10, projection 8.5/10. Highly recommended.

I have an 8ml decant. After several days, it’s an exquisite scent with a spectacular opening: quality patchouli, sweet notes (if they get cloying), and a lovely apple. The first two hours have top-notch projection and sillage, but then it almost disappears. It’s strange: when I spray it, it smells warm and potent, making me think it would last, but it doesn’t. After five hours, there’s barely a trace left, not even on clothes. Given the price, the longevity makes buying it unthinkable. PDM is damaging its reputation with these reformulations; they should look into it.

Absolutely delicious, it sounds a lot like Memoir Woman by Amouage. Pure pepper and warm spices hugging a vanilla rose. There’s also a very soft green apple note. The performance is good, not beast mode (2021 reformulated batch), but worth every penny. Among Marly’s parfums, it’s one of the most complex, alongside the Exclusifs, but Carlisle is relatively easy to enjoy. That’s what I love: it’s niche, top-tier quality, lasts well, and people notice it.

I don’t like it, but I’m impressed by its quality and balance. I struggle to separate the notes: nutmeg blends with patchouli, making it seem like green tobacco, all wrapped in the subtle sweetness of vanilla. It’s very dense. Conceptually, it reminds me of Pegasus: green notes wrapped in sweetness. These are perfumes I don’t wear but enjoy analyzing. It’s enviable for anyone wearing it as a signature scent because it’s truly a well-rounded fragrance.

An interesting fragrance I’ve been enjoying since I received it. It’s not easy to wear or like; I wouldn’t buy it blind. The opening is spicy with a realistic, juicy green apple. The dry down is strong and chaotic at first, but as it settles, it becomes creamy thanks to vanilla and tonka bean, revealing its true character. Fascinating evolution and evident ingredient quality. For the price, I expected more longevity and projection.

Xavaman, I feel you might be offended that some prefer testing more affordable perfumes before spending €250. If there’s no Maison Alhambra record online and it resembles it, you’re free to judge. If you work for PdM or the website, relax, you won’t lose your job. If not, I don’t understand why you’re discrediting another member’s opinion. As if they were paying you to do so.

I tested a 1.5ml sample bought in May 2021. Second day of testing, 3 sprays in two occasions (8 am and 3 pm): on my skin, it lasts barely two hours close to the skin. The dry-down vanilla reminds me of Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille, although that one lasts and projects much more. It’s a good scent, but given that it costs as much as a niche fragrance, I wouldn’t buy it.

Carlisle by Parfums de Marly reminds me of Mancera’s Red Tobacco without the tobacco. Notes of saffron, green apple, nutmeg, patchouli, and well-presented vanilla are prominent. Strong in both longevity and projection. Try it before buying, though it’s usually a hit, preferences vary. Quality and complexity are totally recommended.

Starts similar to Bulgari Man in Black Spicebomb Extreme, then moves closer to Dior Homme Intense, but more chocolatey, vanilla-sweet, and without iris. Warm, slightly powdery, with nutmeg and musk. Very pleasant and unisex; I recommend trying it before buying.

Undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever smelled. Opens with a juicy, sweetened apple, dominated by a powerhouse patchouli note. If you love this note, it’s a must-have. I sprayed it 15 hours ago and it’s barely fading, still right on the skin. Tremendous.

A quality gem, perfectly balanced between apple and a sweet touch. Masculine, elegant, with great projection and longevity.