BORNTOSTANDOUT
MAD HONEY

2023

PERFUMER
Alex Lee

pink pepper
rum

honey
damask rose

bourbon vanilla
tonka bean
patchouli
benzoin
orcanox

I’d heard from several sources that Mad Honey is one of the better BTSO fragrance and I’m inclined to agree. I’m not sure if it’s a love for me though, but definitely a like and I see how much this could appeal to most people.

Honey is very prominent here. It opens with a hint of honey on top of some darker undertones. I smell dark chocolate and a bit of charred woods. This quickly morphs into a subtle background note and it adds a hint of ‘forest’ to an otherwise gourmand scent. Which is good, because real honey has complexity as well.

I do find that Mad Honey is missing the coziness of actual honey. It’s not soft, but rather grating. Not as dense and thick syrupy as Lorga Nectar Cachete. It also doesn’t have the saffron leather like the Lorga, but otherwise, it’s a reference that came to mind instantly. Actually, as I was finishing up my review it hit me what Mad Honey reminded me of as well and arguably the most, and it’s the original limited version of Thomas de Monaco Raw Gold (which is a more daring, linear & dry honeyed take than the later reformulations).

Mad Honey is a bit more airy, but at the same time it’s strong and well-performing. It could easily fit in the Montale collection to my nose, but as one of their better scent profiles. Linear and a bit rough, but if you want to smell like (mad) honey, Mad Honey delivers.