AMOUAGE
REFLECTION 45

2021

PERFUMER
Lucas Sieuzac

Lavender
Benzoin
juniper
Clary Sage
Cardamom
Pink Pepper

Iris
Jasmine
Neroli
Tonka Bean
Vanilla
Angelica

frankincense
Myrrh
Opoponax
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Cedarwood
Vetiver

Reflection 45 was the reason I sought out the Exception Extraits discovery set. The original Reflection Man is arguably my favorite Amouage and Reflection 45 is close. It’s closer to the drydown of the original straight away as it skips the brighter opening to some extent.

In the mid I get (hazel)nutty vibes akin to the note in Eight & Bob’s The Original. I expected the boosted lavender to be stronger, but instead I find it more dry woody and spicy (similar to some cedar-heavy scents). I think it’s more straightforward: less floral, less mineralic, arguably easier to dive into for some men than Reflection Man is (aside from the price point). I love it and it might be better or at least as good. The question that remains for now is whether or not it’s redundant to own both given how expensive Reflection 45 is in comparison to Reflection Man.