Duel by Goutal

I’ve been wearing this for two weeks and still searching for its sweet spot. I expected something else, as I can’t quite find that leather note that intrigued me so much. An acidic yet delicious lemon jumps out, super fresh, like fruit from a homegrown tree. After forty minutes, the acidity fades and green, herbal notes emerge—intense but delicate. At first, it smells very masculine, but over time it becomes unisex. Towards the end, it almost disappears, perhaps leaving a woody base that I don’t detect clearly. I like it; it’s not a repetitive scent and lasts longer than its poor projection suggests. On the wrist, it feels distant at first, then drops to about 10 cm. However, last night I wore it before dinner and this morning at 8 am, it was still detectable when I pressed my nose against my skin. Totally worth trying.

I am in full agreement with the previous comments. It is an interesting and recommendable fragrance. I perceive it as green and masculine, smoky, cosy, and relaxing. Ideal for mild springs and summers, day or night, but it suffers from very poor longevity. After two hours, you have to bring your nose very close to smell it. Like others, I feel I paid too much for that duration. I own the EDT, but discovered they also sell the EDP, which lasts twice as long and costs more. I would recommend the EDP for autumn, although in winter it might still fall short. My advice: if your budget allows, go for the EDP.

Duel is a great work in concept and aroma, but a disaster in performance. I don’t believe it’s a badly intended reformulation to sell a skin scent; it’s too volatile and ephemeral, almost a scam. Its presence drops within half an hour and disappears by the hour and a half. The scent is pleasant, versatile and clearly unisex, with touches of freshness, sweetness, herbal notes and musk. Unfortunately, everything is very washed out and diluted. It doesn’t smell of Argentine yerba mate, but rather black tea, perhaps due to the petit grain. It doesn’t seem to have a mate absolute because the liquid is very clear. Scent: 7.5/10, Trail: 3/10, Longevity: 3/10.

For me, it is a work of art. Herbal notes with a sweet touch, which many people recall as mate. The leather note is muuuu soft and wonderful. A complex and timeless perfume. One of the few I feel like wearing always, in any circumstance. The problem is the longevity, which does not exceed 4-5 hours and quickly stays very close to the skin, perhaps too close. In my opinion, it is a must-have and an authentic masterpiece of perfumery. Very natural, of quality, and well balanced. As said, essential.

Annick Goutal fragrances are niche and made in the traditional French perfume style. Normally they are not sweet or cloying; on the contrary. Whether it results in being simple, not sensual, and of low longevity depends (as with all) on the person’s pH and olfactory tastes. For me, it is elegant, natural, sensual, and of a longevity that, in my case, is good. I am glad that the leather note is perceptible in many noses, as in mine it results in being quite soft.

My comment is on the fragrance once it has developed. It has undeclared notes such as tea and a tobacco incense. I would say it is not inferior to other Annick Goutal masculines, simply different in olfactive proposal. I would highlight the good work of their noses in the combination and proportion of notes. They achieve surprising effects. It does not have low longevity; when its sillage decreases, the fragrance remains at the first gust of wind, and the next day it evokes memories. Of course, it depends on the pH and how it works for you. It is a perfume that moves away from traditional canons and although very elegant, reflects its own personality and a declared sensuality. It contains a magical holly extremely natural, and the tea gives a nice relaxation. Its soft leather is an important co-protagonist, and the rest of the notes play their role perfectly. Certainly, it is not oriental, citrus, marine, floral, spicy, nor does its wood predetermine it; I think Duel is unique and intransferible and would not have a label to place it in. A niche perfume without a doubt.

I tried several samples and discarded two others before purchasing this Duel. The reason is simple: yesterday I felt so happy wearing it that I knew it was mine. I believe the connection with a fragrance makes all the difference. Despite mixed opinions on its longevity, I think it depends on how you wear it. It’s a 2003 classic, dual and elegant, with a chorus of notes that accompany it beautifully. It’s soft, ideal for summer, sensual without being heavy, and very relaxing. It doesn’t smell synthetic at all, and above all, it leaves no one indifferent.

Duel is an excellent fragrance. To me, it smells of holly and leather, wrapped in Iso E and guaiac wood. Unlike other leathers that are warm, this one has freshness, like when you approach a piece of cold leather to your skin. It’s a unique sensation that’s hard to replicate. Furthermore, the soft musk creates a cloud that envelops you like a light second skin, without overwhelming you. It’s original, masterful, classy and full of style. On my skin it lasts well, although the trail is soft and stays close to the skin quickly, which is typical of Goutal.

I’m 100% in agreement with Juan Pablo. I can’t distinguish the holly, lily root or absinth, but the final result is something… extrasensory. I’d like to add that it can be unisex. The first thing I thought was: this is what Thierry Mugler wanted to do and never achieved! It’s exquisite and original.

To me, it’s a work of art. Herbal notes with a sweet touch, which many people recall as mate. The leather note is very soft and wonderful. It’s a complex and timeless fragrance, one of the few I feel like wearing always, in any circumstance. The only problem is its longevity, which doesn’t go beyond 4-5 hours and stays very close to the skin. In my opinion, it’s a must-have and a true masterpiece of perfumery. Very natural, high quality and well-balanced. Essential.