This is my first ever scent from Kenneth Cole, and it’s a good one, this is Black Bold. They say that this fragrance aims to embody the old essence of New York and celebrate confident individuals who like to live life on the edge. How does it smell? Here’s my review of this eau de parfum.

First of all I have to begin with the bottle. It’s a circular shape and is all black and very smooth and sleek. It has a faux-leather wrap around which covers most of the body of the bottle, which has the simple and clear Black Bold Kenneth Cole branding to the front.

It’s a nice clean design which will sit well on a shelf or draw, it’s fairly distinctive so you’ll be able to distinguish it from other bottles you may have.

What Does Black Bold by Kenneth Cole Smell Like?

As for the smell itself…The name is a giveaway for the style of scent this is going to be; Black indicates dark, and it is that. It’s a woody aromatic type of scent, very inviting and a mysterious kind of smell. It’s spicy but not sharp, and has quite a subtle and soft element to it.

It’s quite a gentlemanly classic fragrance without being too musky or woody, and is strong enough to leave an impression without being overpowering.

There are very slight citrus notes, but I get more woody tones from this.  I would wear this on an evening, and would work in most situations.

Best season to wear – Autumn/Winter
Scent type – Slightly woody and spicy, Aromatic
Age Recommendation – 21+
Best Worn – Evening, Casual, Formal

Top notes: zesty citrus, herbal tones
Middle notes: ground nutmeg, lotus flower
Base notes: wood, leather, musk

Have you tried Black Bold? If you have let me know your thoughts, and as always you can check out all my aftershave reviews if you’re looking for your next scent.

Pall Mall Barbers first opened it’s doors in 1896 at 27 Whitcomb Street in London, and at the back end of last year celebrated it’s 120th anniversary and is one of the oldest barbershops in the UK.

They sent over their signature scent, Sandalwood & Colve Cologne, which evokes the atmosphere of old-school barbershops.

Read More

I never had the original Only The Brave from Diesel, so I can’t compare it to this incarnation, but here’s the one which I do have, it’s Only The Brave Tattoo.

As far as the bottle goes, it’s the same shape and style as the original. It’s quite innovative and original, a fist shape, but instead of a light colour, this is black-blue in colour with Only The Brave Tattoo written on it in a graffiti tattoo style and Diesel branding to the front. It can be stood up in two positions, which is quite unique for a fragrance bottle.

Contrary to the attitude and raw-ness of the bottle, the scent is something different. It’s fresh and fruity, you get a sense of greens which is strong, and a smaller hint of some spicy notes which don’t feel sharp and are quite subtle. On balance it’s a nice scent, it will work well during the day, and if you prefer a lighter scent with just a bit of punch for an evening, it will work in that setting too.

I have had this fragrance for a number of years, and while it’s never been a favourite, it’s definitely not a bad smell at all.

Best season to wear – All Rounder
Scent type – Fruity, Fresh, Slightly Spicy
Age Recommendation – 18+
Best Worn – Day, Evening, Casual, Formal

Top Notes – Red Apple

Middle Notes – Sage, Bourbon Pepper

Base Notes – Amber wood, Benzoin, Amber, Patchouli

Let me know what you think of this if you own it or have the original. You can find more aftershave reviews if you’re looking for a new scent and this one doesn’t sound like a favourite.