I did a random blind buy on this one. It was $223 for 100ml on sale for $69 at the time. I was intrigued by the brand and the description of the frgarnace, so I decided to take the gamble. Shantung EDP marketing says • Mood: unpredictable and optimistic • Notes: mandarin, blackcurrant, rose, cashmere wood

I’m going t be honest, here. The initial spritz is entirely reminiscent of bug spray…like Off! or some serious DEET spray. After about 15-20 minutes, that demon burst dies down a bit, but still carries a really synthetic tone. I can’t discern any of the notes discussed in the marketing; and I’m not sure if that’s my nose, body chemistry, or…??? Well, after about an hour, the harshness really broke down, but there wasn’t much there in the end. I’d call the drydown a faint skin musk at best. It didn’t work for me, but if you are into really strong chemical bugspray, this could be for you.

On a side note, I like the little structured, paisley fabric-wrapped box that this came it - it was a very nice touch.