I thought 2009 was a pretty good year, and 2010 was even better. There was, once again, way too much new product — it looks like there will always be too much new product, regardless of what the world economy is doing. Oh well. It does mean that I have pretty much given up on smelling everything that matters. I suppose it could be done if you had absolutely nothing else to do, but I do have other things to do. I smell what I can. So, to all of my picks below, add “of what I managed to smell”.

My choices for the year are just below. Scroll down to see what Angela, Erin, Jessica and Kevin thought was noteworthy in 2010, or click over to Bois de Jasmin, Grain de Musc, Perfume Posse or Perfume Smellin’ Things. And of course, do add your own thoughts in the comments.

My favorite niche fragrances for 2010: a tie between The Different Company De Bachmakov and L’Artisan Parfumeur Traversée du Bosphore. I also particularly liked Annick Goutal Ninféo Mio and Parfums DelRae Panache…

Read the rest of this article »