214 Angels

No. 214 goes after Angel, one of the most distinctive gourmands ever released, opening with a fruity bergamot-and-berry burst before moving into a honeyed floral heart and finally a thick patchouli, chocolate and caramel base. The gourmand direction is unmistakably right, and the patchouli-caramel combination lands well, but Mugler's original is famous for an almost overwhelming density and a slightly synthetic, otherworldly edge that made it polarising from launch - this version is gentler, sweeter and easier to wear, which means it loses some of that unmistakable, room-filling signature. The chocolate and vanilla notes are pleasant but rounder and less sharp than the original's more caramelized, patchouli-heavy finish. It works well as an accessible entry into the gourmand category for anyone who finds the real Angel too intense, while falling short of matching its legendary staying power and projection.