Match #75 decides the champion of the main bracket—and I'm still not entirely sure I've made the right decision. It's my favorite spring/summer fragrance, Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée, against my favorite autumn/winter fragrance, Tom Ford Ombré Leather. I've leaned both ways over the past several hours. Even as I'm writing this, I'm wavering. This is where I really wish I had Michelle here to break the tie. Eau Givrée is already thoroughly Michelle-approved. In fact, she chose it for me so often during my last trip to Hong Kong that I completely emptied my travel atomizer. Ombré Leather hasn't had the Michelle test yet because I don't have a travel spray for it. That's something I'll need to correct. Eau Givrée has been the revelation of this tournament for me. That brilliant citron, juniper, and Timut pepper opening is wonderfully refreshing, but it's the way the mineral and woody elements emerge underneath that has made me love it. It's bright without being simplistic and sophisticated without losing that sparkling freshness. Ombré Leather is nearly its mirror image: dark, rich, smooth leather surrounded by cardamom, amber, patchouli, jasmine, and moss. It's luxurious, powerful, and beautifully blended. In cooler weather or for a date night, I'm not sure I own anything I'd rather wear. So how do I separate two fragrances that are almost perfect for completely different purposes? Barely. Other than the considerable difference in price, the one distinction I can find is versatility. Eau Givrée simply gives me more opportunities to wear it during the year. And apparently that's enough. Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée wins Match #75 and becomes champion of the main bracket. Tom Ford Ombré Leather drops into the second-chance bracket, where it awaits the winner of tomorrow's matchup. Three challengers remain, but Eau Givrée now sits alone at the top. And if you're a betting man, I wouldn't put much money on any of them knocking it off. But considering how much I've changed my mind during this tournament, I probably shouldn't be trusted with betting advice.

Match #76 begins the final three days of this tournament. By the end of the weekend, I'll have completed 78 consecutive days of head-to-head matchups and, theoretically at least, I'll be able to declare my favorite bottle from my current collection. Or can I? More on that Sunday. Today's elimination match features two of my final four: Bleu de Chanel EDP versus Prada L'Homme Intense. And regardless of what happens here, nobody gets to take away either of my fanboy hats. Chanel and Prada remain two of my favorite designer houses. The Prada has been magnificent throughout this tournament. That powdery iris makes an immediate impression before the fragrance gradually darkens into amber, patchouli, sandalwood, leather, and tonka. It's rich, sophisticated, and beautifully blended, with a drydown that has won me over repeatedly during these side-by-side tests. Bleu de Chanel EDP is a completely different experience. Citrus and ginger provide the freshness, while incense, amber, cedar, and sandalwood give it depth and refinement. I've called it the gold standard for blue fragrances throughout this tournament, and after more than two months of testing, I haven't found a reason to change that opinion. There's very little separating these two. The Prada is darker and more distinctive. The Chanel is fresher and considerably more versatile. Both are mature, sophisticated fragrances that I'll happily continue wearing. Today, by the slightest of margins, I'm sticking with my favorite blue fragrance. Bleu de Chanel EDP survives. Prada L'Homme Intense is eliminated from the tournament. And then there were three. Tomorrow: Bleu de Chanel EDP vs. Tom Ford Ombré Leather. The winner gets one final shot at Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée. And apparently I've decided that the last three days weren't stressful enough already.