1- my older batches, specially the 2011, right when I opened a brand new bottle, 2 sprays on neck lasted almost all day. With 2015 batches 2 spray would not last all day, even after few months. So I really think these 2015 batches are less potent than older batches for sure. HOWEVER, they last more than 2 hours like mentioned here loll
2- Creed already let them macerate. They age/macerate them for maybe 2-4 weeks before bottling and selling them. When you buy it, it already got macerated and aged for few weeks. It takes them 3 months for a batch to be ready to sell. The last month is basically reserved for the maceration/aging process.