Pirates' Grand Reserve Atkinsons 2017

Atkinsons represents for me a range of solid to very good fragrances, but none that absolutely had to join my collection so far. If anything, the classic Old Bond Street comes closest, but I can rarely tolerate Rose Tea. Not much will change after Pirates Grand Reserve (which marketing department on a Red Bull overdose comes up with such ridiculous names?).
Pirates Grand Reserve is somehow different... and at the same time somehow chasing the "trend".
In contrast to Byredo's newcomer Velvet Haze, I can immediately recognize the cocoa top note here, bitter-dark chocolate, like the kind you use for baking or sprinkle over cappuccino. Not unlike Sorriso, but a whole lot more authentic. But then an alcoholic note emerges, which I wouldn't directly associate with rum, nor necessarily cognac... most closely resembling brandy from a vanilla wood barrel. The sweetness here is quite reminiscent of Odd Fellows... which in turn reminds me of a fair with cotton candy and roasted almonds. What saves the fragrance from the abyss of sweetness is the rather bitter suede note, which is masculine-spicy. Together, it smells somehow interesting and very intense, but leather seems to be the new oud. The fragrance is thus as suitable for everyday wear as a pink leopard string over dress pants. Everything feels a bit too overloaded to me, even if the sweetness fades peau a peau, I simply can't think of a situation where I can and want to wear this scent. Fairgoers, chocolate lovers, and sugar enthusiasts probably see it quite differently.
The chocolate-leather soaked in alcohol simply stresses me out too much in the long run.
The longevity is very good with this composition of notes, and the sillage shouldn't be too "thin" for anyone. When it comes to leather, I personally prefer 1881 Signature, AdP Colonia Leather, or the new Jul et Mad Mon Seul Desir... but as always, it's purely a matter of taste;-)! If I'm looking for a rum scent, I would choose Insoumnis by Lalique, Kilian Straight to Heaven, or Idole de Lubin. If I'm looking for a Caribbean scent, I would prefer Virgin Island Water, Bois de Filao, or Batacuda.