I became aware of J.F. Schwarzlose through a podcast where Frank from J.F. Schwarzlose was a guest on "DerDuftDude." The episode was an entertaining tour through the Schwarzlose collection and the world of perfume. Since I was missing a great leather scent, I wanted to take a closer look at "Leder 6 / Fetisch | J.F. Schwarzlose Berlin," as well as its flanker "Leder 6·9 | J.F. Schwarzlose Berlin."
The next day, I happened to have a doctor's appointment in downtown Munich, right next to my favorite perfumery. There, before my appointment, I had both scents sprayed on me. In the waiting room, I had enough time to test and compare them, including some puzzled looks :)
Leder 6·9 starts off strong, and I found it to be a bit more voluminous, spicier, and darker from the very beginning. The leather smells quite rough to me for the first half hour and then becomes softer. This could well come from the cocoa and Davana, making the scent journey even more interesting. The leather becomes increasingly beautiful and softer over time. The saffron supports this nicely and emphasizes the spiciness and leather notes. Vanilla and patchouli complement the experience, and for me,
Leder 6·9 remains seductive but also provocative with more depth and warmth.
I really liked both scents, but I found
Leder 6·9 to be a bit more masculine and stronger overall, while still being very wearable and pleasing. On my right arm, where I had sprayed the "Leder 6·9" from J.F. Schwarzlose, blood was drawn shortly afterward. The MOMENT when the nurse paused briefly and reacted positively made my final decision easy - it was "Leder 6·9 | J.F. Schwarzlose Berlin."
I must admit, I had always underestimated Schwarzlose a bit or hadn’t paid much attention to it. I had seen it here and there, but never smelled it. I made up for that. I find all the scents from J.F. Schwarzlose well thought out, the history of the house fascinating, and some of the names interesting. Besides the two leather scents, I also really liked
Fougair and "1A-33 (2012) | J.F. Schwarzlose Berlin."
I almost fear it won't be my last J.F. Schwarzlose. But for now, I am more than happy with my new "Leder 6·9 | J.F. Schwarzlose Berlin."