Yes, Cuir de Russie - that is Russian Leather - one of those traditional scents that, just like the famous Cologne, has been offered by many brands. It is not a perfume that actually smells like a leather jacket or boots, as such genuine leather notes probably could not be produced when Russian Leather was invented. Rather, it is the note of "birch tar," and it is said that the Cossacks used to rub this on their leather boots - this legend is at least shared with us here and there.
Please forgive me for having tested this Cuir de Russie only on strips, not on my skin, as it was occupied elsewhere. Cuir de Russie is indeed Russian Leather - strong and one-dimensional; and I believe I haven't missed anything. It is worth mentioning that at L.T.Piver, the Cuir de Russie appears quite sweet and also somewhat fruity - I detected a distinct honey note here. This changes the basic character a bit. This Cuir de Russie seems to be a bit friendlier than others and, due to its sweetness, also somewhat more wearable for women.
Cuir de Russie is not identical to "Cuir" from the same brand. By the way, it is no longer found on the L.T.Piver website - the availability options are sparse, and I think it is being discontinued.
I found it on the bargain table at Schnitzler (Düsseldorf) in the Schadow Arcades. The bottle and packaging are very cleverly designed. They are adorned with a colorful, dancing, apparently Russian Cossack or peasant couple in Matryoshka colors. It is so cute that I almost bought it just for that reason. Because Schnitzler is asking only 20 € for this Cuir de Russie! The bargain table in the Schadow Arcades is always worth a visit, but this time I was able to resist. Cuir de Russie is such an old-fashioned, so out-of-date affair - I really don't need that. Nowadays, there are much better perfumes. A small amount of Russian Leather that I purchased at Harry Lehmann in Berlin is enough as a reference for me. But for those interested - hurry to Schnitzler!
