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Baïkal Leather Intense Nicolaï 2019

7.0 / 10 111 Ratings

A perfume by Nicolaï for women and men, released in 2019. The scent is leathery-spicy. It is still in production.
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Main accords

Leathery

Spicy

Woody

Floral

Powdery

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Black pepper Saffron

Saffron

Yuzu

Spearmint

Heart Notes

Leather

Orris butter Violet

Violet

Rose

Base Notes

Gaiac wood

White musk

Sandalwood

Tonka bean absolute Vetiver

Vetiver Smoked pine

Perfumer

Patricia de Nicolaï

Ratings

Scent

7.0111 Ratings

Longevity

7.586 Ratings

Sillage

7.091 Ratings

Bottle

7.684 Ratings

Value for money

7.240 Ratings

Submitted by OPomone · last update on 09/30/2025.

Source-backed & verified

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Reviews

5 in-depth fragrance descriptions

01/27/2021

10Scent 10Longevity 8Sillage

Alconichiwa
8 Reviews

Alconichiwa

Helpful Review 5

Beautiful fresh leather scent

This perfume has one of the best openings I know for this kind of leather perfume.
you can smell the quality of the ingredients in this one. It will last the whole day. you can wear it to a party, or just to smell classy @work and everybody will ask you what scent you are wearing. One of my life scents.

05/24/2020

4Scent 8Longevity 8Sillage

Lgsoltek
8 Reviews

Lgsoltek

Helpful Review 3

Generic Woody Amber

With several dozens of bottles small or big from Nicolaï, I think I qualify as a big if not huge fan. I had really high hope for their anniversary release, especially something called "leather" and is said to be inspired by the Cuir de Russie genre.

The first few times I smelled this new release I was confused, disappointed and infuriated, that an atrocious thing such as this could come from my beloved house, from the great Patricia de Nicolaï, that a disgusting thing like this could be their anniversary perfume. An Exsence report on Cafleurebon mentioned this new release months ago and called it a “modern spicy fougère” that should appeal to the “younger generation”. At the time such descriptors had me worried already and I hoped it wouldn’t turn out to be another of those disgusting sharp woody ambers so popular nowadays. But it’s a nightmare come true.

Several wearings later, sorry nope, I still really dislike it, but I’m ready to entertain the idea that this is PdN’s (perhaps cynical?) naturalistic take on the currently popular GMS genre (Generic Man Scent - coined by reviewer @persolaise and his audience), a genre that I would sum up as having the structure of dihydromyrcenol + synthetic woody amber molecules, represented by Sauvage et al., perfectly corresponding to the manspreading culture, crude, offensive, barbaric, things I’d be glad to see eliminated from the face of the earth. If all that official blurb is to be trusted, PdN is trying to replace that crass and overtly synthetic structure with more natural ingredients: yuzu and spearmint substituting for dihydromyrcenol, and guaiac wood and smoked pine replacing those woody ambers.

Sadly though, the end result is as horrible as the imitated, because after all this is not a genre worth replicating, at all. It just smells generic, like “supermarket deodorant aisle burning”, to quote a perfumista friend whom I asked to blind-smell this. This is a bad movie script played by award-winning actors. This is a sculpture of cr*p made in diamonds. It’s just not worth doing. And forget all that mention of leather or Cuir de Russie. This has nothing to do with the leather family. Perhaps Bois Piquants Intense would be a more suitable name.

For a brand who prides itself on their creativity, on their freedom from market considerations, coming out with a thing such as this which is blatantly aimed at the Sauvage generation is really disappointing to longtime fans. It feels like a betrayal. To whoever made the choice of this thing as their celebratory release, from a long time big fan: next time, just don’t.

But of course I’m no perfumer. I can’t say for sure if these are really yuzu, smoked pine and guaiac wood as they say. This could be, really, just another carbon copy of those dihydromyrcenol + woody amber GMSs.

09/13/2019

5Scent 10Longevity 8Sillage

Gold
726 Reviews

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Gold

Top Review 30

Boring Baïkal, Bonjour (and Goodbye)

Was it really a good idea to order this anniversary scent from Patricia de Nicolaï (hereafter referred to as PdN) blindly?
With "Baïkal Leather Intense," the great perfumer is celebrating her 30th anniversary this month. Since I have counted myself among her admirers since the beginning of the millennium and also love leather scents, plus I have even been to Lake Baikal (a little personal sentimentality on the side), I thought I would take no risk and ordered 30 ml for 59 euros (plus 16 euros shipping from Paris - why is it so expensive anyway?) to my home.

For hours now, the new PdN scent has accompanied me, sprayed on in the morning, refreshed at noon, sprayed again in the evening, and now, at this late hour, still on my skin.
My daughter and my partner are, of course, very used to my "olfactory territory" (I better remain silent about other areas of life) and like to comment on my perfumes.
In this particular case, my daughter (17! Yes, I am proud of her...) even drew comparisons to a PdN scent she once wore but then returned to me because it was too strong for her (PdN's "Patchouli Intense").
Her reaction to the new one: "Intense is different in my mind. Doesn’t smell like PdN." "Yeah, it’s okay, but where’s the leather?"

The man by my side took note of the new PdN much more positively. Right upon greeting, he said: "Hmm, you smell particularly good today."

Well! (So he could take the scent from me).

Because I myself am quite disappointed.
Oh, what am I saying, I am shocked.
This scent does not meet my expectations at all.
The experts among you know the whole range of leather scents... I don’t need to bore you with comparisons, starting from Cuir de Russie to Bandit to Juri Gutsatz or Tom Ford to products from Rossmann.
But perhaps even the Rammstein fragrance has more leather notes than this product from an independent French niche brand.
And what has happened to the Guerlain genes in PdN's nose? I don’t even want to talk about that.

So, what was Madame de Nicolaï thinking when she released such a tame, adapted scent for her anniversary and then also named it "Baïkal Leather Intense"? Yes, there is a PdN Facebook page in Russian, but does the company really rely so heavily on customers from the Russian Federation? Or on old fans like me, who are hoping for an exciting leather scent?

At first, I really hoped, was very positive, because the top note is fresh, practically exploding, and fun.
By the way, I absolutely cannot perceive saffron, which is supposedly included in the top note. Instead, there’s a lot of green, a pleasant freshness.

Then comes... no leather.
Gentle tones follow, as if a singer's voice has given out after a run from high C.
She is no longer a radiant soprano but somehow breathily and shyly croaks out a middle range. You want to throw her a microphone, but now you notice that the music has already settled into a pleasantly droning "Muzac-Level," that musical background noise of an average shopping center.
Which flowers are responsible for this now - I really don’t care, and hopefully, you don’t either. Supposedly rose, violet, and iris. The usual suspects, indeed.

After an hour, the scent completely crashes into the anonymity of a generic men's fragrance of newer design. PdN apparently does not use ambroxan, but a lot of musk and tonka bean. That’s nice, but if I’m looking for a sweetish men’s scent in that style, I can find much better in the mainstream.
At Lake Baikal, certainly as well; I remember a small place, Listvyanka, where there was a shop that carried some typical scents, e.g., "Russian Forest." Available for three euros. Or you can opt for a copy from China, for example, "12 Million" or "La Nuit d'Yves."
By the way, from the shores of Lake Baikal, you can see Mongolia in good weather...
Lake Baikal stands worldwide as an example of a multitude of endemic animals and plants whose existence is threatened.
PdN once stood for innovative and tasteful French perfumery... whose existence is obviously also threatened.
Madame de Nicolaï has truly provided a great analogy with her naming.

Well, those were the days...
I bid PdN a wistful "Adieu" and dig out my old bottle of "Sacrebleu."

08/04/2021

6Scent 6Longevity 6Sillage

Chizza
362 Reviews

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Chizza

Top Review 21

More "Leather" than Leather

Wensker had been demoted, no longer the head of the Aicha vorm Wald department. The police chief used this opportunity to point out his numerous failed actions and the resulting consequences. Instead, he now had a new superior, Ulla König. She also brought reinforcements as Haller left for Recklinghausen to join the local police, so now he - Wensker - was allowed to patrol alongside Schubert. The first case was not far away, an assassination attempt on the well-known artist Bastian Von der Tanne, famous for his extravagant sculptures. One of those sculptures fell on him and seriously injured him. It was quickly discovered that this did not happen "just like that." Thus, Wensker found himself with his first case in a new role.

Unfortunately, Von der Tanne was still in a coma, so they had to work with circumstantial evidence. They began searching his apartment, and Wensker immediately noticed the flacon of Baikal Leather Intense, where Leather had been replaced by Liar. "Schubert, this seems to be the first clue. I'll take a spray."
Without any preamble, a scent reminiscent of leather spread out, adorned with a lot of floral notes and more of a leather reminiscence. The scent remained vague except for the distinctly noticeable rose, which, however, lacked depth. It rather formed a part of the leather. No fresh notes or peppery elements were to be found. Also, no saffron was present, which is often used in leather scents.
"You know, it smells a bit too weak for me. And then Intense? One might have been misled. But is that a motive? Where did he get the bottle?"
"He installed cameras; maybe we'll catch the guy that way.
So they checked the videos: 'Here!' Wensker shouted. 'The bald guy with a beard, his head is bright red, he's seething with rage. He practically throws the flacon and starts messing with the sculpture. I believe the case is solved. Now we just need to find the culprit!'

'What a brew this is! The leather notes completely disappear. I only smell flowers now. Violets, but rather sweet, birch but not birch tar, more like birch sap. This is nothing. Should we inform König?'
'No, I'll solve this on my own, and then we'll see if I can get my position back! Send the picture to headquarters. Maybe we know him.'
Done and done. The software revealed that it was the famous rodeo rider and leather connoisseur Ole W. C. from Bavaria. They arrested him and interrogated him.
'This Basti! Sells me a leather scent, Intense, and then such a concoction! I actually wanted to throw a melon at his head, but that worked out with the sculpture too. Have you smelled this? So sweet-floral like you smell, I bet you have!'
'That's true... so we don't recognize any smoked pine. The sweetness of the tonka comes through, and we also notice the sandalwood facets leaning in that direction. Everything mixes towards the end with the clean musk.'
'Exactly! Is that supposed to be Baikal leather?'
'Yes, you are right! You are free! We will take Von der Tanne at the hospital!'
(Thanks to Basti for providing me with the scent)

08/26/2022

7.5Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

Serenissima
1225 Reviews

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Serenissima

Helpful Review 7

Memories of My Glove Maker

My conclusion in the statement is: too little!
However, I do not want to leave this actually devastating judgment as it is:
“Baïkal Leather Intense” by Patricia de Nicolaï is a pleasure for the senses for lovers of fine, soft leather like me, but unfortunately, it is very, very fleeting.

Perhaps it is precisely these highly praised dry wood notes of Guajak wood and pine that make this creation so special and yet so foreign!
“Dry” fragrance notes are usually fleeting, and combined with the citrus scent of yuzu and a strong dose of black pepper, “Baïkal Leather Intense” reminds me more of an aromatic incense.
But I first have to overcome the coughing hurdle of black pepper (which is also very dry): My pepper allergy devil is already happily waving a tissue!
So, I will not stay too close to my skin during this phase of fragrance development with my curious nose; then it will work out for us: Because fortunately, black pepper is fleeting too, and after a few moments, only a trace of a scent trail remains.

Perhaps Azura would also think she perceives smoked ham here; possibly even specked with precious saffron?
This thought is not so far-fetched: I simply call my scent sensation “spicy smoked fine glove leather.”
It is no coincidence that the resin obtained from Guajak wood is also often used to create exquisite incense blends.
This leather-spice note pairs very well with the rich floral scents of violet and rose - a potpourri dried and refined with fine wood shavings and a few precious drops of sandalwood oil.
Vetiver also finds its place here before the entire composition receives a sensually warm finishing touch of tonka bean and musk.
A hint of warmth had already been added by the erotically softly simmering iris butter.
Nothing is spared, and this leather fragrance masterpiece is polished to very delicate facets that radiate light, quiet luxury!

Perhaps I should explain my positive thoughts about “Baïkal Leather”:
Due to my small and very sensitive hands, I used to have my gloves made in a small workshop with an attached shop in Charlottenburg.
They weren’t even allowed to be lined (even silk meant allergy danger back then!), so I came directly into contact with the soft, fragrant leather; the skin of my hands absorbed the noble scent, and I enjoyed it.
The fine sanding dust often mixed with the rest of my hand care; sometimes my hands looked darkly powdered.
This aroma blended wonderfully with the heavy, oriental designer fragrances that generously accompanied me back then.
A very harmonious, uniquely personal mélange of the most diverse scents developed.

Thus, “Baïkal Leather Intense” is an unexpected journey into my past; because I expected nothing.
I always spray Patricia de Nicolaï's fragrances very generously right away; she has never disappointed me, and I avoid any fragrance composition that already frightens me with its pyramid from the start.
After all, other perfumers also have beautiful scent children.
Even though I have learned over time: Sometimes it is worth being bolder!

I would have wished for a little less flight instinct with “Baïkal Leather Intense”; there is really no reason to run away from me.
I have decided to keep this original sample sent to me by Meggi.
(Luckily, it is not on any wish list, and I can use it with a clear conscience myself.
Those who know me know: I stick to my promises, even if sometimes with at least one teary eye.)

Here, my initial, almost flippant “too little” has developed over time into a “just right.”
So, I offer my apologies; it is not hard for me!

Statements

28 short views on the fragrance

RisingChaos

3 years ago

7Scent 8Longevity 7Sillage

3

Soft, sweet, woody leather soaking in floral-infused yuzu juice. This is more about the powdery rose-iris combo uplifted by violet + yuzu.

Sterben9225

2 years ago

7Scent

3

1

While done nicely, this fragrance heavily uses synthetic amberwood compounds which make it smell extremely modern, 'designer', and even cheap

Axiomatic

2 years ago

7.5Scent 7Longevity 8Sillage

47

52

The Stars on '45 keep on turning in your mind.
Potpourri and Leipzig mixed vegetables for the anniversary.
See the list below. *

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Ergoproxy

2 years ago

7.5Scent 8Longevity 7Sillage

22

34

Somehow it reminds me of Cuir Blanc by Evody, which I find much more successful. Spicy powdery iris with violet on woody...

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Cfr

1 year ago

7Scent 9Longevity 9Sillage

19

33

The Spiceboys are in town
meeting Boss the Scent in the park
singing sporty citrus
fresh before the fashion boutique in musk mist for him.

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Chizza

4 years ago

6Scent 6Longevity 6Sillage

15

11

Sleepy leather scent; the leather is only moderately present, rather floral and with a note that could pass as leather with good will/LSD.

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Bastian

4 years ago

5.5Scent 6Longevity 6Sillage

15

Totally off the mark
I wanted to send the scent Chizza, oh dear
He's going to send me back a watermelon
That's exactly what the scent smells like.
Shit

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