Havana Gold Dries Van Noten 2025

Yay, a licorice scent in a beautiful bottle!
That was my thought when I saw the release.

So I got a sample and off we go-

I know the smell... where do I know the smell from...
after I sprayed all the licorice and anise scents I have, it came to me...
Smoking hot by Kilian!

About the scent:
Right upon spraying, you get a light mandarin note, somewhat alcoholic.
Then quite quickly licorice and anise, but in a rather nice way.
Probably because soon tobacco joins in, this licorice impression quickly gives way to the leathery part of this scent. The leather, although it stands in the base, is perceptible throughout the entire progression.
Tobacco also clearly runs through the scent progression. Havana Gold is very rounded, and this leathery note recedes into the background after a while.
The drydown is very soft with a distinct tonka bean.

For me, it’s very similar to Smoking hot, but in direct comparison, Smoking hot is "brighter" and remains sweeter for longer. Havana Gold is very soft in comparison and sweetly dark.
Definitely unisex, maybe slightly masculine.

Conclusion:
Definitely not THE licorice scent.
But for anyone looking for a soft licorice/leather/tobacco scent that has a really delicate drydown,
this one might be worth a try.
Innovative? - no....
Inspired and well executed? - In my opinion, yes.