Cuir de Russie Hunayn 2025

I am an avid lover of Cuir de Russie-style fragrances. There are many and I was able to put my nose on quite a few. And although there is a common theme among them, not one was like any other. It seems there are as many differences as saddles in tsar’s cavalery.

But I digress. Hunayn’s CdR ranks right a the top of them all if you ask me. It’s as smooth as officer’s leather boots, yet opens with a quickly fleeting sharp note (I presume civet) but which is surprising and puts your olfactory sense on high alert for a moment. Soon, the subtle leather shows itself along the birch tar and styrax. Amazing floral notes soften the composition and to me this is what sets this fragrance apart from other CdR’s. It brings a luxurious aura to this scent and places it right among other exquisite offerings by the relatively new but amazing house of Hunayn.

Whether one is prepared to pay the luxurious price, is an individual question. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Hunayn reaches cult status in the coming years and the current fragrances become highly sought after. Cuir de Russie will be one of them.

What a beautiful interpretation of Cuir de Russie! It opens with a bold hit of civet that immediately grabs your attention, but within seconds a sweet, elegant violet steps in to soften the edges. Then come the florals and birch tar, dancing together in a perfectly balanced, sensual rhythm. The leather slowly emerges—not too strong, not too animalic—remaining smoky and gently sweet at the same time.
Among the different takes on Cuir de Russie I’ve tried, this one stands out for its freshness and unique brightness. A really well-crafted perfume… approved! Though, let’s be honest—the price is quite something!