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Strong Starter, Weak Finisher
Spicebomb Extreme by the design house of Viktor & Rolf first came to my attention shortly after release in 2015. It is positioned as a stronger, more intense version of the original Spicebomb fragrance and is certainly that.
Viktor & Rolf describe this scent as reflecting Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron, Tobacco, Vanilla, and Bourbon. However, on my skin my nose begs to differ. The top notes of black pepper and chili give Spicebomb Extreme an immediate kick, providing a spicy and invigorating opening to the fragrance. As the scent develops, heart notes of elemi and tobacco leaves add depth and complexity. These rich, smoky notes are perfectly balanced by the not-so-subtle sweetness of the base note vanilla with just a hint of bourbon.
Chili is the spicy ingredient that adds a unique edge to this fragrance. To be sure, a less common ingredient in perfumery but it adds a touch of heat and depth to the launch scent, which I quite like, especially when balanced against the vanilla. The finishing vanilla anchors the scent to a palate that all men are familiar and comfortable with, making Spicebomb Extreme relatable and easy to wear while also pushing boundaries in a world filled with blue scents. On my skin, the vanilla note is dominant much-too-soon after spritzing; and while pleasant enough at first, becomes too monotone for my liking. This monotony in this fragrance, on my skin at least, prevents me from being as over-the-moon about it long-term as I am during the first 15 minutes of wear.
Spicebomb Extreme is meant for a night out on the town, a formal event, or even a romantic date night. I wear it to the office on occasion and have received complements on it from coworkers. But do not overdo it! I will always pull this grenade in cold weather rather than summer, as its initial warm and spicy scent profile would likely get overwhelming in hot temperatures.
The bottle of the fragrance is made of a heavy glass and it has a unique and striking design, featuring a grenade-shaped bottle. The grenade-shaped bottle represents the explosive and intense nature of the scent and its metallic details reinforces the masculine and powerful mood of the fragrance. The plastic top has a metal ring-pull design, giving the bottle a rugged and industrial feel, and it also adds a dynamic element to the design reminiscent of an actual pin on a hand grenade. Unfortunately, the nozzle is plastic, leaving an impression of cheapness when compared to the bold bottle's design.
The name of the scent and the packaging reinforce that Spicebomb Extreme is definitely aimed at young men! However in my 50's I do not feel like a poseur wearing this scent.
Overall a very nice winterish scent. Unfortunately, on my skin, it dries down to a rather bland plain vanilla but boy is the opening wonderful!
Music Association: Here is a playlist that captures the mood of this scent.
"Black Pepper" by The Chemical Brothers
"Processed Beats" by Kasabian
"Lust for Life" by Iggy Pop
"The Hand That Feeds" by Nine Inch Nails
"Creep" by Radiohead
"Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin
"Caught by the River" by Doves
"Fell on Black Days" by Soundgarden
"The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac
"Digital Witness" by St. Vincent
"Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall
"Do It Again" by Steely Dan
"Even Flow" by Pearl Jam
"Love You to Death" by Type O Negative
"The Words That Maketh Murder" by Polly Jean Harvey
Viktor & Rolf describe this scent as reflecting Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron, Tobacco, Vanilla, and Bourbon. However, on my skin my nose begs to differ. The top notes of black pepper and chili give Spicebomb Extreme an immediate kick, providing a spicy and invigorating opening to the fragrance. As the scent develops, heart notes of elemi and tobacco leaves add depth and complexity. These rich, smoky notes are perfectly balanced by the not-so-subtle sweetness of the base note vanilla with just a hint of bourbon.
Chili is the spicy ingredient that adds a unique edge to this fragrance. To be sure, a less common ingredient in perfumery but it adds a touch of heat and depth to the launch scent, which I quite like, especially when balanced against the vanilla. The finishing vanilla anchors the scent to a palate that all men are familiar and comfortable with, making Spicebomb Extreme relatable and easy to wear while also pushing boundaries in a world filled with blue scents. On my skin, the vanilla note is dominant much-too-soon after spritzing; and while pleasant enough at first, becomes too monotone for my liking. This monotony in this fragrance, on my skin at least, prevents me from being as over-the-moon about it long-term as I am during the first 15 minutes of wear.
Spicebomb Extreme is meant for a night out on the town, a formal event, or even a romantic date night. I wear it to the office on occasion and have received complements on it from coworkers. But do not overdo it! I will always pull this grenade in cold weather rather than summer, as its initial warm and spicy scent profile would likely get overwhelming in hot temperatures.
The bottle of the fragrance is made of a heavy glass and it has a unique and striking design, featuring a grenade-shaped bottle. The grenade-shaped bottle represents the explosive and intense nature of the scent and its metallic details reinforces the masculine and powerful mood of the fragrance. The plastic top has a metal ring-pull design, giving the bottle a rugged and industrial feel, and it also adds a dynamic element to the design reminiscent of an actual pin on a hand grenade. Unfortunately, the nozzle is plastic, leaving an impression of cheapness when compared to the bold bottle's design.
The name of the scent and the packaging reinforce that Spicebomb Extreme is definitely aimed at young men! However in my 50's I do not feel like a poseur wearing this scent.
Overall a very nice winterish scent. Unfortunately, on my skin, it dries down to a rather bland plain vanilla but boy is the opening wonderful!
Music Association: Here is a playlist that captures the mood of this scent.
"Black Pepper" by The Chemical Brothers
"Processed Beats" by Kasabian
"Lust for Life" by Iggy Pop
"The Hand That Feeds" by Nine Inch Nails
"Creep" by Radiohead
"Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin
"Caught by the River" by Doves
"Fell on Black Days" by Soundgarden
"The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac
"Digital Witness" by St. Vincent
"Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall
"Do It Again" by Steely Dan
"Even Flow" by Pearl Jam
"Love You to Death" by Type O Negative
"The Words That Maketh Murder" by Polly Jean Harvey
Special.
The moment I first caught a hint of Maison Francis Kurkdjian's L'Homme À la Rose, it was as if I had been transported back in time to my childhood. Memories of lazy summer days spent at my grandparents' farm house came flooding back to me. The sweet and soothing aroma of the fragrance immediately reminded me of the rose garden my grandmother tended to so lovingly and her floral perfume (I've never been able to identify it) she unfailingly wore everyday of her life. I literally wept from the tsunami of olfactory memories this scent brought forward.
I can still see her now, with her sunhat shading her face, a pair of gloves protecting her hands, and a look of contentment on her face as she tended to her beloved flowers. She had a special talent for growing roses, and her garden was always a riot of color and fragrance. I would often help her water the plants and deadhead the blooms, and she would tell me stories of the different varieties of roses and how to care for them.
My engineer grandfather, on the other hand, had a love for woodworking, often making intricate wooden crafts that smelt of fresh wood. The smell of his shop and the roses in the garden always seemed to meld together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that was uniquely theirs.
They both passed away when I was young and I would often find myself missing the comforting scents of my grandparents' home. That is, until I came across this cologne. One spray of it, and I was immediately transported back to those happy days. The scent is a perfect blend of an organic earthy rose note, underpinned by the amberwood, that combines to create a warm and comforting aroma that is both masculine and elegant.
But this cologne isn't just a pleasant reminder of the past, it's a fragrance that I can wear and enjoy in the present. It's versatile enough to be worn every day, but it's also perfect for special occasions. It's a scent that's timeless and classic, yet still feels fresh and modern.
The lead ingredient in this perfume, "May Rose Absolute", is a highly concentrated, pure extract of the Rosa centifolia flower, also known as the May Rose or the Provence Rose. The scent of May Rose Absolute is sweet and floral, with rich, deep and complex undertones. It is also used in Aromatherapy, as rose oil is believed to have a calming, soothing and balancing effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of well-being. I can attest, L'Homme À la Rose has similar effect.
L'Homme À la Rose starts with a powerful and heady scent that is both sweet and slightly spicy. The top notes of the fragrance are the sweet, fruity aroma of the petals. You might detect a subtle hint of strawberry or raspberry in this top note. As the fragrance settles, you will begin to pick up on the deeper, more complex undertones. The heart of the scent is composed of the heady and deeply floral aroma of the rose, with hints of honey and powdery musk. The base notes are earthy and woodsy, adding a rich and grounding effect to the overall fragrance.
L'Homme À la Rose, having the characteristic aroma of a classic rose with a slightly spicy and fruity edge, is luxurious, romantic, and elegant. It is a natural, complex and long-lasting scent.
The packaging is first class with a linen lithographed box, heavy glass bottle and metal cap. A true luxury presentation.
I'm so grateful to have found a fragrance that reminds me of my grandparents, and I know that they would have loved it too. This cologne has become a cherished part of my collection, and I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Overall, this cologne is a true joy to wear and thanks to the memories it brings, is truly heartwarming. It's a perfect fragrance for anyone who wants a comforting and nostalgic scent that also has a modern and masculine edge.
My own children love this fragrance on me and strangers always comment about how I smell, more so than any other scent in my large collection.
Not for everybody, but still, most highly recommended.
Music Association: In my grandparents's kitchen, a radio was tuned continuously to a local country/western radio station. These songs all remind me of that small farmhouse.
"Make the World Go Away" by Eddy Arnold (1963)
"For the Good Times" by Ray Price (1970)
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones (1980)
"A Thing Called Love" by Johnny Cash (1972)
"Take Me" by George Jones (1971)
"El Paso" by Marty Robbins (1959)
"Crazy" by Patsy Cline (1961)
"I Fall to Pieces" by Patsy Cline (1961)
"Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette (1968)
"Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson (1982)
"My Woman, My Woman, My Wife" by Marty Robbins (1970)
"You Don't Know Me" by Eddy Arnold (1956)
"Together Again" by Buck Owens (1964)
"Saginaw, Michigan" by Lefty Frizzell (1964)
I can still see her now, with her sunhat shading her face, a pair of gloves protecting her hands, and a look of contentment on her face as she tended to her beloved flowers. She had a special talent for growing roses, and her garden was always a riot of color and fragrance. I would often help her water the plants and deadhead the blooms, and she would tell me stories of the different varieties of roses and how to care for them.
My engineer grandfather, on the other hand, had a love for woodworking, often making intricate wooden crafts that smelt of fresh wood. The smell of his shop and the roses in the garden always seemed to meld together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that was uniquely theirs.
They both passed away when I was young and I would often find myself missing the comforting scents of my grandparents' home. That is, until I came across this cologne. One spray of it, and I was immediately transported back to those happy days. The scent is a perfect blend of an organic earthy rose note, underpinned by the amberwood, that combines to create a warm and comforting aroma that is both masculine and elegant.
But this cologne isn't just a pleasant reminder of the past, it's a fragrance that I can wear and enjoy in the present. It's versatile enough to be worn every day, but it's also perfect for special occasions. It's a scent that's timeless and classic, yet still feels fresh and modern.
The lead ingredient in this perfume, "May Rose Absolute", is a highly concentrated, pure extract of the Rosa centifolia flower, also known as the May Rose or the Provence Rose. The scent of May Rose Absolute is sweet and floral, with rich, deep and complex undertones. It is also used in Aromatherapy, as rose oil is believed to have a calming, soothing and balancing effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of well-being. I can attest, L'Homme À la Rose has similar effect.
L'Homme À la Rose starts with a powerful and heady scent that is both sweet and slightly spicy. The top notes of the fragrance are the sweet, fruity aroma of the petals. You might detect a subtle hint of strawberry or raspberry in this top note. As the fragrance settles, you will begin to pick up on the deeper, more complex undertones. The heart of the scent is composed of the heady and deeply floral aroma of the rose, with hints of honey and powdery musk. The base notes are earthy and woodsy, adding a rich and grounding effect to the overall fragrance.
L'Homme À la Rose, having the characteristic aroma of a classic rose with a slightly spicy and fruity edge, is luxurious, romantic, and elegant. It is a natural, complex and long-lasting scent.
The packaging is first class with a linen lithographed box, heavy glass bottle and metal cap. A true luxury presentation.
I'm so grateful to have found a fragrance that reminds me of my grandparents, and I know that they would have loved it too. This cologne has become a cherished part of my collection, and I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Overall, this cologne is a true joy to wear and thanks to the memories it brings, is truly heartwarming. It's a perfect fragrance for anyone who wants a comforting and nostalgic scent that also has a modern and masculine edge.
My own children love this fragrance on me and strangers always comment about how I smell, more so than any other scent in my large collection.
Not for everybody, but still, most highly recommended.
Music Association: In my grandparents's kitchen, a radio was tuned continuously to a local country/western radio station. These songs all remind me of that small farmhouse.
"Make the World Go Away" by Eddy Arnold (1963)
"For the Good Times" by Ray Price (1970)
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones (1980)
"A Thing Called Love" by Johnny Cash (1972)
"Take Me" by George Jones (1971)
"El Paso" by Marty Robbins (1959)
"Crazy" by Patsy Cline (1961)
"I Fall to Pieces" by Patsy Cline (1961)
"Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette (1968)
"Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson (1982)
"My Woman, My Woman, My Wife" by Marty Robbins (1970)
"You Don't Know Me" by Eddy Arnold (1956)
"Together Again" by Buck Owens (1964)
"Saginaw, Michigan" by Lefty Frizzell (1964)
1 Comment
A Woody, Masculine Scent That Makes a Statement
The eponymous fragrance John Varvatos gained popularity for its rich, masculine scent and sleek packaging. All John Varvatos bottles are unique works of art with emblematic bottle of sturdy glass construction and, in the case of this particular variant, a unique, leather design. It definitely stands out on a vanity or dressing table.
John Varvatos was created by the perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux. Before becoming a perfumer, Flores-Roux studied biology and chemistry, which has given him a strong foundation in understanding how different ingredients and notes can be blended to create a harmonious fragrance. He has worked with many major fragrance houses and has created fragrances for a wide range of brands, including Calvin Klein, Jo Malone, and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few.
The top notes of John Varvatos are a blend of mediterranean herbs, which give the fragrance a fresh, aromatic start. The middle notes consist of oakmoss and jasmine, which add depth and complexity to the scent. The base notes are comprised of leather, amber, and sandalwood, which provide a woody, earthy finish that lingers on the skin.
In addition to these main notes, the fragrance also contains a blend of other ingredients, such as bergamot, lemon, and black pepper, which contribute to the overall scent profile.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a rich, masculine fragrance that is both sophisticated and long-lasting. The mediterranean herbs and jasmine give the scent a fresh, floral edge, while the leather, amber, and sandalwood add depth and warmth. It is a complex fragrance that is sure to appeal to those who appreciate more sophisticated scents.
One of the positives of John Varvatos is its versatility. It is a scent that can be worn by men of all ages, and is suitable for a variety of occasions. It is also a very sophisticated fragrance, making it perfect for those who want to make a statement or those who want to march to a different beat. Also, it is quite affordable.
On the negative side, some may find the scent a bit too strong or overpowering. It is definitely not a subtle fragrance, and those who prefer more subtle scents may want to look elsewhere.
Most people will find the woody, earthy scent of John Varvatos particularly well-suited for the cooler months of the fall and winter. The rich, warm notes of leather, amber, and sandalwood make it a perfect choice for those looking for a cozy, comforting scent to wear during these colder months. However, the fresh, aromatic top notes of mediterranean herbs and the floral middle notes of jasmine may make it a suitable choice for the spring and summer months as well.
John Varvatos is the cousin-in-rehab to Yves Saint Laurent's La Nuit de L'homme. This fragrance also has a woody, earthy scent, with notes of cardamom, bergamot, and cedar. However, It is a bit more expensive than John Varvatos, but I personally find the price difference worthwhile as the YSL scent is much more sophisticated and indicative of higher quality ingredients.
Overall, John Varvatos is a fantastic fragrance for men who are looking for a strong, masculine scent that is suitable for a variety of cold-weather occasions.
Music Association:
Here is an emblematic playlist for the John Varvatos fragrance:
"Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones
"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
"Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
"Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits
"Come Together" by The Beatles
"Black Magic Woman" by Santana
"I Can't Get No Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
"Hotel California" by The Eagles
"All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix
"Layla" by Eric Clapton
"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
"Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd
John Varvatos was created by the perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux. Before becoming a perfumer, Flores-Roux studied biology and chemistry, which has given him a strong foundation in understanding how different ingredients and notes can be blended to create a harmonious fragrance. He has worked with many major fragrance houses and has created fragrances for a wide range of brands, including Calvin Klein, Jo Malone, and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few.
The top notes of John Varvatos are a blend of mediterranean herbs, which give the fragrance a fresh, aromatic start. The middle notes consist of oakmoss and jasmine, which add depth and complexity to the scent. The base notes are comprised of leather, amber, and sandalwood, which provide a woody, earthy finish that lingers on the skin.
In addition to these main notes, the fragrance also contains a blend of other ingredients, such as bergamot, lemon, and black pepper, which contribute to the overall scent profile.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a rich, masculine fragrance that is both sophisticated and long-lasting. The mediterranean herbs and jasmine give the scent a fresh, floral edge, while the leather, amber, and sandalwood add depth and warmth. It is a complex fragrance that is sure to appeal to those who appreciate more sophisticated scents.
One of the positives of John Varvatos is its versatility. It is a scent that can be worn by men of all ages, and is suitable for a variety of occasions. It is also a very sophisticated fragrance, making it perfect for those who want to make a statement or those who want to march to a different beat. Also, it is quite affordable.
On the negative side, some may find the scent a bit too strong or overpowering. It is definitely not a subtle fragrance, and those who prefer more subtle scents may want to look elsewhere.
Most people will find the woody, earthy scent of John Varvatos particularly well-suited for the cooler months of the fall and winter. The rich, warm notes of leather, amber, and sandalwood make it a perfect choice for those looking for a cozy, comforting scent to wear during these colder months. However, the fresh, aromatic top notes of mediterranean herbs and the floral middle notes of jasmine may make it a suitable choice for the spring and summer months as well.
John Varvatos is the cousin-in-rehab to Yves Saint Laurent's La Nuit de L'homme. This fragrance also has a woody, earthy scent, with notes of cardamom, bergamot, and cedar. However, It is a bit more expensive than John Varvatos, but I personally find the price difference worthwhile as the YSL scent is much more sophisticated and indicative of higher quality ingredients.
Overall, John Varvatos is a fantastic fragrance for men who are looking for a strong, masculine scent that is suitable for a variety of cold-weather occasions.
Music Association:
Here is an emblematic playlist for the John Varvatos fragrance:
"Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones
"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
"Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
"Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits
"Come Together" by The Beatles
"Black Magic Woman" by Santana
"I Can't Get No Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
"Hotel California" by The Eagles
"All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix
"Layla" by Eric Clapton
"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
"Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd
One for the Old Soul
Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene is an elegant, classic, refined, woody and floral men's fragrance that was introduced in 1976.
Grey Flannel shares the same DNA as Polo by Ralph Lauren, Green Irish Tweed by Creed, Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior, Chanel No. 19 and Yves Saint Laurent's La Nuit de L'Homme and likely served as an inspiration for these scents.
One of the standout notes in Grey Flannel is the use of violet, which gives the fragrance a subtle floral undertone. This is balanced out by the woody notes of oakmoss and sandalwood, which add depth and richness to the scent. There are also hints of lemon and bergamot, which give Grey Flannel a fresh and energizing top note.
Overall, Grey Flannel is a well-rounded fragrance that is suitable for both day and evening wear and is a versatile enough fragrance that it can be worn throughout the year. In the warmer months, the floral notes in Grey Flannel can help to add a touch of freshness and brightness to the scent, making it a good choice for summer wear. The woody notes in the fragrance can also help to balance out the floral notes, making it more suitable for cooler weather as well. It is perfect for the man who wants a scent that is not too overpowering. The longevity of the fragrance is good, with the scent lasting for several hours on the skin. It also has good projection without being too overpowering. This scent will not offend. The target today for this scent is likely older men looking for a daily driver that will not offend the office staff's sensibilities, nor attract unwanted attention.
Grey Flannel resides in a stylish colored glass bottle with a silver cap and in larger sizes often comes packaged in a grey flannel drawstring bag. I love these bags and use one to hold my watch, keys and coins in my golf bag during rounds, among other things. The bottle has a unique, sleek and modern design, which makes it a nice addition to any dressing table.
The fragrance is dirt cheap, making it a great value for the money.
In 1976, Grey Flannel won the FiFi Award for Men's Fragrance of the Year (basically a fragrance Academy Award for Best Picture) on its launch. Bernhard Roetzel, in his book "Gentleman: A Timeless Fashion," opined that this “classic shows no sign that it came onto the market in the middle of a decade not generally renowned for its timeless style." I argue that it still remains one of the most unique, distinctive scents on the market.
A no-brainer recommendation for virtually anybody interested in the history of fragrance, even if you are not in the market for this style of old-school gentlemen's scent.
Music Association: A playlist to go along with this scent:
1. "Moon River" by Henry Mancini
2. "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker
3. "Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk
4. "Misty" by Erroll Garner
5. "Body and Soul" by Johnny Green
6. "Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington
7. "Take the 'A' Train" by Billy Strayhorn
8. "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet
9. "Waltz for Debby" by Bill Evans
10. "Summertime" by George Gershwin
11. "Round Midnight" by Miles Davis
12. "My One and Only Love" by John Coltrane
13. "Lullaby of Birdland" by Sarah Vaughn
14. "Body and Soul" by Louis Armstrong
15. "In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellington
Link to Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kbELOuuLmHZYqH4xMqAJB?si=af3059b43b8e4ddf
Perfume yourself with Grey Flannel, open a bottle of white and cuddle with your partner on a front porch swing or in front of a fire while listening to these tracks. A recipe for a perfect evening.
Grey Flannel shares the same DNA as Polo by Ralph Lauren, Green Irish Tweed by Creed, Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior, Chanel No. 19 and Yves Saint Laurent's La Nuit de L'Homme and likely served as an inspiration for these scents.
One of the standout notes in Grey Flannel is the use of violet, which gives the fragrance a subtle floral undertone. This is balanced out by the woody notes of oakmoss and sandalwood, which add depth and richness to the scent. There are also hints of lemon and bergamot, which give Grey Flannel a fresh and energizing top note.
Overall, Grey Flannel is a well-rounded fragrance that is suitable for both day and evening wear and is a versatile enough fragrance that it can be worn throughout the year. In the warmer months, the floral notes in Grey Flannel can help to add a touch of freshness and brightness to the scent, making it a good choice for summer wear. The woody notes in the fragrance can also help to balance out the floral notes, making it more suitable for cooler weather as well. It is perfect for the man who wants a scent that is not too overpowering. The longevity of the fragrance is good, with the scent lasting for several hours on the skin. It also has good projection without being too overpowering. This scent will not offend. The target today for this scent is likely older men looking for a daily driver that will not offend the office staff's sensibilities, nor attract unwanted attention.
Grey Flannel resides in a stylish colored glass bottle with a silver cap and in larger sizes often comes packaged in a grey flannel drawstring bag. I love these bags and use one to hold my watch, keys and coins in my golf bag during rounds, among other things. The bottle has a unique, sleek and modern design, which makes it a nice addition to any dressing table.
The fragrance is dirt cheap, making it a great value for the money.
In 1976, Grey Flannel won the FiFi Award for Men's Fragrance of the Year (basically a fragrance Academy Award for Best Picture) on its launch. Bernhard Roetzel, in his book "Gentleman: A Timeless Fashion," opined that this “classic shows no sign that it came onto the market in the middle of a decade not generally renowned for its timeless style." I argue that it still remains one of the most unique, distinctive scents on the market.
A no-brainer recommendation for virtually anybody interested in the history of fragrance, even if you are not in the market for this style of old-school gentlemen's scent.
Music Association: A playlist to go along with this scent:
1. "Moon River" by Henry Mancini
2. "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker
3. "Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk
4. "Misty" by Erroll Garner
5. "Body and Soul" by Johnny Green
6. "Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington
7. "Take the 'A' Train" by Billy Strayhorn
8. "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet
9. "Waltz for Debby" by Bill Evans
10. "Summertime" by George Gershwin
11. "Round Midnight" by Miles Davis
12. "My One and Only Love" by John Coltrane
13. "Lullaby of Birdland" by Sarah Vaughn
14. "Body and Soul" by Louis Armstrong
15. "In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellington
Link to Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kbELOuuLmHZYqH4xMqAJB?si=af3059b43b8e4ddf
Perfume yourself with Grey Flannel, open a bottle of white and cuddle with your partner on a front porch swing or in front of a fire while listening to these tracks. A recipe for a perfect evening.
Tobacco and Ouzo, a trip down memory lane
The sun was just beginning to set over the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea as I stepped onto the sandy beach of Mykonos, Greece. I took a deep breath of the salty sea air, relishing the peacefulness of the late afternoon.
As I walked along the shoreline, I came upon a small bar, playing John Coltrane on their porch speakers. I ordered an Ouzo Plomari and water. I couldn't help but feel a sense of luxury and indulgence as Coltrane's sax wailed and the ouzo slid down my sunburnt throat in small sips. It was a dream-like ending to that day of relaxation and enjoyment – and what better way to savor the moment than with a fine cigar?
The bartender offered a selection of nice options, many unfamiliar to me, and selected one for me knowing that its rich, earthy flavor would complement the sea breeze perfectly. As he lit it up, the aroma of tobacco, leather, vanilla and wood filled the air, adding to the overall sense of luxury and indulgence.
As I puffed on my cigar, I gazed out at the stunning vista before me – the turquoise waters of the Aegean, the rugged coastline dotted with whitewashed houses, and the clear pinky-blue sky above. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, and one that I will always treasure.
Fast forward 25 years, three businesses and six kids later. Standing at the Tom Ford counter at a Neiman Marcus in Miami, swapping war stories with a fellow soldier in the perfume wars, when he pulls TF's Ombre Leather out for me to sample. My first impression of this intoxicating scent made me do a double take.
As the best scents often do, instigating vivid detail recalls of memories both good and bad, I was immediately transplanted back to that magical day in Greece.
The scent is truly exceptional. Opening with top notes of black pepper, tobacco and bergamot, the fragrance immediately sets a spicy and aromatic tone. The heart notes of leather and jasmine add depth and complexity, while the base notes of vanilla, amber and patchouli give the fragrance a warm and long-lasting finish.
As are most unisex fragrances, it is extremely versatile and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. It has a strong and confident presence, but it is not overpowering or overwhelming. The scent lasts for hours on my skin and I have received numerous compliments over the years from men and women alike.
Truly a scent I will always have on hand. I wear this more than any other scent in my collection in the winters, but I spray it on myself sometimes in the middle of summer just to remember that wonderful day in Greece, and the promises I made myself that day, staring out at the Aegean through the plumes of my cigar, that have mostly come true.
Music Association: Playing on the beach that day: "I'm Old Fashioned" by John Coltrane. This jazz standard features a smooth and sophisticated sound. It is a classic and timeless song that has been enjoyed by jazz fans for literal decades. The song's refined and understated style could be likened to the sophistication and refinement of Tom Ford's Ombre Leather fragrance. Both the song and the fragrance are elegant and sophisticated, with a timeless appeal that makes them classic choices for any occasion. The song's smooth and mellow sound might be evocative of the warm and long-lasting finish of the fragrance, while its classic and timeless style could be seen as reflecting the versatility of Tom Ford's Ombre Leather.
As I walked along the shoreline, I came upon a small bar, playing John Coltrane on their porch speakers. I ordered an Ouzo Plomari and water. I couldn't help but feel a sense of luxury and indulgence as Coltrane's sax wailed and the ouzo slid down my sunburnt throat in small sips. It was a dream-like ending to that day of relaxation and enjoyment – and what better way to savor the moment than with a fine cigar?
The bartender offered a selection of nice options, many unfamiliar to me, and selected one for me knowing that its rich, earthy flavor would complement the sea breeze perfectly. As he lit it up, the aroma of tobacco, leather, vanilla and wood filled the air, adding to the overall sense of luxury and indulgence.
As I puffed on my cigar, I gazed out at the stunning vista before me – the turquoise waters of the Aegean, the rugged coastline dotted with whitewashed houses, and the clear pinky-blue sky above. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, and one that I will always treasure.
Fast forward 25 years, three businesses and six kids later. Standing at the Tom Ford counter at a Neiman Marcus in Miami, swapping war stories with a fellow soldier in the perfume wars, when he pulls TF's Ombre Leather out for me to sample. My first impression of this intoxicating scent made me do a double take.
As the best scents often do, instigating vivid detail recalls of memories both good and bad, I was immediately transplanted back to that magical day in Greece.
The scent is truly exceptional. Opening with top notes of black pepper, tobacco and bergamot, the fragrance immediately sets a spicy and aromatic tone. The heart notes of leather and jasmine add depth and complexity, while the base notes of vanilla, amber and patchouli give the fragrance a warm and long-lasting finish.
As are most unisex fragrances, it is extremely versatile and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. It has a strong and confident presence, but it is not overpowering or overwhelming. The scent lasts for hours on my skin and I have received numerous compliments over the years from men and women alike.
Truly a scent I will always have on hand. I wear this more than any other scent in my collection in the winters, but I spray it on myself sometimes in the middle of summer just to remember that wonderful day in Greece, and the promises I made myself that day, staring out at the Aegean through the plumes of my cigar, that have mostly come true.
Music Association: Playing on the beach that day: "I'm Old Fashioned" by John Coltrane. This jazz standard features a smooth and sophisticated sound. It is a classic and timeless song that has been enjoyed by jazz fans for literal decades. The song's refined and understated style could be likened to the sophistication and refinement of Tom Ford's Ombre Leather fragrance. Both the song and the fragrance are elegant and sophisticated, with a timeless appeal that makes them classic choices for any occasion. The song's smooth and mellow sound might be evocative of the warm and long-lasting finish of the fragrance, while its classic and timeless style could be seen as reflecting the versatility of Tom Ford's Ombre Leather.
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