SycomoreCH

I bought it a while back after smelling it on someone and falling in love with the scent. Could only wear it in the winter and only one spray at a time, otherwise it's way too strong for me. Overall, a very concentrated, powerful bouquet that's best suited for men than women. As most Bond scents, this one is sufficiently unique and different, but I find I can't finish the bottle. Almost wish it came in a smaller size.

Bought the travel oil at a Duty Free as something to have with me on long flights. It's different enough, but I can't wear it for more than one day at a time, to be honest. Something about it makes me nauseous. Don't know what exact ingredient to blame... It's still in my carry-on, but mostly as an emergency fragrance.

I first bought it at Barney's on Madison ave. I remember smelling it from afar, then making a beeline to the fragrance counter. I never-ever buy a fragrance on the spot. Like ever! But this one I had to have immediately! Fast forward to 20 years later and I can tell you that this is the one perfume I've gotten the most compliments when I wear it. I once had someone literally follow me on the street to ask what I was wearing, LOL. And then, when I ran out of my tenth bottle I scoured half of Rome looking for it.

So this one took a while to "get". I swear, it took me months to finally "speak its language", but boy, oh boy, what an interesting dialogue it came to be. It opens with the notes of the most delicate and unexpected cinnamon. Not the typical sharp kind they sprinkle on your apple strudel in the US, but that soft and luxurious powder you get on your cappuccino in Rome. Trust me, there is a difference. Once the cinnamon fades away you're presented with cardamom! Up until like a month ago I had NO IDEA I liked cardamom this much! But here we are! Lilly of the Valley and anise, in a chorus with Siberian Pine and Jasmine make up the middle notes and then, about 3-4 hours later you're bathed in the most luscious musk, sandalwood and vanilla. Again, not your synthetic formulas that recall Woodstock hippies, but those elegant Roman villas you can wander for days. Le Tabac is closest to an addiction I've come with this perfume house. Bravo, Maurizio Castoro!

What can I say, the second I met this scent, I knew we'd be together forever. Over the years I have bought at least 20 bottles. Sadly, it's no longer made, but if and when I find a bottle I always buy it. Even if I'm still half-way through the one I have.
I remember misplacing the only bottle I brought with me on a trip. The entire apartment was turned upside down, looking for it. It just disappeared. My sister-in-law, somehow, managed to find a store that sold it. It was delivered that evening, just to make sure I had it when I leave. Thankfully, we found the original lost bottle! Phew! Exhaling!