5 Fragrance Recommendations For September 2021

Why has Ombre Leather made the list: Is there really anything left said about the best designer release of the last decade that already hasn’t been said?

I am still quite shocked that Tom Ford decided to release its best-seller in his signature line. While being the re-release of Ombre Leather 16, let’s not lie to each other. This is full-blown Tuscan Leather without the edgy smokiness.

Leather, fruitiness, amber, and spices dominate the powerful composition that will get you positive attention wherever you go. The leather here is smooth as butter, not resembling leather fragrances from the past.

You owe it to yourself to get your nose on Ombre Leather. There wasn’t a better time to try Ombre Leather than it is now, and see why Tuscan Leather has often been claimed by many as one of the best perfumes ever.

• Perfumer: Sonia Constant
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Leather
• Release Date: 2018
• Most dominant notes: Raspberry, Leather, Amber
• Age Group: 20+
• Seasons: Fall and Winter
• Occasions: Business, Romantic, and Leisure
• Longevity and Sillage: 24+ hours with great projection
• Compliments: High
• Likeability: High
• Uniqueness: 5/5
• Value for money: 10/10
• Perfume Color Palette: Dark Brown, White, Red
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: A+

Why has By the Fireplace made the list: By the Fireplace is an overrated perfume, that’s for sure. By just looking at overwhelmingly positive reviews and awards it regularly receives, you would think that this is something from another world, but is it?

Well, yes and no. Luckily there are more positive sides than negatives here since otherwise, it wouldn’t make this list at all. What By the Fireplace is not, is the realistic representation of being literally by the fireplace while roasting chestnuts. If you still haven’t, just come to Europe during the colder months, walk through the big city streets during the chilly night, and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

The chestnut accord is much better done in Etat Libre D’Orange Fat Electrician than here. What BTF does great, is the effect of smoky and cozy vanilla that envelops you like a warm blanket during the coldest months.

For that sole reason, it is worth it to check it out when you get a chance. Great stuff and it certainly doesn’t smell like your run-of-the-mill designer release. This is a full niche quality composition with a designer’s price. Just keep in mind that the fragrance name is somewhat misleading, and this is coming from someone who eats roasted chestnuts every fall and winter.

• Perfumer: Marie Salamagne
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
• Fragrance Type: Woody Oriental
• Release Date: 2015
• Most dominant notes: Smoke, Vanilla, Guaiac wood
• Age Group: 25+
• Seasons: Fall and Winter
• Occasions: Romantic, and Leisure
• Longevity and Sillage: 8 hours with moderate projection
• Compliments: High
• Likeability: High
• Uniqueness: 3/5
• Value for money: 8/10
• Perfume Color Palette: Brown, Yellow
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: B

Why has Guilty Absolute for Men made the list: I always saw Gucci Guilty Absolute as a modern reinterpretation of legendary Dior’s Fahrenheit, but it was never meant to be. Was it?

In the sea of mediocre designer releases, each copying the other, Gucci releases something almost revolutionary, and it just doesn’t sell. I guess that’s life and now it’s sadly discontinued.

A leather perfume that pays homage to the golden days of perfumery, but firmly stands in modern times. With a combination of harsh leather accord, aromatic greenery, and deep woods sitting at the base of this scent, many associates it with a dentist’s office or with stables, but I digress.

You will be surprised by the polarizing gasoline-like aroma of Guilty Absolute, and this might be the last year when you can get it for a decent price. Once it’s gone, it will go down in history as one of the greatest perfumes of all time. Get it while you still can.

• Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Leather Woody
• Release Date: 2017
• Most dominant notes: Leather, Cypress, and Vetiver
• Age Group: 30+
• Seasons: Fall and Winter
• Occasions: Business
• Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
• Compliments: Low
• Likeability: Moderate
• Uniqueness: 5/5
• Value for money: 10/10
• Perfume Color Palette: Brown, Green, Black
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: A+

Why has Wood & Spices made the list: I’m yet to see another fragrance with such a misleading name and notes that smell nothing alike like it is the case here.

You can forget about the official incense, sandalwood, oud, and vetiver note breakdown since you won’t find it here. I really don’t know what went wrong, and who did this mistake, but it might be the main reason why Wood and Spices is now considered a hidden gem.

What does it smell like then? On the first spray, I got Nikos Sculpture but on a much higher level, and as the fragrance develops, you will be reminded of scents like Versace Dreamer, Amouage Reflection Man, and discontinued hidden gem Fleur du Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier.

The scent is heavy on florals, amber, and citruses in the background. If this seems appealing to you, go for it and check it out. The scent itself is perfectly unisex, and even women can wear it without any hesitation.

• Perfumer: Pierre Montale
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Floral Woody
• Release Date: 2005
• Most dominant notes: Neroli, Amber, and Woods
• Age Group: 20+
• Seasons: Spring and Fall
• Occasions: Any occasion
• Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
• Compliments: High
• Likeability: High
• Uniqueness: 3/5
• Value for money: 8/10
• Perfume Color Palette: White, Green, Orange
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: B

Why has Cedrat Boise made the list: You may be wondering where is that one fragrance I said won’t break your bank and serve you well for the whole year. Well, here it is. The good old tried and true Cedrat Boise which if purchased at the right price can be quite affordable.

Originally, I wanted to place here something like Versace Dylan Blue or the hyped Rochas L’Homme, but I changed my mind. I want you to wear something of higher quality, and a better smell as well.

The scent may remind you of Aventus in the opening, but it is a whole other beast of the same quality when it dries down. A combination of fresh fruits, and a creative decision to place vanilla, and leather in the oak mossy dry down will keep you guessing how it is possible you waited this long to actually try the best Mancera fragrance out there.

Cedrat Boise has to be experienced by the wearer to appreciate it the most. Even with all the descriptions and whatnot, your nose will be the best judge. As for me, I will never be without a bottle of this masterpiece.

• Perfumer: Pierre Montale
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
• Release Date: 2011
• Most dominant notes: Black currant, Lemon, and Cedar
• Age Group: 20+
• Seasons: Any season
• Occasions: Any occasion
• Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
• Compliments: High
• Likeability: High
• Uniqueness: 4/5
• Value for money: 10/10
• Perfume Color Palette: Brown, Yellow, Red
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: A+