Montabaco Verano by Ormonde Jayne is a unisex citrus musk fragrance released in 2019. The brand has not disclosed an official perfumer as its creator.
Released five years ago as a “limited edition” exclusively for Harrods, it ended up being a complete and straight-up deception from the brand, proving that you should not believe everything niche brands say.
The original 50ml bottle had a great silver/gold hue, which again became a “limited edition” but was sold worldwide in the same bottle with a darker blue color. It is now sold in an 88ml “non-limited” bottle.
This kind of dishonesty is something that we should not accept and will be displayed in its final score.
Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano in three words: OVERPRICED – PLEASANT – UNORIGINAL
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The negatives don’t just stop with the whole “limited edition” borderline scandalous statements regarding the scent itself.
These are my thoughts after a couple of months of using this fragrance.
MONTABACO VERANO ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Ormonde Jayne, a prestigious British perfume brand known for its luxurious and high-quality fragrances, launched Montabaco Verano in 2019.
Geza Schoen, a perfumer renowned for his innovative, simple, and artistic approach, maybe the mastermind behind this creation.
Montabaco Verano is inspired by Schoen’s original Montabaco, a more intense fragrance with a prominent tobacco note.
“Verano,” which means “summer” in Spanish, adds a lighter, more lively twist to the classic scent.
Montabaco Verano embodies a captivating summer journey, capturing the warmth of the sun, the lush tropical landscapes, and the dynamic energy of Latin culture.
This fragrance is carefully designed to evoke joy, freedom, and adventure, making it an irresistible choice for those who enjoy exploring and savoring life’s pleasures.
Verano is part of the “Four Corners of the Earth collection” that captures the essence of Latin America.
This perfume is still in production and is available in a 10ml travel atomizer for $48.00, 4X10ml travel atomizers for $156.00, and an 88ml Eau de Parfum bottle for $243.00.
PERFUME THEME
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “At the cutting edge of creativity, Verano joins our Four Corners of the Earth collection capturing the essence of Latin America.
Verano is a seductive and profound scent of leather, wood and tobacco leaf with a good measure of grapefruit for added bravado and a dash of cashmeran for a sensual creamy dry-down. Presented in a stunning azure bottle giving it centre stage as we pay homage to our inspirational world.”
PERFUME NOTES
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume oil concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance type: Citrus Musk
- Release date: 2019
- Target audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Grapefruit, Tobacco, and Cashmeran
- Age group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and projection: 8 – 10 hours with very good projection
- The recommended number of sprays: 2 – 4
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Presentation: 2/5
- Value for money: 4/10
- Price: $$$
- Accords: Citrus, Tobacco, Musky
- Reviewed batch code: 1305230 – May 2023
- Reformulated: Yes
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
- Sample/Buy/Pass: Sample
- Testing period: 3 months
- Production: Available
- Possibility of discontinuation: Low
PERFUME NOTES
Top notes: Air accord, Grapefruit, Juniper, Orange Absolute, Cardamom, Bergamot, Clary Sage
Heart notes: Tea, Magnolia, Rose, Hedoine, Violet
Base notes: ISO-E-Super, Tobacco, Cashmeran, Sandalwood, Suede, Ambergris, Moss, Tonka Bean
PERFUME PRESENTATION
The same applies to Verano as in my previous review of the fragrance from the same house—Ormonde Man.
It is a basic, slightly cheap-looking, outdated design ready for a severe update.
The bottle is packaged in a durable, vibrant red outer box that unfolds like a jewelry case. It is secured by a magnet and an extra layer of cardboard on the outside. Sadly, this release does not include a pamphlet.
Similar to Ormonde Man, Verano sits in a cardboard cut-off, which seems low-quality, and I can assure you that your bottle will likely get scratched while inside.
The bottle is made from blue-colored glass, showcasing the perfume’s lovely golden hue at the bottom.
Its sleek lines define its modern appearance, and the glass’s substantial weight imparts a feeling of strength and longevity.
Nonetheless, I’m not happy about the price for this kind of presentation, even though the scent itself is the most important aspect.
TOP NOTES
- Air accord
- Grapefruit
- Juniper
- Orange Absolute
- Cardamom
- Bergamot
- Clary Sage
Let me start by saying that I have no idea what the original Montabaco smells like or what any other flankers besides Verano smell, so I won’t compare them here.
Will I sample them in the future? Who knows, but at the time of writing this article, I had no desire to check them out at all.
You will get my honest description of the smell and how I feel about it.
Verano is not a scent to be dismissed. It is a pleasant fragrance, a people-pleaser that most average consumers and enthusiasts will find enjoyable, reassuring its likeability.
However, it’s worth noting that Montabaco Verano shares similarities with Bvlgari Tygar, Sospiro Vibrato, and other fragrances in its price range.
This could be a drawback for some, as it may make the scent seem redundant and overpriced.
The star of the show here is the grapefruit note. It’s bright and zesty and instantly awakens the senses.
Grapefruit is a common choice for top notes as it offers a clean and uplifting quality, perfect for setting the tone for the fragrance.
However, this grapefruit is miles below in quality and found in almost double the price of cheaper scents such as Terre d’Hermes Eau Givree and Light Blue Forever Pour Homme, which is a straight-up joke.
The same applies to the previously mentioned fragrances from Bvlgari and Sospiro.
Besides this uplifting citrus, I also get orange and juniper berries of the same quality found in Ormonde Man, some cold-pressed cardamom, and touches of clary sage, which are popular today.
Overall, the opening smells addictive, pleasant, and slightly abstract with the addition of “air accord,” I like it regardless of that cheap grapefruit.
HEART NOTES
- Tea
- Magnolia
- Rose
- Hedoine
- Violet
As soon as the grand opening settles down, you can see Schoen’s signature in the heart and the base. Specifically, I like the way he mixes synthetic molecules with natural notes.
Of the heart notes mentioned, the only ones I truly get are the green tea accord and the ozonic feeling of violet.
In addition to those green and floral notes, the heart is dominated by an overdose of ISO-E-Super, cashmeran, ambroxan, and javanol.
I like each of those molecule notes since I’m a fan of Escentric Molecules House, but not at this price.
The opening’s citrusy/spicy aspects are still present here, and the composition remains likable without reminding me of the great tobacco fragrances of the past.
BASE NOTES
- ISO-E-Super
- Tobacco
- Cashmeran
- Sandalwood
- Suede
- Ambergris
- Moss
- Tonka Bean
Things fall apart at the base, so I’m glad I did not purchase Verano at its total retail price.
I have read and seen so many reviews where authors mention how Verano smells “classy,” “elegant,” and “unique,” which boils down to the fact of how little you can’t trust fragrance reviewers these days.
The free bottle brigade has to push and shill until the end of time. Unfortunately, this is a sad state of affairs.
It all boils down to the musky leather and ashy tobacco. The sad thing about this is that it doesn’t excel at any of those notes, which is more tragic when you know that all of these are my favorite notes in perfumery.
But the funniest thing is that I like this fragrance regardless of its drawbacks and how it’s an expensive clone of Tygar with a couple of twists and turns.
I expected more, which is why this review was written the way it was.
PERFORMANCE
The one thing no one complains about about this fragrance is its performance. It lasts 8 – 10 hours on my skin, even more if the weather is perfect.
For the first 3 – 5 hours, it projects significantly, ensuring that those around you can enjoy its aroma without it being overpowered.
As for sillage, people will catch whiffs of your fragrance as you walk by quickly, and I don’t recommend going over four sprays maximum.
LONGEVITY: 8 – 10 hours
PROJECTION: Very good
SILLAGE: Very Good
TARGET AUDIENCE AND COMPLIMENTS
Verano primarily appeals to individuals who appreciate well-blended fragrances they can wear daily.
Perfume enthusiasts will probably be disappointed with the end product, but like myself, they keep the bottle when they don’t know what else to wear but want to smell good.
Lastly, although Verano is marketed as a unisex fragrance, it heavily leans toward the masculine side.
Regarding the compliments, you already know that these types of fragrances collect positive feedback like crazy, and this one is no exception.
Each time I wore it around people, I got positive comments. Just keep in mind that those words came from the people I already know.
AUDIENCE: Unisex
AGE RANGE: 20+
COMPLIMENTS: High
WHEN & WHERE
This incredibly versatile scent is excellent for hot temperatures, especially in the spring and summer.
Its lively and fresh aromas make it perfect for daytime use, whether heading to work, attending a social gathering, or simply enjoying a day out.
Montabaco Verano can still be enjoyed in colder weather. The rich and smoky base notes become more noticeable as the temperature decreases, adding a hint of mystery to the winter months.
However, it’s essential to be mindful. The smokiness may feel too intense for some on extremely hot or cold days.
SEASONS: Spring and Summer
OCCASIONS: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
ATTIRE: Daytime Chic, Blazer and Chinos, Linen Shirt, Tailored Suit
UNIQUENESS AND VALUE FOR MONEY
When buying Verano, one should not look for uniqueness; the number of listed notes can be deceptive.
Since this fragrance honors Latin America, I expected it to have much greener tobacco, like the one in magical Aramis Havana.
We have a pleasant, citrus, musky, and woody fragrance that lacks uniqueness and something new. It was a missed opportunity if you ask me.
Regarding value for money, let’s not forget that in just five years, there are three different versions of the same fragrance, and Ormonde Jayne knew this would never be a real limited edition.
The only reason why fragrance houses do this is because of price inflation and fake scarcity.
That’s why, at the retail price, Montabaco Verano gets one of the lowest scores I ever gave to a fragrance in this aspect.
I got my now discontinued 50ml version for around $115.00 from fragrance discounters, and this is what you should pay for it if you decide to buy it. Not a cent more.
UNIQUENESS: 2/5
PRESENTATION: 2/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/10
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexities, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- A pleasant and people-pleasing composition
- Versatile for multiple occasions
- Great longevity and projection
- Now available in 88ml size
Cons
- Overpriced
- Inspired by Bvlgari Tygar
- Low-end grapefruit quality
- Brand’s dishonesty about being a limited edition release
- You can buy a much better and more complex fragrance in this price range
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
Montabaco Verano is a part of the “Four Corners of the Earth collection” that includes seven different fragrances.
According to the brand, these scents pay a homage to our inspirational world and the rich diversity of London. Every oil has been carefully selected to bring a complex harmony.
COLLECTION
- Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Intensivo – a woody spicy fragrance released in 2013. The main notes include ISO-E-Super, mountain air, and tea. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with great projection.
- Ormonde Jayne Nawab of Oudh Intensivo – a floral woody fragrance released in 2015. The main notes include rose, pimento, and agarwood. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with great projection.
- Ormonde Jayne Qi – Intensivo – a floral green fragrance released in 2012. The main notes include tea, osmanthus, and mate. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
- Ormonde Jayne Montabaco – a woody spicy fragrance released in 2012. The main notes include tobacco leaf, ISO-E-Super, and tea. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with great projection.
- Bvlgari Tygar – a citrus musk fragrance released in 2016. The main notes include grapefruit, ambroxan, and musk. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with great projection.
- Calvin Klein Defy Eau de Parfum – a woody leather fragrance released in 2022. The main notes include Saffiano leather, Haitian vetiver, and suede. The lasting power is between 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
- Hermès Terre d’Hermes Eau Givree – a citrus aromatic fragrance released in 2022. The main notes include citron, juniper berries, and woody notes. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.
FINAL WORDS
I love to wear this fragrance and will probably keep it in my collection until I finish it. Due to its obvious drawbacks, this review seems a bit more negative but realistically objective.
I wish more reviewers had done more and kept the product pushing minimally.
Without repeating myself, I recommend trying Verano before you decide whether it’s worth a whole bottle.
Look around the fragrance discounter websites, and you’ll likely find a much better deal than its retail price.
What do you think about this article covering Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, looking at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide is always a good decision.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Loewe Paula’s Ibiza
- Chanel Allure Homme Sport
- Amouage Dia Man
- Dior Fahrenheit Le Parfum
- Creed Original Santal
- Histoires De Parfums Fidelis
TOP LISTS
- Top 10 Best Niche Perfumes For Spring
- Top 10 Best Niche Perfumes For Winter
- My Top 100 Perfumes Of All Time
- Top 10 Best Dior Perfumes Of All Time
- Top 10 Best Cheap Winter Fragrances For Men
- Top 10 Best Perfumers Of All Time
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Start A Perfume Collection
- Designer Vs Niche Fragrances
- Fragrance Strengths & Perfume Concentrations
- How To Wear Perfume
- How To Find Your Signature Scent
- Fragrance Addiction
Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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