Equest Gallop

#1117 in my "Tour de Fragrance" I would have reviewed this two weeks ago but a girlfriend was here when it as delivered, smelled it and made off with it. I ordered another bottle and here it is. Tom Ford released "Tuscan Leather" in 2007. Byredo's "Black Saffron came in 2012. So I think credit for the "raspberries and leather" thing goes to Tom Ford. Lattafa has "Al Qiam Gold", Alhambra "By Saffron", "Tosacano Leather", both of which smell cheap and synthetic , The Woods Collection has "Glow", Paris Corner has "Killer Oud Nights of Arabia" (which the girlfriend also absconded with), Majouri "Jour 11", Blend Oud has "Corona", Rasasi "La Yuqawam". I actually prefer the La Yuqawam as a TF dupe for the olibanum, but this is a bit less expensive and still a nice fragrance. Car pool, elevator, small office safe. Good for date night. Moderate performance (makes it lunch). $29, so a safe blind buy.

It opens with a focus on a strong dark masculine leather and woods scent and the leather dominates the first hour, but its not a dense or flat masculine scent. Exploring it there's an atmospheric, uplifting, airy living green forest with hints of florals and something sweet underneath with a smooth soft base, like sandlewood. Its very well blended artistry and has dimension/depth. Masculine strength, airiness and a living terrain contrast and balance each other. It's very dry, structured, and grounded. Very long lasting, still present on my skin 5 hours later and most aromatics dissappear from my skin within 90 minutes. I appreciate well made, masterpieces that are affordable in every fragrance category and this one definitely earns a place in my collection.

beautifully blended impression of tuscan leather by tom ford mixed with black saffron by byredo. clean, sweet and leathery. i love the presentation, niche level.