Beautiful Monster

The first Blackcliff I’ve smelled and must say I’m impressed - this is very well-blended and high-quality, though not necessarily mass appealing. I have to set aside the notes listed, and say what I smell is first and foremost (real) oud, with a touch of requisite rose. This is joined with an oily leather, giving a similar impression to House of Oud’s Blessing Silence. However where that one starts out pretty and gets more barnyard-oudy animalic late in the day, this Beautiful Monster reverses the order, starting on its monstrous side with a rather industrial leather opening, then leans further into a fruity sweetness as it dries down. Great stuff!

When I ordered the Blackcliff discovery set, I was sure Mr. Pink was going to be the one I loved the most. However after sampling them all I think it's a toss up between this one and Limewood as to which is my favorite. Both have a similar vibe, however the animalic facet of Beautiful Monster reminds me of Pierre Guillaume's excellent Arabian Horse 3.1. There's just something about the combination that excites me. I had AH on my list of expensive someday bottles to own, but depending on how Monster wears, it may take its place at the top of the list.

This scent is not something I would normally wear. It is definitely for more advanced scent wearers. I was looking for something that was dark, mysterious yet alluring. This fragrance does all of those things for me. I think the Birch tar gives it that darness you feel at first sniff. It dries down very earthy and a little sweet. For me it's the skin scent is the best part of this masterpiece. It stays on my skin for 6-8 hours. This one of those fragrances that you can grab on a dark rainy day or night at your local speak easy.

The birch tar is the foremost note from the start. That makes this fragrance sort of dark, thick, and heavy, which is perfect for autumn or dark, cold winter days. Although, as it continues to open, the birch tar melds with labdanum and other notes to become lighter and more balanced. The opening very much reminds me of Birch Tar and Russian Leather, but with broader appeal. Unlike that fragrance, this one doesn't remain thick and heavy; this one has lighter earthy notes rise over time. This definitely leans more masculine in my opinion. It's certainly not for everyone, but it's sure to please some people very much. I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Note: This is strong. On subsequent wearings, I've noticed a powdery quality to the birch tar that doesn't quite sit well with me.

Definitely the most artistic in the line and will appeal the most to the fragrance enthusiast as it’s uniqueness is in a class of its own. Be wary of this ones super harsh opening but as this dries down it gets much easier to get along with. This isn’t mass appealing at all though I could see a lot of people not digging this. This is not blind but worthy but definitely a statement maker and head turner. Unisex. And around 9-10 hours longevity.