Classica

I blind bought this, and with scant reviews online I had no idea what to expect. My first impression, having worn it for 15 minutes now, is that it's a lot better than I expected going from the comments I've read on perfume review sites. However, I'm not surprised, as I've never come across a Bortnikoff which wasn't excellent, even when it's a scent I wouldn't personally wear. I'm getting all of the notes above, swirling around in a heady, floral bouquet, but with a sticky element, perhaps the incense. The incense isn't strong, but it's noticeable and gives a sweet, resiny bed for the dancing flowers. Before long I start to smell the ambergris and sandalwood which, combined with the castoreum, give a sort of skanky, wet wood effect. At this stage the florals are indistinguishable from each other, but I do agree with others who have said that the heliotrope is overdosed somewhat. It's sweeter than I expected, but in a natural way. There's absolutely no sign of any screech or scratch, which of course is due to the lack of synthetics (although I also agree with those who reckon the musk here is not natural, nor does Bortnikoff claim it to be, there's no fuzzy fur feel). The birch tar is always there, but it's restrained enough as to merely enhance the resiny incense, rather than give a smoky texture to the perfume. Someone below said it smelled like smoked salmon, I'd say perhaps they haven't experienced some real smoke-bombs like Tonnere or Monolith. The birch tar here is only marginally stronger than in Cuir de Russie EDP. Which brings me onto the leather accord. I agree with the many others who deem that this leather is more Russian than Spanish, or perhaps it's somewhere between the two. But whatever leather style it is, it's muted. For me this is floral-sandalwood-incense, and I'm happy to say the sandalwood is the usual top-tier Bortnikoff type. For the record, I smell oud. I have many Bortnikoff ouds, and there's definitely a splash of something oudy in here. Bizarrely, he references oud in the write up for this scent while not including it in the note list, but then it wouldn't be the first time that their note lists were wrong or their write-ups erroneous. Drydown: I do get the baby wipe vibes other people have mentioned. The far dry down is my least favourite part of this, but it's not bad, and I'll rock it all the same. Incidentally I never get compliments about my perfume but I got one today for Classica.

This is definitely an interesting take on the classical genre. Classica doesn’t smell like anything I’ve tried from Bortnikoff or anyone else before (I own 10 Bortnikoffs). That being said, what I got off the initial spray was interesting. I was reminded of smoked salmon and leather with a pungent orange blossom for the first 10 minutes. Eventually, the heliotrope, lavender, and lemon notes break through the initial spray and it turns beautiful. The smoked salmon takes a back seat, gradually falling off and dying at the 45 minute mark. Nearing the end of the Classica, I get a beautiful, high-quality baby powder with heliotrope, soft orange blossom, and lavender, which is indeed the best part of the fragrance for me. One thing to mention is that there’s a soft, ever present leather note throughout this fragrance. It’s very hard to pick up. Classica is not for everyone, but is high on versatility in the way it’s able to be worn in every season. Classica is classy, daring, different, and handsome, giving it an overwhelming masculine nature. The Projection: 6/10 Performance 7/10 scent 8/10

A modern take on the Peau d'Espagne (traditional Spanish leather cologne) this is a pleasant under the radar offering from this always interesting niche house. The scent opens with citruses and neroli and proceeds to a floral heart accentuated by slight incense. The perfume settles on a powdery base which comprises of a leather accord (made with birch tar, musk and castoreum), vetiver, vanilla, tonka beans and slight patchouli. The unisex scent has moderate projection and longevity and is a pleasant ride from start to finish. Classic elegance. Enjoy!

well, Classica is a perfect name. i would imagine it as Catherine de Medici perfume. sophisticated, prominent, very present, dry, unisex, 40+. head ache inducer for some, one of the best perfume for others. it reminds me of Pikovaya Dama by Xerjoff, but without aldehydes. if you like Pikovaya Dama, try Classica. performance is for 3-6h, very strong at the begging, drying out into pleasant very dry flower-leather.

Oh wow -- I wasn't expecting something like this from Bortnikoff! This really REALLY is a 'classic', right here. Man! My mum's friend had a scent like this back in the 80s, and this scent is taking me straight back there! That said, I do NOT like it, it's animalics and floral, which, aside not working for me or even on me, smells quite dated. Not for me. It is done well, though...