Coach Leatherware No. 03

Coach Leatherware No. 3 is the most classic leather scent among the three Leatherware men's scents. The Coach store associate told me it was designed to resemble a baseball glove, and it's a fairly accurate comparison, as leather dominates most of the fragrance, with some woody accords like cypress in the background. While I get mainly cypress, I do get some of the cedar to round out the dry down. I get less of spicy and herby top and heart notes. There's a slightly citrus aspect to the opening, but not to the point of it being gourmandish. On the whole, it's smooth---not significantly acerbic, like D.S. & Durga's Bowmakers, and not citrus-intensive, like Acqua di Parma Colonia Leather. Coach Leatherware No. 3 is very agreeable, and therefore versatile. Leather inherently lends itself toward cold weather use. Projection isn't overwhelming for an EDP but longevity is strong--it'll remain a skin scent for a while. The relatively limited projection goes hand-in-hand with the scent not being distraction stylistically, either, but a great blend that itself blends in well with the wearer and doesn't stand out too much. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a bottle after the men's Leatherware trio started disappearing in early 2015 and by the fall was almost gone. The original pricing of $95 for 95ml was roughly appropriate, but on clearance at half the price, I got a steal. Not especially daring, but still far more wearable than most leather scents out there, even niche options like Tom Ford Tuscan Leather, and far more versatile, this is a great leather option if you can get your hands on it. 8 out of 10

Take out the hard, weather beaten leather you find in Salamanca and substitute fine Corinthian leather upholstery from a Bentley that has been meticulously saturated with liniments and conditioners to soften it. There's a chemical edge to it, but somehow appealing. No, it's not a clone of Salamanca but shares that same leather/vetiver earthy vibe. They do differ in some interesting ways. I'd say that this isn't your natural, raw, herbal or floral enhanced leather. It smells man made. But like that "new car smell", it can be enticing. I'm enjoying this as I get acquainted for the first time, although I have a feeling this composition could get tiring after a while. It's pretty linear and performs like an edt (instead of edp as claimed). In fact, longevity is disappointing. Maybe 3~4 hours and then it is a low skin scent at best. Btw, kind of mediocre bottling. The cap does not fit on tightly and the label looks quite ordinary. At least the sprayer works smoothly and is moderately generous. After wearing it a few times I have grown to appreciate this interesting leather fragrance, but the lack of staying power is just so disappointing. Even layering doesn't seem to help much. Fragrance: 7.9/10, Longevity: 5.8, Value: 6

I was in Coach the other day and smelled the Leatherware collection. Each of the scents are beautiful and reminiscent of fine leather goods. #1 was too soft, #2 was too feminine, but #3 was just right. It has a stronger, more powerful leather smell. Almost industrial, I believe its the orris because its sharp but lovely. It seems to offend while it attracts; which is why I compare it to Tom Fords White Suede. If you have smelled TF White Suede, it gives a faint chemical impulse. I love White Suede for that reason (and it smells leathery to me also). The difference is that White Suede seems better suited for a woman whereas Leatherware #3 is masculine. Coach compares this to the leather of a baseball glove but its more polished and refined. The bottle is plain and I am not a fan of the paper label the House of Coach glued onto said bottle. Longevity seems weak for an eau de parfum (which is what its labeled as) but I seem to get roughly 3-4 hours. Dry down is more pleasant and less industrial...the cardamom and cedar emerges.

Totally rewriting my review: This smells like a guitar/instrument shop I used to wander into as a kid. A very popular place that's still thriving; it's the smell of the wood instruments, the leather from the cases and straps...it's the smell of the shop itself --- the wood-panel walls and beat-to-hell carpet, and even the smell of the employees who reek of their own colognes, smoke-breaks and arrogant confidence. I dunno what it is, but i just gave this another wear, and the aroma INSTANTLY transported me back to that old guitar shop. My wife even says she smells "tires or maybe asphalt" in it and I kinda get that, too. I honestly can't get enough of ALL THREE of these. Well done, Coach. I give this a solid 8/10. *Personally I still think #2 is the perfect "new leather" smell, whereas #1 and this #3 are beautifully unique scents with a leather-sidekick.

Powerful rich, well-used leather. A dark, mildly smoky, peaty, gasoline-tinged, woody scent. Reminds me of Laphroig whiskey spilt onto a worn leather saddle. For me, nothing else comes close to this for leather with supporting notes - there’s vague hints of citrus and some green notes of some sort to lighten it just enough to make the darker elements shine. Bvlgari Black is in the neighborhood, but has a stronger gasoline smell and less leather. Colonia Leather is about equally leathery, but it’s a more polite designer suede handbag compared to these worn out vintage leather boots. Tragically discontinued - I have yet to find a leather that rings all the right bells like this one.