Cuba Eau de Parfum

Without having spent much time with the cologne version of this scent and not being a huge tobacco fan, the Eau de Parfum's note breakdown came as a pleasant surprise. It is also longer lasting and more wearable than the cologne. Right from the top, the scent comes across as quite camphorous (perhaps due to the peppermint), delicately sweetened (though nowhere near as sweet as the typical sugar-syrup designer scents of recent times) and evidently 'dirty-fresh' (that could be an effect of bergamot and the other notes). The cloves are quite prominent from quite early on, which to my nose make up the backbone of the scent. Nothing overpowering here, nor are we talking about cloves a la a 1980s dental surgery, but it provides a spicy woodiness throughout. In the heart, the cloves are joined by the bay leaf and a rose accord; this provides supporting floral-freshness rather than taking centre stage. As the scent evolves to its dry down, the woods are quite prominent, but held back by the incense which at this stage is still surprisingly camphorous, calming and meditative. The incense is hard to single-out, but it is there; just nowhere near as prominent as incense-heavy scents such as CdG, Tom Ford and Montale. This is nonetheless a positive point as the whole scent has a lot more going on. As per its name, Cuba, the scent is a celebration of the Caribbean island's heritage and culture. As a result, a tobacco note is mentioned in the literature, but this is very carefully woven in to the base. It is by no means a sickening overpowering tobacco (I'm looking at you Tom Ford!), but instead it almost plays 'hide and seek' with the incense and woods. Not necessarily a 'refreshing' scent in my books, but a long-lasting woody-spicy scent with some interesting combinations of notes. Czech & Speake, you have my attention!

At last - my fave Bay Rum re invented. Well, actually more of a relief... for me this is the original Bay Rum perfume (in its Cologne form). It had for me a Jeckyl and Hyde effect in its original form. The Bay leaf freshness was quickly drowned in a syrupy oil mish mash that came across as quite urinic - so much so - that - to my brain it often overrode any enjoyment. The other problem was longevity. Here, as an EDP I am pleasantly accounted for. The nature of its presentation has changed though from memory. The EDP is a dustier version - drier perhaps is the way to explain it - definitely more like the bay leaves are crushed. The yellow oiliness is thankfully used here as a subtler under current and the ingredients are more defined and natural. The mint rides beautifully on top without becoming dominant. It’s fresher and cleaner, the rum just enough so you know it’s just there unlike the EDC where it’s a huge sticky ocean and the lime keeping it realistically fresh and bright. My only complaint is the price is a bit rich when as an EDP it lacks substantial sillage and at this point I suspect a not too generous longevity though I’m sure your significant other would appreciate nuzzling your neck. So - happy - but could do better. If you want a Bay Rum experience this will still be your best pick.

This is actually a very nice scent that captures the essence of Cuba. This opens with a powerful peppermint, menthol, little bit of rum and a beautiful citrus fruits scent blended well with nose tingling goodness. There's smoke too perhaps coming from vetiver and then comes the tobacco. Its a superb evocative scent that bottles the Cuban cigar, rum and litte bit of smoke. After the initial notes this perfume truly shines.This is master work in perfumery. This has one of the best drydowns which has little bit of tobacco, smoke, very mild florals with mint undertones

This one deserved a full bottle. Just classy all around. I think it definitely leans all the way masculine, but anything goes, right? The way this wears and begins, it smells like something created in the 80’s.

The bay rum is a bigger factor than the tobacco, making it more closely related to a bay rum aftershave than one of the million sweet tobacco fragrances out there.

The thing I am getting from this are strong, harsh Coca Cola vibes. To be honest, this is what I bought the tester for in the beginning, so I’m not dissatisfied. However, “Cola” is not “Cola”, and this is more spicy and less vanilla-flavored than my favorite brands (Fentiman’s, Red Bull, Mitsuya Craft, and Dr. Pepper). As time goes by, the fragrance gets even deeper, and the tobacco-vetiver combo becomes fairly pronounced. The lime stays, to keep it balanced. To my nose, the rum-notes were not that dominant. “Cuba” reads unisex, leaning slightly masculine and is pretty ageless. If you bought this for the Cola vibes, you might have found a winner. I would still recommend testing it, though. Personally, I will not be getting a full bottle, but still think this is not a bad scent at all.

I don’t get the bad reviews of this at all. Maybe people are smelling an old sample or the cologne is slightly different, or just don’t like anything even remotely smoky. I personally love the EDP sample, it’s got a sweet lime smell that’s minty. Smoky dry and a bit sweet tobacco. It’s really nice! Fun and unique fragrance 7.5/10

If you are looking for something rum based without being too dark, this is the one. Real "Cuba" experience, however too overpriced and with weak longevity.

Super herbal, strong cloves and mint, and bay although this is a softer less intense spice. Not getting huge amounts of tobacco, the clove stays throughout and I'm getting a patch vetyver combo. Sweetens and turns soapy and powdery, a bit barber shop old school masculine like old spice. ** 200 samples for swap UK - check my customs, 10+ swaps! **