English Leather Black

Good stuff. Dark with an almost bitter presence. Dry down is pleasant, after about an hour it's where I like it. It has a rather utilitarian, outdoor, rugged ambience. Something reminiscent of the mid to late 1960s here. A wistful simplicity is evoked. Images of a huge old tree with a rubber tire swing in an isolated backyard some thirty feet from the freight train tracks. Then the thought of two sweaty adults sharing a forty on a late spring afternoon with no one else around. The breeze blows, the sky is still a crisp blue devoid of chemtrails, and you wake to see a grasshopper standing on your arm. The diesel odor from the train lingers in the air with the scent of the tire, which has just a little of the previous evening's rainwater in it. You suspect the dragonflies are hip to it as well. Very evocative for just a song!

I actually am wearing this scent today, as I borrowed some from a male friend, and then decided to purchase a bottle for myself after receiving numerous complements. I do notice the citrusy top note, but also detect the refreshingly dry woods, amber,leather, and a moderate musk (almost too much for my taste, so I don't spray on too much!). I am not sure what is happening with these folks who say English Leather Black does not last, because on me it sometimes lasts six hours or more (but not always), plus it has a decent sillage for a men's scent. I certainly suggest that the ladies try this fragrance for themselves, especially if you like the non-floral scents.

I would also like to add that I own more than 40 fragrances- some cheapies and many expensive ones. I am on a quest to find something that smells like this, but with better staying powers. Thus far I have found noting smelling even remotely like this, I know some people complain that it is linear. I like that about it. I have many frags that open great and the dry down is horrible. AS an older guy I cannot handle too much sweetness in fragrances, and ELB is never sweet. A true masculine smell. I own a half a dozen bottles of this to make sure I will not run out if I cannot get it any longer! This has been my signature fragrance for about a decade now.

This opens like a freight train. Strong spice and citrus combine to make it sharp, while the middle/base musky and woody notes give it great depth. The leather in this is very much overwhelmed by the sharp top-notes. After about 30 minutes it is really at its best and I detect something similar to a pungent tobacco-like note coming through, probably the "leather". Like a freight train, it is also soon gone and after an hour it is really close to the skin. This is a very good fragrance considering the cheap price for which it can be bought and I love the bottle. If only it lasted longer...

I am mostly interested in the middle and base notes of cologne, and in my opinion, ELB is a great scent. Some people find it unrefined, I think it is masculine. I find many of the really high-end designer perfumes absolutely nauseating and way too sweet or "refined" - and no, I am not a very mucho guy. The fact that this stays on me all day and is still noticeable in the evening is another plus. My wife loves it as well. My favorite for now.