Mahon Leather

I must admit, I’m not usually a fan of leather fragrances (still, I've got a few), but today I wanted to buy something from Floris. After sampling a few, I found myself unexpectedly falling in love with Mahon Leather which became my fragrance #120 right away. From the very beginning, the leather note is unmistakably present and dominant, yet softened in a refined way. This isn’t a heavy, dirty or animalic leather—rather, it feels light, airy, almost sweet. The brightness of citrus on one side, and most likely the jasmine/saffron/sandalwood combo on the other, round off the sharpness of the leather beautifully. Perhaps I’m influenced by Floris’ centuries-old heritage, but this fragrance isn't definitely modern. Instead, it carries the aura of sophistication and tradition—think of a well-dressed gentleman in a double-breasted suit. It even conjures images of an elegant Englishman grooming his horse, polishing fine leather tack before heading out for a hunt. There is an undeniable old-money quality to it—timeless, dignified, never ostentatious. Despite this classic character, Mahon Leather is perfectly wearable in a contemporary setting. Projection and sillage are moderate, making it an excellent office fragrance. Because it avoids the animalic, “dirty” side of leather, it can easily appeal even to those who generally prefer more crowd-pleasing scents. If I were to compare it in spirit rather than in scent, I’d place it in the same category of wearability as TdH. Like TdH, it’s the kind of fragrance you simply can’t go wrong with—but unlike TdH, which is quite common, Mahon Leather feels unique and rare. That uniqueness is something I value greatly, especially in a world where certain perfumes (Baccarat Rouge 540, Aventus, Megamare, and the like) have become so viral that they are almost omnipresent. As for the presentation, the packaging is refined: a simple yet professional-looking cardboard box and a bottle in that unmistakably English style. The glass feels weighty and substantial in hand, and the sprayer is efficient, if not exceptional. The only weak point is the cap, which feels somewhat cheap—lightweight plastic, a little disappointing compared to the rest of the presentation (considering I paid 200 swiss francs for it), even if it does grip securely. Personally, I still prefer the bottles from Penhaligon’s, which feel a touch more luxurious. In summary, Mahon Leather surprised me. It’s refined, elegant, and distinct—exactly what I would expect from a house like Floris. While it may not scream modernity, it whispers timeless class.

Awhile back a friend told me about a sample sale that Floris was having. 5 x 2ml samples for $7.95. Hmmmm the chance to explore 5 new fragrance for under 8 bucks? I really didn't know much about Floris at the time, but did I mention, 5 new fragrance for under 8 bucks?? Yes, I had to try Floris out and I am VERY glad I did. Mahon Leather was the first sample I tired out of the bunch and it was love at first sniff. This is such an elegant and classy scent, that has a little of everything I like. Leather, barbershop, boozy, warm, spicy, sweetness and soapy cleanness. I am not a big floral or citrus fan, but these are so well blended in this composition that they add depth vs overpower the scent. Mahon Leather is a masterpiece IMO. On another review I talked about fragrances bringing back memories. When I was a little boy sweetened cereal was a treat for my bother and I. It was for rare occasions, so we savored them. I vividly remember being hunched over the breakfast table with a fresh bowl of Frosted Flakes cereal. Loving the taste, texture and even the scent of the cereal. Mahon Leather brings back that memory. I am not saying ML smells exactly like FF, but I am saying I get a similar vibe. Every once in a while while wearing this I am transported back to being that little boy again with a fresh bowl of Frosted Flakes in front of me and loving life. I get good projection and great longevity out of ML on my skin. It works great in any occasion, casual or formal IMO. I wear this in jeans and in a suit. I love this one so much I just purchased a backup bottle and moved it into my top 5 favorite fragrances. Herod my be challenged in the future as my signature scent. Bottom line, if you like leather scents try a sample of Mahon Leather. Check out the Floris Sample Sale. I would also recommend you try Leather Oud and Honey Oud in this line. I will do reviews of those in the future as well.

Review based on usage of a dab-on sample (not sure if dab vs spray makes a difference). This is really a very nice scent. I had smelled some Floris scents in a local store and they didn't excite me, so when I received a carded sample of this I just put it with my others and forgot about it. Having been on a bit of a leather kick recently, when I saw this in my samples box I decided to give it a whirl. I found this to be a pleasant and extremely wearable leather scent. It has a slight citrus+clean jasmine note as it opens, which quickly gives way to a gentle leather with a rich sweetness, which I thought was vanilla until I looked up the notes, so probably tonka. This was sweeter than, for example Cuirs (Carner Barcelona) but not quite as sweet as Cuir Ottomon (Parfum d'Empire). After a few minutes the iris note came forward (I am just loving leather/iris combos of late!) making this a pleasant sweetly floral leather. Later on a woody muskiness joins and the florals take a bow and exit stage left, leaving a slightly sweet (tonka?) woody leather drydown with just a hint of sweet musk. This was a lot sweeter than I had anticipated, it is not mega sweet and not really a "sweet perfume", but it was sweeter than I expected. It was also a lot nice than I expected, I do like this! Sillage was quite gentle, longevity moderate. Oh and this is DEFINTELY UNISEX!! It is packaged, listed, named and marketed for men but this is to me completely unisex.

What a beautiful, easy to wear, extremely unisex leaning towards feminine leather. This is in the vein of Knize Ten with a luminous, camphoraceous leather note like brand new leather goods--or newly polished. It's not black but rather a soft grey held together by an animalic (saffron?) amber that recalls more a beautiful, expensive driving glove than car seats or a handbag--it is supple and it's been worn, and there is human warmth suggested with the amber. The fragrance warms up with with time into an ambery leather with light white floral notes (jasmine?) layered over a rich iris, and sandalwood--perhaps its the effect of the vetiver, but I would never classify this as a vetiver fragrance. Not too heavy in the heat, it's a gorgeous fall perfume that increases in projection as it warms up. After 3 hours it's still detectable with about 3 inches of projection and lasts all day. This is a satisfying fragrance. This definitely fits in with a group of floral leathers in which I include Knize Ten, Cuir Cannage and Cuir de Russie. If Knize Ten is the least floral and most masculine, Mahon Leather is the lightest of these more feminine leathers, then Cuir Cannage (dark heart contrast with orange blossom white florals), the Cuir de Russie (dark heart and dark iris florals).

**Aristocratic, antique leather saddle, just washed with saddle soap** This is a truly stunning leather, but not for those that only love dirty, animalic leather. To me, this smells like an old, high-quality, antique leather saddle that is still in use and has just been deep cleaned with saddle soap, giving off a fresh, powdery, floral leather with just a hint of musky, animalic notes that are just too deeply embedded in the saddle to get out completely. It's an aristocratic leather, certainly. This is what King George III's gloves would have smelt like. This is perfumed and powdered leather in the most ancestrally-defined elite way. This has 'old money' vibes through-and-through. But not the jet setting, mercantile, Monaco-esque 'old' money that was made a few generations ago. If you're looking for that vibe go elsewhere. This is proper, English, noble old money. Just like the English aristocracy, it's outdated, but that's part of its charm. This gem is a rare find these days, so grab it whenever you can. Fair warning though: you'll probably be competing against me me for it.