Fortitude

I wrote a little about Fortitude a while back, I found my travel spray in a box of others today and put a spray on my forearm. I figured I would jump back in and add to my thoughts below: Fortitude is a very interesting fragrance, it starts out as an almost 1:1 of Tumi Continuum, as it goes into the drydown, it develops some incredible depth with multiple levels of dry tobacco leaf supported by tonka bean, patchouli, nutmeg and sandalwood which develop into a stunning a cocoa accord. I own a bottle of Tumi Continuum, but it has always been to simple and too linear for me, Fortitude is MUCH better in my opinion and came out years before. It's blatantly obvious that Continuum was inspired by Fortitude. Performance is very good with 8+ hours on skin, days on clothing. Projection is great in the first 2 hours. This is a fragrance best suited to Fall and Winter although it would wear nicely on cool rainy spring days and cooler nights in the early Spring and late Summer. This is a fragrance that I would classify as masculine in terms of traditional fragrance gender conventions, but there's no reason a woman couldn't wear it. It's like a more mature gourmand fragrance. Although the notes and scent profile are different, I would say vibe wise this would make a good alternative to the legendary Dior Homme Parfum 2014. It could also be viewed as more grown up (and higher quality) version of something like Luna Rossa Black. Fortitude has to be one of the most wonderful cold weather fragrances I have had the pleasure of smelling, especially when I think of gourmands. Yes this a a tobacco fragrance but it smells almost like a dessert. Robert Graham Valour is also a borderline masterpiece and layers well with Fortitude. I have only smelled their other fragrance Courage one time and it wasn't anything special, but Fortitude and Valour are both absolutely phenomenal. 93/100

Listen up: Maceration is a real thing I started as a fan of Robert Graham's Courage, so when I saw a great deal on Fortitude I gave it a chance. When it arrived I opened it up and sprayed it on a card. Much to my disappointment, it was pretty lackluster. The tobacco note seemed cheap and the rest of the notes just seemed like a syrupy mess. It wasn't terrible, but it was flat and blah, not at all like Courage... So I shelved it. Then some months went by and the holidays rolled around. Wanting a "Christmas Carol"-like Christmasy scent, I thought I'd see if the cold, late fall, wintery season changed how the scent came off.. so I opened it again. This time when I sprayed it, it came to life. It was bold, strong, strikingly masculine, and robust. I was shocked. This was in no way the same fragrance I had smelled several short months ago.. The tobacco is dominant, and rich, and deep, and sweet thanks to the supporting lively patchouli and the smooth vanillic tonka. I never thought a tobacco scent could "sparkle", but this one does. If you want a masculine tobacco scent that commands respect by giving the image of a victorian ship captain smoking a pipe, but also has a subtle warm soft sweetness that says you also have a heart...Give this one a shot.

Nice! A warm sweet delicious creamy tobacco / tonka bean opening which gives this scent a vanilla vibe. A couple of hours in the patchouli comes out and adds a little spiciness to the scent. I do not get a Tobacco Vanille vibe on my skin, I get more of a 18.21 Sweet Tobacco vibe without the wine note. I have not tried Soul CoSTUME NATIONAL so I cannot comment on that one, but based on this one I will have to give Soul a try. I do get a Mugler Pure Tonka vibe, but lighter, during the dry down phase. I am not saying it smells just like Pure Tonka, but it does have that same feel, but lighter, to it. Fortitude is a non-offensive fragrance, meaning that not everyone will love it, but no one will hate it. That makes Fortitude a great office / daily / signature scent. Although this is marketed to men, I can easily see a woman wearing this. I can also see this one in either casual or a sports coat. Bottom line: If you like sweet tobacco scents, this one is worth a try.

I've been wearing this for a year now. I got a full bottle after running out of a sample, then found out it was being discontinued. Ever since then, I've bought backup bottles and watched this disappear from the internet. I'm legitimately heartbroken. This is an INCREDIBLE fragrance. Very simple, but powerful. My favorite tobacco fragrance, favorite tonka fragrance, favorite patchouli fragrance. They all blend together so very nicely. The longevity isn't beast mode, but it'll last a good 7-8 hours and smell nice the whole way down. Dries down very creamy and ambery. Everyone that got their hands on this... congratulations. Everyone else... well, I don't know what to say except that I feel your pain. I hope this comes back someday, or that a really good clone of it gets made, because Robert Graham Fortitude deserved better.

A tobacco scent with a strong, sweet whiskey-like tonka beans, & a hint of patchouli herbal muskiness. Sweet & softly woody. Reminds me a lot of Mancera's Red Tobacco & its clone Alexandria Hafez 1984, minus the spicy accord. Yet, because of the spicy accord that gives a lively warmth to RT/Hafez, I prefer them over Fortitude. Still, Fortitude has a hint of spiciness, likely from the patchouli. Also, in comparison, Fortitude feels a little mute or flatter compared to RT/Hafez. It's the lack of a spicy accord again. However, people who like Spicebomb & Bvlgari Man in Black will love Fortitude. It's right there with them. To me, if you draw a Venn diagram between RT/Hafez & Spicebomb/Black Man, the intersection is Fortitude! Overall, a lovely winter tobacco smell with strong tonka. Mature & elegant. Big "Like"!

A real pleasure to have this in my collection. It is rich and full bodied. Elegant yet mountaineer. It is not anything that would offend anybody. Office approved. It will last 12+ with moderate sillage and mild projection. Standing still you won't get it, but when moving about it leaves a very nice scent trail. It is NOT like the ONE, nor is it like Spice Bomb...get your noses checked... It would be closer to mixing Bentley Intense and Bowling Green. It is silky smooth and almost creamy. A light tobacco, honey, forest, deer skin, natural scent. the top is spicey, the dry down is boozy leather and woods. Longevity 10/10 Sillage 8/10 falling to 2/10 the last hours Projection 8/10 falling to 1/10 at the end Overall 9/10

I was sent this as a sample a while ago when I purchased a different fragrance. It was a very small sample but loved what I was smelling so I decided to do a little more research. To my surprise, it was around $50 for a 100ml bottle so buying it to test it out more was a no-brainer. I'm not going to go into the note break down but I can tell you this is what D&G The One EDP wishes it was. This is pure class from start to finish and I get a solid 6-8 hours on my skin. This is a very clean woody/tobacco/patchouli fragrance that just does it for me and is an easy "dumb reach". With the cold weather here, I'm glad this on always within arms reach.

Extremely spicy and sweet open, heavy on vanilla and resinous scents, almost an amber, smells like sugar cookies and mulling spice. After a half hour to an hour, the spiciness dissipates and the tobacco takes center stage. It's still sweet from the tonka but more like a light Virginia tobacco than a cherry pipe tobacco or a spicy cigar. Sillage starts off heavy and radiant and fades to moderate in an hour or two. Still clinging to a shirt over a day later, has become even sweeter, exuding vanilla and honey. Great colder weather night scent. Layers well with Robert Graham Valour.

So I purchased a sample of this a while back because I absolutely love The One EDP by D&G. On first impression I didn't really care for it that much :( Then, a few months past and I went back to try it again and WOW this smells awesome!! What changed in that time span?? I wore this on one arm and The One EDP on the other and I preferred this. Like, it wasn't even close! It smelled sweeter this type but what I really like was it was coming off my skin very well. It kinda makes me sad because I keep finding more and more fragrances that I prefer over my first true love.

This opens with a brief bright citrusy note that dies down quickly, it's a bit out of place but don't mind it as it doesn't last long, then quickly turns into tobacco with an underlying sweet slightly powdery, fizzy tonka. The tonka in the mid is creamy and beautiful with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and powder, sweet but not overly so. Very enjoyable. The drydown is a nice slightly spicy, slightly smoky patchouli. It's very beautiful, very wearable. Can be compared more to Jazz club than to The One. But more wearable and less vanilla/sweet than Jazz Club. Wonderful!

I feel that this fragrance goes under noticed and it deserves some hype. Rumor is it is discontinued, but it can still be gotten online. I picked up my bottle for about $80 or so and I could not be happier with this purchase. I am big into tobacco fragrances and this is in the vein of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille but not as sweet. It is classy and sophisticated with a gentle silage. I find it to be sweet but again, not nearly as sweet as Tom Ford making it more wearable and versatile. There definitely is some boozy, cherry tobacco vibe but this is wonderfully done.

I don't know what's in here - there has to be more than 3 notes - but every time i smell it my brain just goes "YESS!" and i am deleriously happy. A true testament to the power of smell to affect ones mood. I've been searching for a signature tobacco frag for years, and most seemed either too syrup sweet, or dusty dry for me. Fortitude hits the mark perfectly.How? Not sure. Maybe it's the blend. So while i am not a man with significant disposable income,sometimes you just know a good fit when you smell one. i bought a bottle right away.

What an excellent tobacco warm boozy scent this is. Just the right amount of aromatic tobacco leaf, tonka, vanilla, and patch. This is definitely on the sweet creamy side of tobacco but not a cherry type al a pure havane. It is also not powdery. Very good performance on me! Stunning bottle for sure and at the price, I would say worth it. Give these a try if you can find a Robert Graham boutique (Not sure where they are sold otherwise).

My favorite kind of scent. Tobacco and vanilla/tonka. Wearing this while walking around downtown New York in November is how life should be. Some reviewers say citrus but I personally do not smell that. There is the patchouli note and something that comes off a tad spicy but its mostly just well blended tobacco and vanilla people will notice. This is an excellent cold weather fragrance.

This stuff is amazing! One sniff is all I needed to know that this will be an easy cold weather grab. Bright, boozy citrus on top for a couple of minutes that reminds me of a whiskey old fashioned. Then, drying into the tobacco/ patchouli/ tonka combo you’ve read about. I‘ll probably be buying a backup bottle if I ever find one.

I gave a small decant to the man in my life. I love it when he wears it. Sweetened tobacco scents are my favorite on him. The scent stays for 24 hours (from just after a shower to until the next one) and clings to clothes just enough that they smell like him. I'll probably get another decant of this once what he has runs out.

Mostly tonka, pleasantly powdery and sweet. The patchouli flirts a bit, never fully rounded out and constantly shifting. I tend to dislike tobacco but the balance here is perfect. A very wearable unisex scent, though I prefer it on women. Longevity and silage are moderately strong, the exact level I personally enjoy.

This is a very nice juice... very similar to Tommy Bahama Men IMO. This is much stronger with a slight incensey vibe. Nice tobacco in the start with lots of patchouli and some Tonka. Overall this would be a great fall and winter scent for casual situations. This is a try before you buy of course... Enjoy!

This stuff is fantastic... Been adding tobacco frags to the collection lately, and this one is really nice. It slightly reminds me of Man In Black Essence with better performance. It doesn't have the oud that Essence has, but it comes across in a similar way, and I'm really enjoying it. 8.5 out of 10

Tumi Continuum is great, but since smelling this, I am no longer as impressed with the Tumi, as it was clearly a derivative of this. This is like a niche version of Continuum. Similar opening, but deeper and richer. The drydown becomes a very nice amber. Performance is great.

I will add a longer review when broken in, but on first day, this reminds me of Insurrection II Wild (or Mugler's Pure Havane) but with a less harsh (more pleasant) opening and a weaker cherry. I prefer this actually! Love the tobacco and honey accords. So far, so good.

Don't let the 3 notes listed fool you! This has amazing depth, and is far from linear. Picked up a samples of this and Valour, and now need a full bottle. Great masculine tobacco notes that evolve as the scent unfolds. Truly a must try for any tobacco lover

Don't let the "for men" stop you. A female could absolutely wear this, because I am wearing it! And I can't stop sniffing my wrist. It is an absolutely gorgeous tobacco scent, warm and spicy. And that flacon!!!! OH MY!!! I just had to have it!

This fragrance gives you satifaction without having to wait on the dry down like Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille 3 hours later! It's very unixsex! Its great layered with other vanilla based scents!I am glad I discovered this wonderful fragrance!

I bought it because of the bottle and hated the scent. I wore it again after a year and now I love it. A safe blind buy that is unique. Very elegant and masculine.

Although not listed, I pick up on a distinct citrus note. It doesn't ruin the scent for me, but I wish it weren't there. Beautiful tobacco scent overall though.

The honey here is beautiful My first rober Graham’s fragrance and it was a hit in my book Iam happy with this fragrance And it lasts for a good amount of time

Woman's review- This is my #1 all time fall/winter super sexy, uber masculine sweet tobacco fragrance for men. Makes me weak in the knees.

Amazing Tobacco scent. The only problem with this seems to be it's very hard to find. Anyone have any idea where I can get this?

This is available on the Robert Graham website right now. Scoop it up.. Worthy juice!

Nice scent. If you cant afford Initio Rehab, get this

In the same vein as Mancera Tonka Cola.

It’s not discontinued. You’re welcome.

Today’s review turns towards another blind buy of mine, Fortitude by Robert Graham. A fragrance that embraces simplicity and strength in equal measure. Built around a compact trio of tonka bean, tobacco, and patchouli, Fortitude sets out to make its statement through richness and depth rather than complexity or constant evolution. It presents itself as warm, grounded, and confidently masculine, leaning into classic accords that prioritize presence over polish. With a structure this restrained, the focus shifts from discovery to execution, inviting a closer look at how these familiar notes assert themselves together. Let’s see whether Fortitude lives up to its name and holds its ground once worn. Opening: The opening is sweet, warm, and earthy. With only three notes listed, tonka bean, tobacco, and patchouli, each plays a clearly defined role from the start. Tonka bean greets the nose first, presenting a warm, vanillic sweetness with subtle facets of almond, soft spice, and powder. It immediately gives the fragrance its richness and smoothness, wrapping the composition in a cozy, almost gourmand warmth without crossing into dessert territory. Tobacco follows as a dry, aromatic warmth rather than anything smoky or ashy, reading more like sweetened pipe tobacco than cigar smoke. It reinforces the masculine character of the scent while adding depth and preventing the sweetness from becoming too dominant. Patchouli then anchors the opening with a dark, earthy undertone. This isn’t a damp, soil-like earthiness, but a restrained yet rich patchouli that provides balance and structure. Together, the notes briefly form a “root beer–like” impression, reminiscent of my experience with Tumi Continuum, giving the opening a familiar yet pleasant twist. Dry Down: The dry down shifts toward a sweet, powdery, and warm profile. Tonka bean remains the dominant note, but its character evolves, leaning more heavily into a powdery, almost play-doh–like nuance, similar to the tonka found in BDK Parfums Velvet Tonka. Tobacco grows slightly stronger here, maintaining its dry, aromatic warmth and beginning to resemble the style of tobacco found in fragrances like Tobacco Vanille, though it lacks the same level of realism and richness. Lastly, patchouli continues to serve as a grounding force, lending quiet earthiness that keeps the fragrance from becoming overly sweet or heavy. Outside of these subtle shifts in emphasis, Fortitude remains largely linear in its progression. Performance: Projection during the first hour is strong, reaching out at least six feet and leaving a noticeable scent trail. After three to four hours, projection remains largely unchanged, while sillage softens slightly but stays undeniably present. Around the seven to eight hour mark, projection pulls back to roughly arm’s length, with the scent trail lingering faintly. The fragrance transitions into a skin scent shortly thereafter. Overall, performance is respectable and well suited to the style of the fragrance. When to Wear: Fortitude is best suited for fall and winter wear and can work during both daytime and evening. Its warm, rich character makes it especially fitting for special occasions, though it has enough versatility to be worn casually or dressed up for formal settings. It would prove to be too dense for office wear, though. Blind Buy: For fans of warm, sweet tobacco fragrances, Fortitude is a relatively safe blind buy. It stays firmly within a mass-appealing, designer-adjacent DNA, relying on familiar and approachable accords. The only potential drawback is the powdery, play-doh–like aspect of the tonka in the dry down, though this is not something most people are likely to notice. Final Verdict: As another blind buy, the evaluation of Fortitude ultimately comes down to value rather than pure enjoyment. At around fifty dollars, it delivers a pleasant scent profile, decent performance, and the kind of mass appeal that can easily earn compliments, making it a fair purchase at that price point. However, when compared to the heavier-hitting tobacco fragrances already in my collection, it doesn’t quite measure up. Had I sampled it beforehand, it’s not a fragrance I would have gone out of my way to buy. While it’s by no means a bad scent, it lacks the distinction needed to justify a permanent spot in my rotation, and I’ll likely end up selling the bottle. Still, I would recommend it as a budget option to anyone that enjoys sweetened tobacco fragrances. Scent: 8/10 Longevity: 7/10 Sillage: 9/10 Versatility: High Mass Appeal: High Gender: Masculine Value: Good

Essentially just a bunch of sweet woody-spicy fragrances mashed together. How anyone could miss the similarities with Zara's Warm Black and CK One Shock is beyond me; but there are elements of maybe two more scents in there that are so incredibly familiar that it's bothering me. Feels like something low mall-niche though, and from the past, maybe pre-2015. Has that sort of Serge Lutens/Tom Ford vibe, and slightly nostalgic. In fact, if Serge were to do a take on Zara's first release of Warm Black, this could easily be it. Anyway, I'd place it as a cedary spicy coumarin all day, emulating the idea of tobacco, but with the perfect amount of tonka sweetness. The greener patchouli is on the earthy side and there's even a touch of vanilla way in the background. But in the cooler weather, the cedar really jumps off of my skin so it's the main player. Dang is that subconscious similarity really kicking me in the butt though. Definitely not Spicebomb, Chergui or anything from Varvatos. Some element of Roaring Radcliff maybe? Meh, I'll get it eventually. I will say however, that as a stand alone, it's a solid scent, albeit derivative and highly redundant despite the quality of the blending. Transitions a bit throughout too, so it's more complex than the note breakdown makes it seem. But if you're familiar with scents released around the same time (mid-2010's), this one will definitely take you back. No piercing woody ambers or powerful aroma chems, just spicy-sweet tonka-ish goodness, with just the right amount of projection. Fortunately, if I could go back in time and trade all the fragrances that it's similar to for this one, I would. It's just better - more rounded than Warm Black, and not as sugary-fruity sweet as One Shock. The spices are also less annoying. The only downside is that it gets considerably simpler in the far drydown so it could be a bit boring for some. Otherwise, it's an excellent autumnal fragrance, and I heard that they even brought it back from the dead - undoubtedly in a new form. Haven't smelled the new stuff yet, but the old Fortitude certainly gets a thumbs up. Scent - 7.75/10 Longevity - 7/10 Projection - 6.5/10 Overall - 7.5/10

Fortitude, A Sweet Tobacco Castle 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆ Journeying through fields of sweet amber and rich tobacco, Robert Graham's Fortitude evokes beautiful scenery through its slightly sweet yet intriguing scent profile. While not as mass appealing as the ubiquitous Spicebomb, Fortitude exudes a likable presence with performance strong enough to get noticed. At first sniff, memories arise of the masterful ambery Jacques Fath Bel Ambre, yet Fortitude forges its own tobacco-infused path. Hints of alluring niche elements prevent the amber from becoming boring, allowing an enduring ebb and flow. Fortitude’s longevity exceeds a full day, with projection potent yet not overbearing compared to today’s anemic designer counterparts. Rather than fall into CK One Shock’s chemical claws, find your inner strength with Robert Graham’s Fortitude.

This thing is a beast & not for the faint of heart. The way this fragrance changes in the course of an hour is honestly insane. There is a mid-way point pretty early on as the fragrance starts to develop where the scent is repulsive I literally cannot stomach it. Once that clears away it somehow transforms into a soft, beautiful tobacco/tonka scent. It reminds me of Versace Eros Flame... not because of the smell but because of the monster in the closet. Nice opening & then out of nowhere it gets dark. Only difference is a happy ending with fortitude. Great for a collector, I’d pass if you are not a tobacco/oriental fan. Mature scent 21+ I wouldn’t wear this in high school you’re going to choke someone out.

A vanillic-tonka bomb. Straight after putting it on, OMG, it explodes with a smooth, fragrant vanilla-tonka, and man, it doesn't calm down! It reminds me of something mainstream, I can't remember what. Maybe BOSS or Ralph Lauren, it's been so long since I tried a lot of those scents out. Either way, it's not for me, but it sits at an interesting cross-section, between niche and mainstream. I could picture a mainstream brand releasing an 'eclectic collection' with something like this part of it. I also get bits and pieces of tobacco in this, but more of a processed/refined tobacco... Look, I enjoy it, but it's really REALLY not for me...

Walks the line between simple and complex. Starts out pretty simple sweet and comfortable. Smells like a mix mash of popular fragrances. Keeps reminding me of other scents. I was going to recommend some others that I find similar and superior. But this just kind of does so much. It has a richer tonka smell than just coumarin. A little marzipan. Touch of vanilla. Fabric and flesh. Leathery tobacco. New Gen synthetic sweet fluffy patchouli musk. I miss boho hippie patchouli. Anyway this is a solid fragrance at an okay price at discounters. I've gone through many of bottles of similar fragrances.

Very surprised by how good this one is. Out of the three it's my favorite. I am very very tempted to buy a bottle since I'm a big fan of vanilla tonka bean and especially tobacco. Real solid guys. It has a very pleasant aroma and smells very expensive. 8.5/10 UPDATE: Second time wearing this today and I am very pleased with performance. Sillage is great and so is longevity - 12hrs and still going! This reminds me of TF Tobacco Vanille/ TF Noir Extreme mixed with Givenchy Pi (what I wanted Pi to be but wasn't).

A big load of deep tonka bean. Sweet and just slightly fresh but undoubtedly this works best in cold weather. Very mild patchouli is pushed to the furthest corner. I don’t really get much tobacco besides a faint suggestion. This is a tonka vanilla centric release with slightly dark edges. You have smelled something similar before because its ingredients are relatively commonplace. But it is a very commendable rendition of a familiar style. Basic but in a good way. It is simple but done well. 8.3/10

Sweet tobacco swagger in a bottle. This one hits with a bold, warm blend of tobacco leaf, patchouli, and creamy tonka bean. It's masculine, leaning toward mature confidence ("true grit" as they say), without being overly complicated. Forget subtle – think rich and sensual. Performance is decent, but the real draw is the satisfyingly sweet, tobacco-forward punch. A great grab if you like your scents bold.

Of the Robert Graham fragrances I tried at Bloomingdale's, this was the best by far. They are all pleasant but slightly boring and familiar. Fortitude definitely appealed to me, but it was also not unique enough for me to want to purchase.

A good sweet tobacco scent at a good price; no WOW! Factor, but it is good. I would wear this!

Ok guys we've made a great fragrance now lets discontinue it >:O Not happy.

Just a quick side before my actual review: you can signup for the RG newsletter and get a survey worth $50 off any item upon completion. It’s a 5 minute survey and apparently you can redeem it either online or in store. Just thought I’d share this as the promotional price on this fragrance is a steal (but I wouldn’t buy it at $85 as posted on their website.) Now, in terms of the actual fragrance, this is a dry, woody, tobacco and tonka bean centered fragrance with very good longevity and medium projection. The tonka bean note here is very similar to the one in the Armani Code line, and the tobacco is reminiscent of D&G’s The One. That being said, Fortitude significantly differs in that it is denser and more mature than both of those fragrances. This is likely to appeal to anyone 25+ who wants a good smelling evening fragrance without overly cloying sweet notes. I’m also pleasantly surprised by the powdery quality of the dry down, as it slightly reminds me of Chergui. Overall, I think this is a great dumb reach fragrance for evening wear and I can see it being quite versatile since it’s definitely not cloying. I probably wouldn’t pay the retail price, but I think this brand gives some very good promotions on their products so it should be easy to source a good deal. edit: I can now pick up on the patchouli after a few weeks of having my bottle. My guess is that it needed some time to macerate. Good stuff!

**Fortitude** offers a captivating aroma profile that is both sweet and spicy, with a subtle smoky undertone. It beautifully combines the richness of woody tobacco with the earthiness of patchouli and the warmth of tonka bean. Additionally, there are delightful hints of vanilla and amber, creating a well-rounded and inviting scent.

I really wanted to love this, but something is off with it. This reminds me of The One with a dusty honey sweetness, but somehow also sour, and all together it just doesn’t work for me. Every time I catch a whiff of it, I can feel my nose crinkling and I make a childish, disgusted face. Wound up scrubbing it off, can’t speak to longevity. Sillage is there, with a gentle push off skin.

The main players: Patchouli, Tobacco, Tonka -- absolutely. In short, it's a powdery tobacco item with a tonka base -- you usually find vanilla, oud, or other accords in similar items -- but not here -- these, are just the main three listed above. As a powdery tobacco, the item quickly becomes linear (not parabolic, undulating, kaleidoscopic -- simple, linear) without much going on at first, or during the dry down. As a linear item, the simplicity of the tonka and low reverb of the tobacco and patchouli make the powdery aspects pop at first and continue through the life of the item. Gentlemanly, soft and inoffensive, is quite pleasant and as (again) powdery, as it is sweet, to my nose, but the dry down is what the fragrance is all about -- once all three notes sing in unison. One of my favorites to wear when I'm not feeling any particular way, a low tone of tobacco, and/or a tonka remind me which I desire most in a fragrance with these notes. I often wish there was more prominent tobacco note in a fragrance quite similar to this in nature, and haven't yet found it. Or, for that matter, any complexity that would undulate or parabolically increase the tobacco appeal apart/away from the tonka would be desirable -- plum, clove -- even cinnamon. But alas, tonka first, tobacco & patchouli thereafter. Edit: Is a top 5 for me, and I need a second bottle, and lasts much longer than PDM Herod, Zarahoff Tabac, and Franck Boclet Tobacco as a tobacco fragrance.

Wearing this now after purchasing the entire line from the Las Vegas store in the Palazzo. They are quality fragrances, rich in oil content, housed in beautiful bottles. This one is 15% Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille and 85% Costume National Soul. I see the TF comparison, especially in the dry down. But TF has a pipe tobacco accord whereas this fragrance has more of a bourbon soaked tobacco accord. Much sweeter and more modern. The far dry-down even represents some good old Tommy Bahama (old amber bottle no longer available) essence. However, the real difference-- and I am surprised it has not been mentioned, is the play on cinnamon and western oud in this fragrance. To my nose, this is VERY hard to distinguish from Costume National's soul. They smell very similar with fortitude kicking in a bit more tobacco and some slight notes of leather. Silage is beastly for the first 3 hours, you cant do more than 2-3 sprays...it gets closer after that but still projects for 6-8 hours and will remain a noticeable skin set for 12+. Performance is also similar to CN's Soul. It will stay on skin and clothes all day/night. So, performance and overall value is excellent. A smooth updated tobacco scent that features a boozy sweet (vanilla, bourbon and rum) backbone complimented by light leather and patchouli and spiked with cinnamon. Maybe a flavored cigar taken with Captain Morgan spiced rum.