SOSPIRO
IL PADRINO

2025

bergamot
dark rum
amaretto
blackcurrant

patchouli blossom
dry amber
sandalwood

labdanum
benzoin
vanilla wood

‘Il Padrino is a testament to power and complexity. It embodies the essence of a man who commands his destiny, one who understands the intricate dance of power and influence. A powerful oriental woody amber scent, it opens with a tart bite of black currant and citrusy bergamot, laced with boozy rum and bitter amaretto. The heart of Il Padrino reveals its true nature: smooth, creamy sandalwood, warm amber, and earthy patchouli. The base lingers with deep labdanum and soft, sweet whispers of vanilla.’ – Sospiro International

A while ago I had an event at a store (De Parfumeur in Amsterdam) and out of all the new (to me) fragrances that I’d tried that day, Il Padrino arguably made the best first impression.

And I’d been hearing a lot of good stuff about this fragrance, since people smelled it at Esxence earlier this year, but I was a tad sceptical (given that everyone that I heard speak of it, had PR-relations with Sospiro or their distributors). That scepticism wasn’t warranted I guess, as Il Padrino is definitely a deserved hit in my book.

I always figured this was pitched as a tobacco scent, but learned later that tobacco isn’t part of the concept or note breakdown. To my nose, this is essentially a more fruity take on fragrances like Scents Of Wood Plum In Cognac. I’ve always loved Plum In Cognac, but felt that the plum was too understated. Here with Il Pardrino, you get a surprisingly fruity and vibrant opening, with the sweet booze and tobacco-ish backdrop. And, as importantly, the fruitiness lasts quite well.

It’s a bit more tangy and vibrant than Plum In Cognac is even at its fruitiest moment, with a blackcurrant being prominent here, which has more of an acidic edge. It gives the illusion of a bright, transparent, but rich fruity wine.

The scent wears pretty smoothly, with some smokiness and earthiness, but as is often the case with boozy scents, I get less of a boozy scent and more of a smooth, liquid texture from it. Bordering on gourmand with how sweet it gets, but staying rather mature. It wears quite well and doesn’t devolve into harshness, screechiness or a full-blown sugar overdose, which is a big plus. That said, it’s not the most refined fragrance either, but rather a loud and big fragrance; in that sense more in line what you may expect from a Sospiro (or Mancera, Montale, Terenzi, Xerjoff).

I’ll be giving this another wear soon, but on first impression, a solid thumbs up for Il Padrino, especially the opening, as I find the fruitiness the star of the show for sure.