AMOUAGE
OPUS VII RECKLESS LEATHER
2013
PERFUMER
Alberto Morillas
Pierre Negrin
Cypriol
Leather
Galbanum
OUD
Cardamom
Fenugreek
Nutmeg
Pink Pepper
frankincense
Patchouli
Ambergris
Costus
Amber
Sandalwood
Musk
Originally released as Opus VII in 2013. Re-released as Opus VII – Reckless Leather in 2022.
I started my fragrance hobby with no prior knowledge, hence I named myself Nose Knows No Notes (before two forced name changes). Never in my journey so far has that been more obvious, as it was when I tried Amouage’s Opus VII early on in my journey. When looking at the listed notes, I wouldn’t recognize half of them and the notes that I did register, were not listed. So, I’m just going to try to express how I experienced Opus VII, which was a very pleasant first wear. Probably my favorite from the initial Opus line, of which VII was the one that remained (and rebranded with the Reckless Leather monikker) when most were discontinued.
As soon as I sprayed it on, a strong, more traditional Amouage DNA kicked in and filled the room. For those that aren’t familiar, it can be overwhelming. Surprisingly though, Opus VII quickly becomes a more gentle fragrance, that’s remarkably wearable. I do get wafts of wood and musk, but it’s not too animalic at all.
According to notes and other reviews Opus VII is a greener fragrance, and while I definitely got that, I get a strong orange scent as well. Not a real orange, but more akin to an orange scented candle. Another unlisted facet that immediately jumped at me, was cumin, which I assume is probably the fenugreek. Not a body odor scent, although maybe the tiniest bit salty, giving the fragrance a bit of a cheesy (literally) gourmand style for the first one or two hours.
The entire fragrance a waxy, balsamic touch. Leather is something that only hits me fully after hours; I think the creaminess and balmy qualities hid it from my nose. The drydown is hard to describe for me. It’s ever so slightly smoky, fruity and woody. Strong, but not as much of a beast as some of the strongest Amouage fragrances.