ALEXANDRE J
WESTERN LEATHER BLACK

Bergamot
Lemon
Orange

Lavender
Rosemary
Vetiver
Cardamom
Patchouli

Vanilla
Amber

After the big success that was The Majestic Vanilla, I had high hopes for a leather offering from the house of Alexandre J… unfortunately Western Leather Black did not live up to my expectations at all. One of the worst sampling experiences I’ve had.

Not because it’s a bad fragrance, although I do have serious qualms about it, but mainly because I don’t really get leather from this in any way, shape or form. What I get instead is a lot of spices and a lot of citrus, lavender and an amber base. I found the opening to be harsh. The scent is okay, it opens with citrus and lavender and it’s more of a traditional fougere style fragrance. When smelled up close for the first hour I get a hint of very acrid, pungent, saltiness, in the same way you would get from ammonia. I felt pretty sure that I could easily get a headache from smelling this.

In the drydown, the citrus tones down a bit and the scent becomes less harsh. More of the vetiver comes through and the lavender is still key, but there’s nothing that resembles leather to my nose. It’s not unpleasant at this stage, but it smells rough (and cheap).