Guerlain Cuir Intense

Mostly like a new leather jacket, smoky with a bitter edge. Underneath that, dry and warm, like cedar shavings or the inside of a wooden drawer.

It opens on osmanthus and ylang ylang, moves through musk, osmanthus and sandalwood, and settles on birch, leather and sandalwood.

• osmanthus: apricot-and-leather flower: fruity, a little suede-like, never quite sweet
• ylang-ylang: rich yellow flower, sweet and faintly banana-like with a creamy finish

It lasts well and carries into a room.

Built from the note listing and the measured performance figures. We have not smelled this one.