WHAT I SMELL:  Bottega Veneta Pour Homme goes on with a blast of bergamot that is slightly citrus sweet, but then quickly turns towards a peppered layer that’s somewhat woody.    In a flash, the fir makes the entrance bringing in a pretty heft layer of forest.  After about 10 minutes the leather starts to make a very subtle presence and mixed with the labdanum it gives the fragrance almost an ambered hue.  What I appreciate about this fragrance is that the leather never overtakes the scent, but rather adds just a thin veneer to give it more of a leather finish.

From the Bottega Veneta website:

Bottega Veneta Pour Homme is a fresh, intriguing and understated fragrance, one where distinctive Bottega Veneta notes of precious Labdanum, Fir Balsam and Bergamot blend into a sensuous leathery signature with the power to enchant. Woven with rare and noble materials, the fragrance, a woody, aromatic leathery scent, takes us on an inspiring journey in time and place.

Notes include:  The notes include bergamot, pine, juniper berry, Jamaican pimento, fir balsam, sage, patchouli, and leather.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  Classic ease bumped up with a dash of peppered sexy.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE BOTTEGA VENETA POUR HOMME:  warm, peppery, easy

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT BOTTEGA VENETA POUR HOMME: D’Marge, Out.com

BOTTOM LINE:  For a mainstream fragrance, Bottega Veneta Pour Homme hits the mark.  It’s very much a classic men’s scent that is neither loud, obnoxious or offensive.   And there’s just enough of an edge on the classic to make this interesting for both younger and older gentlemen alike.

• Bone Rating: 3 out of 5 possible bones
• Scent:  Aromatic Leather
• Noses:   Daniela Andrier and Antoine Maisondieu
• Classification:  Masculine
• Expense:  $80 for 50ml EdT