WHAT I SMELL: Russkaya Kozha has a discordant and biting opening that quickly moves to a flattened wood tinged with leather and oud. There’s a sour edge and a pungent aspect, like worn leather pants that have absorbed the dirt and sweat from the wearer. The perfume is beefy without being weighted, but it does have presence. After a few minutes, the funky opening starts to sweeten and a wonderful radiating amber and benzoin ride above the now rough hewed sueded leather. There’s a slight booziness that meets the mix and what was a bit rough and tumble at the beginning is now confidently sophisticated. It also seems like there may be a light rose note buried under the leather, but I’m not seeing that listed as one of the notes. The perfume settles down into a warmed smoky leather that is masculine without being overt but is still clearly in charge. Instead, it projects confidence in a wonderful grandeur that is born from the majestic heart of Mother Russia.
Russkaya Kozha is a leathery, amber perfume that bares eternal Russia’s soul through the blend of Cade wood and an elegant accord of Benzoin from Malaysia and Cardamom from Guatemala. An elegant and sophisticated Grand Cru.
Prince Alexander Konstantinovich Gorchakov
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A perfume fit for a Russian Prince.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE RUSSKAYA KOZHA: secure, cultivated, resolute
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RUSSKAYA KOZHA: Colognoisseur, The Perfume Expert
BOTTOM LINE: Russkaya Kozha is a lovely leather perfume that feels refined, yet still embodies the rough edges that come with the harsh environments of the Russian landscape. This is a really nice leather perfume that doesn’t overwhelm the wearer and as a cologne, this has incredible lasting power.
- Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Leather
- Nose: Flavien Laurandeau
- Classification: Leans masculine, but easily unisex
- Expense: $80 for 100 ml eau de cologne
The Scented Hound 
May 8, 2017 at 7:33 am
I have a sample of this one!
Your review gives me courage to sample it in the near future, since it’s still cold here.
Actually today I included Arz el-Rab from this brand in my Quick Sniffs.
I really liked Assam of India from this line.
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May 9, 2017 at 7:54 am
The Berdoues perfumes are nice and affordable which to be honest is a really nice change from the other pricey perfumes.
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May 9, 2017 at 8:15 am
But they are not very long-lasting I think, aren’t they eau de cologne?
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May 9, 2017 at 4:51 pm
They are…this one has some lasting power which is great! Some of their perfume are EdPs as well.
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May 9, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Oh good to know even EdC from their range last some time
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May 9, 2017 at 5:48 pm
I love Assam of India and also really like Arz el-Rab…will have to sneak over and take a peek at your Quick sniffs 🙂
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May 10, 2017 at 2:24 am
Feel invited 🙂
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May 8, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Gosh, I was expecting this perfume to keep heading south until I read the word “wonderful” and then after that it kept sounding better and better! I have the feeling this might be a bit butch for me, what say you? What’s your favorite of the Berdoues?
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May 9, 2017 at 7:55 am
My dear Holly…this probably is a bit too leathery for such a pretty girl like yourself. As for my favorite. I don’t know if I have one…this was clearly a good one though.
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May 8, 2017 at 5:25 pm
Oh boy, not for me! Woody, oudhy. I’m running the other way quickly!
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May 9, 2017 at 7:56 am
LOL…run, run, run!
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May 9, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Thank you so much for this tantalizing review! I am a HUGE fan of Berdoues Grand Cru Colognes with four full bottles in the house shared by five family members…I haven’t sampled this one yet…would it be appropriate for an old Russian princess? One of the things I love about the Berdoues is they are so beautifully composed….even as blind buys they are at the very least enjoyable, non-offensive and very long lasting…..and the bottles are stunning…one day I will own the entire collection…I am also looking forward to the new one coming out this year which features notes from Africa…ivy and Ethiopian coffee from what I read….hope you do more reviews of this line!
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May 14, 2017 at 5:36 pm
I think that this perfume would be perfect for a Russian princess indeed! I do like these as well…so affordable and easy to wear. Glad they make you happy which makes me happy!
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October 20, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Did anyone give a review on the NEW BANANA REPUBLIC fragrances that came out this past may? I have 4 out of the 5 that were launched , they are a UNISEXED Fragrances for men and women , eau de perfumes . I love them all and I was shocked by how very unique the whole new line is.
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March 23, 2018 at 10:21 pm
I am late to this party – I bought this perfume on a blind buy from a website after reading a review. The opening on me smells like a delicious gin and tonic, before it settles into the most beautiful fragrance i’ve Ever worn. I’ve only had it for 4 days, and at $75 it’s quite a bargain. I was a die hard Chanel Cuir de Russie fan until I had issues finding it. Gorgeous perfume, great price point. (I am female, and I think this is more suited for the ladies than unisex).
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