The wonderful Undina and I swapped some samples a while back and I am slowly making my way through each and every one. It’s been a real treat.  Today’s sampling was a very nice surprise!

WHAT I SMELL:  A*Men Pure Havane opens with a wonderful sweet tobacco ladened honey.  It’s warm and delicious and oh so edible; you just want to lick it off of your skin.  This could easily have gone over the top, but it doesn’t as the labdanum and amber mixed with the vanilla and cocoa leaves this scent grounded.  It’s so full bodied, gourmand and wonderfully unique and bold.  Once this scent takes off, it remains in this state of sweetened warmth. You just can’t help but to continually sniff your wrist while wearing this.  Thankfully A*Men Pure Havane also has wonderful sillage and longevity.  Goody!

A*Men Pure Havane notes:  fresh tobacco leaves, honeyed tobacco accord, patchouli, and bitter cocoa

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Cuba 1955.  I can picture a open aired bar with rotating celing fans to drive away the heat, a Mojito, a white suit, and a large cigar.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE A*MEN PURE HAVANE:  masculine, comfortable, confident

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT A*MEN PURE HAVANE:  CaFluereBon, EauMG, Now Smell This

BOTTOM LINE:  This flanker is a limited edition, but can still be purchased on the Thierry Mugler website for a very reasonable $88 for 100ml bottle.  I may just be doing that.  Although I keep reading that this is similar to Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille so you might just see me at Nordstrom’s checking that out this weekend.  However, I don’t think I can get Tom Ford for $88!  Thanks Undina, I am loving this!

• Bone Rating: 4.5 out of 5 possible bones
• Scent: Oriental Vanilla
• Classification: Masculine
• Nose: Jacques Huclier
• Expense: $88 for 100ml EdT