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 