Mahogany (2004)
by Etro

I tried Mahogany because I'm a woodaholic and was looking for something different. I agree with the others that it's a rather synthetic smell - in my mind, it's akin to a hardwood floor with a pleasant but strong varnish. Someone else (the_good_life, I think) likened it elsewhere to being smacked in the forehead with a two-by-four, and I would concur, and add that the wood has been highly treated, sanded, turpentined, and varnished with something really, really synthetic. I will admit to liking it, as does my wife, but if you don't love wood in almost every form, I suggest care in choosing this scent. It's light, and projection and sillage are low, which are, to some extent, saving graces for something which errs on the side of being synthetic. Drydown gets better, not worse, so you have something to look forward to. But longevity is not great here, so those who are really put off by the need for reapplication should stay away. Glad I bought it, but not as much as I had hoped.

It isn't often that I disagree with both Robyogi and Marlen. This one rubs me the wrong way from the beginning. For the first minute or two after application there is an off-putting ascorbic something in amongst the woodiness of the opening. I find that note disagreeable and I can’t think of a reason for it to exist. I use the word “synthetic” quite often and with mahogany I have to use it again. The main wood accord has an element of plastic to it. When the opening has moved into the heart and base notes, the fragrance shifts to a strong, linear wood accord that would not reach “average” in my judgment because it strikes me as being unnatural. There is nothing strongly likable about the fragrance to my nose. Mahogany just doesn’t appeal to me, and this is unusual because wood is my favorite category of fragrance.

I've got to agree with Marlen regarding Mahogany. While this is not as complex or "natural" smelling as Patou Pour Homme Prive, the overall effect of Mahogany (after they drydown) is similar. I can't say that this smells like mahogany - I doubt it does - but the name is appropriate in that the scent brings to mind the color brown. Woodsy, with noticeable lavender, and yes, something a little synthetic, Mahogany smells classic and modern at the same time. Of note are the topnotes. The first 30 seconds or so smell like a burning joint (marijuana), a sort of herbal bittersweet scent. That passes quickly, and the woods and lavender emerge. I will disagree with Marlen on one point...I get little longevity here. If I get it into my clothes, I can get it to last the better part of the day. If not, it lasts a few hours max. I like it for its classic yet modern vibe.

There is a pungent synthetic-smelling wood note in Etro's Sandalo, which makes that particular fragrance less enticing than it could be. For Mahogany they lifted precisely that note from Sandalo and amplified it to the power of 10. The lumber yard association is fitting, but on me this simply will not fade or transform into something better. It is dissatisfyingly monochromatic (like the "cedar" in Tumulte which is ISO-E-Super) obnoxiously synthetic and a plastic, imitation-wood thumb down for me.

Similar to Patou Prive in the overall effect, this is a deep, resinous wood aroma highlighted with a tinge of vanilla and lavender. The name suits it perfectly. One of the EDP's from Etro, so the sillage and longevity are outstanding.

When I first put it on it smells acidic and pungent, like walking into a lumber yard. So, I always put it on about 30 minutes before leaving the house. The drydown is unexpected. The woody richness climbs up very slowly and remains subtle throughout. Very unique.