Richard James Cologne (2006)
by Richard James

This is a complex EdC, with a green, almost fruity feel from the florals right at the beginning, and apparently light woods underneath to go with it. Almost immediately, though, I notice a slightly metallic insistence to the top notes, which comes through more clearly in the middle. It's the same bright, heavy, tarnished golden metallic note that was too strong for me in AdP Colonia Intensa, but of course there's much less of it here. I'm a bit confused because I didn't detect it the last several times I tried this stuff. Still, it helps the scent maintain a kind of abstract coolness in spite of the creamy, slightly musty florals. By the base, these florals provide the surreal softness of a cool, downy pillow with a trace of incensey spices. Overall, I think it leans a bit too feminine, and is surprisingly thick and un-fresh, but I'll have to try it again considering how inconsistent it's been for me.

30th June, 2011.

Richard James EDT is a nice surprise. Somehow I never expected fragrances with leather and tobacco notes to work so well in the heat and humidity. Happy to learn I've been mistaken all this time! RJ on me is a mid-weight fragrance, shadow-dappled and spicy. On my skin it doesn't make one fall into the depths of the notes (I'd originally only seen five listed - suede, Indian sandalwood, tobacco absolute, musk, and oak moss.- and thought "elegant simplicity!" Oops.) But it doesn't feel cluttered at all, possibly because I don't get *any* of the floral notes other than lavender, it just smells goooooooood.

12nd August, 2009.

Poor longevity but is a very nice cologne. It's a "dirty" edc that's more spicy and reminds me of a less repugnant Quorum.

31st January, 2009.

This fragrance starts out very clean and green, but it doesn't last long. The middle notes come on strong after a couple of minutes. The tuberose, rose and lavender dominate the middle notes. I hate lavender, but its not very overwhelming so its not bad. The patchouli and vetiver start poking their head though first for the basenotes. The dry down is really good and high quality. Its finishes a nice clean yet spicy scent. Top notch!

23rd June, 2008.