Cordovan (2007)
by Banana Republic

This is a well-blended fragrance that has no "rough edges." Also, it does not start off very strong, and so "power frag" guys might be disappointed. The projection ("sillage") is never very strong, but it is persistant and quite pleasant. Longevity, on the other, is excellent. This is one to wear at the shirt line, to maximize the projection. As to the actual smell, the fig is clearly present and I think most would geuss that it has bergamot in it. It doesn't start out all that promising, but when a slightly "synthetic" quality burns off (or you get used to it), it is a very pleasant fragrance that I would use for just about any occasion, though I could see how many might call it an "office fragrance." I could also see comparisons to fragrances like Bvlgari Pour Homme or Valenti's 101 for men, but this doesn't have tea or anisic qualities. I prefer this one, though, because unlike the other two, this one doesn't bore me, even after several hours.

14th November, 2009.

I hesitated to get this one for testing because I do not like leather fragrances, but the other reviewers spoke more about woods than leather, so I guessed that this might be safe… It is.

It took me a while to smell the notes and accords in Cordovan. It’s not a strong fragrance, and what little I get from it smells more synthetic than anything else; however, it’s not an annoying synthetic note – it’s typical of the notes of several of the popular modern fragrances and I find it quite agreeable. The green of the opening and middle is seriously understated. I don’t actually smell the nutmeg that is supposed to be in the heart notes, but I do detect a warmth in the background that could very well be a soft nutmeg note. No discernible leather to me from the base, and the woods are very quiet. Like most skin scents, it has poor longevity. This is a pleasant skin scent and I like it enough to give it a hesitant thumbs up… Banana Republic does good stuff.

21st October, 2009.

I have to agree with Sir Slarty, when he said it was really nice on clothes, too. An office scent that could be considered a little "sexy" but not overbearing to make your co-workers hold their noses in disgust.

22nd January, 2009.

What I would call "black" woods and spices with a underlayer of leather. An excellent smelling "skin scent". Not much projection but as you move around during the day it wafts up into your nose and gives you a great feeling of warming comfort. Really nice on clothes, too. An office scent that could be considered a little "sexy" but not overbearing to make your co-workers hold their noses in disgust.

1st January, 2009.

The closest thing I have come to Abercrombie and Fitch Woods! AWESOME!!

3rd November, 2007.