English Leather Black (2007)
by Dana

English Leather Black does smell cheap at the first sniff, but it quickly starts developing into something better: the bergamot of the top and middle’s coriander combine to form a unique accord: It’s a rich-ish texture accord incorporating some of the warmer notes – lavender and possibly cardamom (I would say). The opening quickly moves to the middle accord which reminds me a bit of fragrances like DK Leaded and Unleaded or Cacharel’s Nemo. I find the middle level very enjoyable but it doesn’t have a very solid sillage, nor does it last anywhere near long enough. The base is satisfactorily woody – I don’t get any sweet from the fragrance and the musk of the base doesn’t come across very clearly, but I enjoy the drydown except that it just doesn’t last long enough.

English Leather Black is an interesting and somewhat successful attempt at a black version of the drugstore classic. It would have been successful had it any real longevity.

This cheapy really does smell "black" to me. It's sweet and woody, and the darkly-stained wooden cap kind of alludes to what they were going for. I didn't notice it evolving much, but it makes me think of nicely-finished ebony or some other exotic hardwood, with a little leather in there too. I got a 1.7 oz (a monster size for me) for next to nothing. It's not really that strong, and I think it merits 3-4 sprays where I might normally do 2 but it took me a while to realize that. I don't think this would surprise anyone in a bad way or a good way. I was thinking of getting rid of it in favor of more expensive brands, but then I realized that nothing I've owned or even tried has had quite this type of polished wood vibe, so I kept it for its uniqueness.

Starts out pretty decent, woody, leathery, but still sweetish - all things that seem appropriate for the name. After that, however, this stuff rapidly degrades into something that smells like it's meant to be sprayed over infectious materials to kill flesh-eating bacteria. I can only begin to describe it as sort of the sharpest, most concentrated form of aspect of fresh cut grass (when chewed and than shoved up one's nose), or perhaps burning plastic.

The pleasant top notes' longevity was, unfortunately, the time it took me to wander around the eckerd's that was going out of business (I bought this and several other cheap frags half off that day) and get out the door. Obviously, I had about seven or so competing scents on my arms so I waited till much later to confirm, but yes, that striking, sharp, almost alkaline smell was all that was left after about an hour. It was also pretty strong too, and the only comment on ANY of my scents I have gotten in a long time was on that day, from my friend and co-worker: "You smell funny."

No, I'm not making that up. He thought I had spilled some weed killer or other lawn care product on my shoe. Thankfully I was able to scrub it off (I always test new fragrances on my arm, above the elbow. Easier to determine how quickly it fades) and have never re-applied it. I am contemplating taking it to an outdoor gun range and placing a lit candle next to that big, black, easy-to-see bottle...

very strong dark scent

it made my throat dry and i got A heart burn

no wonder its longevity is less than an hour

This cologne, though the name seems like a cologne that would be unique and almost natural smelling, its definatly the worst cologne I've ever smelt!

It almost smells like perfume at the same time and it is too strong, yet only last for an hour or so.

There are better ones out there,
this wouldn't be one I'd recommend

Sincerly,
Cameron Doerr

Well blended combination of the above notes. It's actually quite pleasant, if cheap smelling on initial application. The middle and basenotes are quite nice, warm, and a little bit dark and sexy.

I would give this a thumbs up if only it had lasting power. Unfortunately, this stuff is gone in about an hour....so it's a neautral.