Cuoio tartaro / Tartar Leather
by AbdesSalaam Attar Profumo

Leather is probably one of the most challenging notes to recreate in perfumery, and with an all-natural palette the task is close to insurmountable save for the talented few. Thankfully, Dubrana or Salaam as he prefers to be known as, is one such individual.

Perhaps in deference to its name - TARTAR LEATHER, I somehow expected potent animalics such as civet and castoreum to feature prominently. Well, I was wrong. I can't smell them in here. Even Dior's Leather Oud smells more animalic. Credit to Salaam's skillful blending, it will probably take a bloodhound to sniff those notes out individually if they do even exist. While there is indeed a hint of butter-smooth soft leather, it comes and goes, a lingering camphoraceous gasoline-like top note keeping the leather under wraps, and close to the skin. But when the leather does appear...oh my...it smells rich! With nuances of woods and as drydown beckons, vetiver. Definitely one of the most gorgeous wearable leather fragrances I've had the privilege to try. I'm issuing an FBW ALERT on this one.

19th February, 2011.

First impression is of the rich strength of this perfume. I get a blast of spices and ... what? Something strong and pungent, I don't know what to call it, but it dominates the opening. Then it settles into a rich resin of some type, a very rich, pungent smell. Honestly, I have no idea what I am smelling here, it is different and delicious. My wife suggested it was patchouli. I can't tell, but I like it. It mellows slowly and gradually, some woods emerge and the spices continue. Lasts well. I don't think the name really gives any clues, it doesn't smell much like leather or the smelly Tartars. I don't know exactly what it is and have trouble describing it, so I would just say it is a strong, mysterious perfume inspired by the middle east.

21st March, 2010.

Similar to Samurai in that it’s woodsy and has a sweetness. I get cedar, but every time I think I’m smelling cedar it’s vetiver. The sweet base, which is in a lot of these fragrances, is lovely. The leather is subtle, not overly strong.

1st July, 2009.

TL opens with a sweet, smokey leather. I am a fan of leather, but usually not attracted to smokiness, however, I like their combined effect here. I wish the personality of the top notes lingered longer because they are excellent and can compete with the best leather fragrances on the market. There is a family resemblance to Hindu Kush in the dry down. As with most of Profumo's fragrances, a natural gentleness lingers. I highly recommend your sampling a variety of creations from this house.

17th February, 2009.