Baladin by Parfums de Nicolaï, 1994

Parfums de Nicolais masculine fragrances show an appreciation for subtlety and a range of gender that most lines appear not to consider. New York is dramatic and lush; Vetyver is soft and refined; Patchouli Homme is a blockbuster, but relies on classically feminine notes to hit you. Baladin doesnt fall into any typical fragrance genres, but is recognizable to the nose for the clarity of its composition and the use of identifiable notes. Citrus, culinary herbs, wood---notes youd find in many mens fragrances. So why is Baladin like no other mens designer fragrance? The top notes are citrus/herbal, including lemon, oregano, lavender, tarragon and pepper and add a bit of traditional herbal bouquet from the kitchen. But the raspy lavender also ties the lemon to the soon-to-appear vetiver and birch notes. Overall, Baladin is bracing rather than warm: the lavender and lemon, tart; the birch and tarragon, cool; the vetiver and pepper, dry and sharp. Ive read from others comments that this is considered a leather and I imagine that birch wood can convey a birch tar feel, but I wouldnt classify this as a leather, more an herbal-woody masculine. Another example of Patricia de Nicolai giving men the benefit of the doubt and not equating masculine with faceless and drab.