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Tobacco Vanille or Back to Black?

Poll Results: Tobacco Vanille or Back to Black

 
  • 56% (59)
    Tobacco Vanille
  • 43% (45)
    Back to Black
104 Total Votes  
post #1 of 52
3/3/10 at 3:48pm
Thread Starter 
I've been going back and forth between these two glorious tobacco fragrances. You see, since I'm moving soon, my fragrance budget for the next few months is shrinking along with the storage space for all of my bottles and it's tough trying to decide between them. What's worse is that the choice may be forced upon me as I can't seem to find the 1.7oz Tobacco Vanille anywhere online (the one I can afford).

What one would you prefer if you could only get one? Personally I'm slightly leaning towards BtB but I'm open to persuasion.

Anyone know of a place to pick up a 1.7 ounce bottle of TF TV?
*Edit* I received an email reply from Neiman Marcus concerning the 1.7 oz bottles of TV. They said I'd have to call or use the chat service to back order it and they would ship it when it came in. But they have no idea when it will be in. Grrrr... I'm moving soon and I can't risk it not getting to me.
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post #2 of 52
3/3/10 at 3:49pm
You could get TV from Neiman Marcus online.
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post #3 of 52
3/3/10 at 3:52pm
I love both equally. Went for Tobacco Vanille, as it's more of a workhorse versus Back To Black, which I think of as a refined, special-occasion thing.
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post #4 of 52
3/3/10 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by TJMAC View Post

You could get TV from Neiman Marcus online.

3.4 oz is backordered until who knows when and the 8.4 oz is $450. I'm really looking for the 1.7 oz which they don't list. Are these even being made anymore?
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post #5 of 52
3/3/10 at 3:56pm
I saw the 1.7 last Friday at NM in Vegas. However, it was their last one. But they said they were getting more in because its their #1 seller from the Private Blend line.
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post #6 of 52
3/3/10 at 4:01pm
Thread Starter 
OK, I'll contact them personally.
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post #7 of 52
3/3/10 at 4:25pm
I love and have TV and until recently had BtB. TV is probably my favorite gourmand, and the huge cherry note in BtB is what caused me to sell it.
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post #8 of 52
3/3/10 at 7:24pm
Tobacco Vanille. This past weekend, I took my sample vial with me on vacation (San Diego) and it just sparkled on cold evenings walking around the city. I just love it, and yet strangely, I've never owned a full bottle.

The By Kilian has just too much powder and honey for me to enjoy comfortably.
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post #9 of 52
3/3/10 at 7:25pm
PorkFat, please do not squander your money on TV like I once made the mistake of doing (in my case buying into the name/hype, more-so, than the fragrance itself). I'm assuming that you are, in fact, looking for that "glorious tobacco" fragrance, as stated in your OP. I'm here to reassure you that BtB is, in fact, that glorious tobacco you have been seeking! Whereas TV is all about the sweetness or vanilla/honey, BtB is all about the TOBACCO, loud and clear! I sold my bottle of TV for exactly the same reason the BNer who sold it to me sold it for: too much vanilla, not enough tabac! BtB works wonderfully in both casual and formal situations, and is just all around highly versatile. I have yet to experience such brilliant composition that is BtB.

I hope my little "shpeal" has helped you further lean towards making your purchase of BtB!
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post #10 of 52
3/3/10 at 8:03pm
I'd go with Tobacco Vanille easily.
Then if you want a cherry Pipe Tobacco,
without any powder or honey, get Bogart PH.
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post #11 of 52
3/3/10 at 8:18pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DULLAH View Post

I'd go with Tobacco Vanille easily.
Then if you want a cherry Pipe Tobacco,
without any powder or honey, get Bogart PH.

Right now I'm looking for that vanilla or honey sweetness. Bogart pH sounds interesting because the way you describe it is exactly what I'm looking for eventually. Flavored pipe tobacco, straight up as if you stuck your nose in a bag of pipe tobacco and took a deep breath! So it's not encumbered by any other notes like spices or florals? *Edit* Hmm, the reviews don't look terribly positive and the note pyramid seems like it has everything but tobacco...
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post #12 of 52
3/3/10 at 9:07pm
TV smells a lot like poutpourri to me. I wouldn't mind it on my toilet, but not on my skin. Back to Black is actually really nice. I would go with that over TV.
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post #13 of 52
3/3/10 at 9:07pm
The pipe tobacco note in Bogart pH is on the subtle side. Yes, it doesn't have honey but its base has some sweetness to it.

I also noticed Encens Tranquille is in your top 10. Have you tried Tabac Aurea, also from Sonoma Scent? To my nose it has more of that blond tobacco than Tom Ford's and is less sweet.

I find TV a little too linear, it gets tedious after a while. So I'd go with Back to Black even if it's just for special occasions.
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post #14 of 52
3/3/10 at 9:38pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diamondflame View Post

I also noticed Encens Tranquille is in your top 10. Have you tried Tabac Aurea, also from Sonoma Scent? To my nose it has more of that blond tobacco than Tom Ford's and is less sweet.

Ah, I guess it would be beneficial to list what I've tried, and knocked out of the running, on my journey to my perfect tobacco/tobacco-like fragrance:

Miller Harris Feuilles de Tabac - Too busy/feminine
Sonoma Scent Studio Tabac Aurea - Way too dry - like tobacco drying in a dusty barn. Not the pipe tobacco I'm looking for.
Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille - This one I like a lot and I usually can't stand vanilla. But it's no tobacco.
Reformulated Aramis Havana EDT - Opening reminds me of Irish Spring and doesn't have that cured tobacco I'm looking for. I'm not sure what it's supposed to be but it's not tobacco. Smells like an 80s powerhouse wanna-be. Never tried the original.
Chergui - Again, too busy. I'm looking for a straight-up pipe tobacco with a touch of honey or vanilla, not a list of stuff that gets in the way.
Costamor Tabacca - This one just barely lost out. It's very good but a touch too feminine for me.
The Dreamer - Have it but it's not exactly what I'm looking for. Good for what it is.
Michael Kors - Ditto.
Soivohle Tobacco & Tulle parfum - No way! Not a fan of cumin or whatever is making that sweat accord at all!
CB I Hate Perfume Smoky tobacco Premium Accord- Opens like buttery waffles, dries down like cheap cat food. Really weird stuff.
Bell Antonio - Someone burnt the coffee, get the pot off the heater!
L'Artisan Havana Vanille - Understated is an overstatement. No thank you!

I know Demeter makes a few tobacco scents but I've never been impressed by any of their stuff and I won't bother now. They always come off as very cheap and plasticy. They used to have these cupcake dolls in the 80s my sisters had that smelled like artificial plasticy versions of what they were supposed to be, like strawberry, chocolate etc. That's what Demeter reminds me off.
http://www.inthe80s.com/toys/cupcakedolls0.shtml
http://www.inthe90s.com/toys/cupcakedolls0.shtml

So, you can probably see why I've whittled it down to Back to Black or Tobacco Vanille. I'm very picky. There's still hope for the few I haven't tried yet but I don't think they'll come close to what these two are.
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post #15 of 52
3/3/10 at 9:57pm
Herm, tough call. I love TV, but I can see it's drawbacks - linear, so gets boring fast. Emphasis on sweetness and not really tobacco. then again, it's a powerhouse, I enjoy it whenever I wear it (but it's only a few times a month).
I haven't extensively sampled b2b, so can't comment. Smelled intriguing.

yeah, tough call.
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post #16 of 52
3/4/10 at 12:14am
Porkfat. Have u tried either one yet?
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post #17 of 52
3/4/10 at 2:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PorkFat View Post

Right now I'm looking for that vanilla or honey sweetness. Bogart pH sounds interesting because the way you describe it is exactly what I'm looking for eventually. Flavored pipe tobacco, straight up as if you stuck your nose in a bag of pipe tobacco and took a deep breath! So it's not encumbered by any other notes like spices or florals? *Edit* Hmm, the reviews don't look terribly positive and the note pyramid seems like it has everything but tobacco...

You may not like the floral notes in Bogart ph. They're not sharp or loud in any way, not feminine, but they are heavy, and long-lasting.
Also, Bogart ph is probably not sweet enough.
I would recommend trying Demeter Whiskey Tobacco.
It is by far the best of their pipe tobacco scents, and also the sweetest.
And I share your "artificial blueberry muffin" opinion of Demeter as a whole, but whiskey tobacco is a surprise.
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post #18 of 52
3/4/10 at 5:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Futami View Post

Porkfat. Have u tried either one yet?

Yes. I've given BtB a full wearing with a dauber sample from Luckyscent but I need to try an Atomizer sample from TPC and hope it translates into better longevity. BtB didn't do too well with the dauber in the longevity department, even after using half the vial. Today I will put TV on one arm and BtB on the other when I get home but I don't think that will help with the decision.
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post #19 of 52
3/4/10 at 12:57pm
If longevity is what your after TV then is more tenacious than than BTB. IMO. I like both but TV hasn't seen much wear since I've gotten BtB. something about the chamomile/tobacco accord that just blow me away every time i wear it. It also smells more 'natural' what ever that means.
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post #20 of 52
3/4/10 at 1:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Futami View Post

If longevity is what your after TV then is more tenacious than than BTB. IMO. I like both but TV hasn't seen much wear since I've gotten BtB. something about the chamomile/tobacco accord that just blow me away every time i wear it. It also smells more 'natural' what ever that means.

No, I understand what you mean by natural. That's partly why I'm leaning in that direction. I wanted to see what others had to say and maybe persuade me. I will probably end up getting both eventually but there's only room for one while I figure out which ones to sell off to make room and recoup some cash.
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post #21 of 52
3/4/10 at 1:16pm
I voted for By Kilian Back to Black. On me, it's sweeter and I like my tobacco/vanilla combinations sweet.

Both are very luxe, but in the end, I prefere BtB.
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post #22 of 52
3/8/10 at 9:12am
Thread Starter 
I thought I'd update this thread with what I got: The Back to Black Travel atomizer! It just looks too cool not to get! I think the main thing that had me get Back to Black was the fact that I cannot find a 1.7 ounce bottle of Tobacco Vanille ANYWHERE! So, Tom Ford, please get more of these out ASAP, thanks!
I kind of like BtB more anyway and after I settle into my new place and have more expendable cash, I can always get the Tom Ford, if they ever get the small bottles into stores again!
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post #23 of 52
3/8/10 at 9:23am
Great to hear about the travel atomizer - I may do the same!
They have 1.7oz bottles at the Cosmetics Company Outlet at the outlet mall here for $139 - that's where I got my TV. Let me know if you're still looking - I can try to track down the number.
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post #24 of 52
6/7/10 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DULLAH View Post

I would recommend trying Demeter Whiskey Tobacco.
It is by far the best of their pipe tobacco scents, and also the sweetest.
And I share your "artificial blueberry muffin" opinion of Demeter as a whole, but whiskey tobacco is a surprise.

I have one bottle each, of Demeter's "Pipe Tobacco" and "Whiskey Tobacco". You're correct about the sweetness of their "Whiskey Tobacco". I regularly use both scents; either one -- layered -- with Le Labo "Rose 31" (after shaving with QED "Wild Rose", TGQ "Cavendish Black", or TGQ "Gentlemen's Whiskey" shaving soap).
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post #25 of 52
6/7/10 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PorkFat View Post

I thought I'd update this thread with what I got: The Back to Black Travel atomizer! It just looks too cool not to get! I think the main thing that had me get Back to Black was the fact that I cannot find a 1.7 ounce bottle of Tobacco Vanille ANYWHERE! So, Tom Ford, please get more of these out ASAP, thanks!
I kind of like BtB more anyway and after I settle into my new place and have more expendable cash, I can always get the Tom Ford, if they ever get the small bottles into stores again!

The travel case of Back to Black is something you need to feel to believe. I'd rather have this than a full bottle. A magnetic cap and a black lacquer case. Very elegant.
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post #26 of 52
6/7/10 at 4:26pm
Im a big fan of the Kilian travel cases too , even the cap spins magnetically so it fits in place properly and although still not cheap , its a cheaper alternative than the bottles .
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post #27 of 52
4/26/11 at 7:32am
I'm buying this at the end of the month. Can't decide on the 1.0 oz travel case or the 1.7 oz refill. Any thoughts? Also are these individual atomizers, screw caps, or do they come with seperate sprayers. I do see in the picture that a sprayer is included in the 1.7 refill.
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post #28 of 52
4/26/11 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diamondflame View Post

I find TV a little too linear, it gets tedious after a while. So I'd go with Back to Black even if it's just for special occasions.

Exactly my thoughts.
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post #29 of 52
4/26/11 at 12:36pm
By Kilian Back to Black by a long shot.
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post #30 of 52
5/17/11 at 6:50pm
Tobacco Vanille cause its sweeter(maybe not), stronger (for fkng hell yes) and...well...cheaper (i never thought i will said that)
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post #31 of 52
5/17/11 at 7:52pm
I like the overall tobacco impression of Back to Black much more than Tobacco Vanille. It is a better fragrance all around in my opinion and I think it is By Killian's best fragrance.
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post #32 of 52
5/17/11 at 11:19pm
I really like the sweet tobacco in TV, but there's another aspect to the sweetness that really, really reminds me of some syrupy medicine that I took as a child. This cough medicine of yore smell would prevent me from spending mega bucks on a big bottle.

I've no experience with Back to Black.
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post #33 of 52
5/17/11 at 11:37pm
Back To Black all the way
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post #34 of 52
5/19/11 at 5:56pm
Given the list of those already knocked off... have you tried any of the natural approaches coming from Abes Salam Attar at Profumo.it? My favorite is Don Corleone. Though the description dwells on the Vanilla notes, a find this to be a vanilla-ed twist on his pure tobacco absolute (featured in his highly praised Tabac), but sweetened with the Honey you might be looking for. Being an all natural, it might lack some of the power you are seeking, but it does last on me and is incredibly gorgeous, and you get what you paid for (as opposed to buying the hype and marketing that keep these Tom Ford releases afloat.)

He has quite a few smokey and tobacco-laced fragrances (Chillum is interesting, for the antithesis-to-sweet approach). Perhaps worth your while to sample a few of these.
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post #35 of 52
5/19/11 at 6:21pm
Tobacco Vanille !!!! = wonderful
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post #36 of 52
5/19/11 at 7:06pm
I've not tried Tobacco-Vanilla, but Back to Black was too sickly sweet for me. Given my dislike of most other Tom Fords (Neroli Portofino is decent) I would probably not like the former either. I prefer well-balanced natural tobacco really.
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post #37 of 52
7/3/12 at 8:21pm
"Back to Black" hands down. Now that's sayin' somethin' b/c "TV" is pretty darn good juice.
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post #38 of 52
7/3/12 at 8:45pm
Back to Black doesn't actually have tobacco in it. Both are nice, but not the most comparable of juices. B2B has more of a fruityness that TV absolutely does not have. I'd go with TV if forced to decide between the two.
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post #39 of 52
7/3/12 at 8:46pm
Back to Black.

Ignore my vote for TV - hit the wrong button on my iPad!
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post #40 of 52
7/3/12 at 8:50pm
Wow, looks like my vote tied it. Voted for Back to Black. Both great scents though. TV can just be too overwhelming sometimes. Back to Black is toned down just right.
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post #41 of 52
7/3/12 at 9:01pm
I enjoy both, although own TV simply based on it's superior longevity/projection and stability.
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post #42 of 52
7/3/12 at 9:01pm
I am going for Back to Black because I find this one to be far more versatile than TV.
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post #43 of 52
7/3/12 at 9:15pm
36-35 for Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, wow close race! Love the honeyed tobacco opening, but B2B is waaayy too powdery for me.
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post #44 of 52
7/4/12 at 2:46am
Like both but prefer Back to Black as it has a bit more going on, IMO.
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post #45 of 52
7/4/12 at 3:04am
I enjoy the TFTV more.
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post #46 of 52
7/4/12 at 4:16am
Tom Ford for me. Back to Black to me really doesnt seem like it has Tobacco and if it does its very subtle. With B2B I get mild saffron maybe with a touch of tobacco but to me I feel it hits close to the skin to quick were as TV is a monster and I have gagged myself out before by over applying. TV just smells more natural of a tobacco to me and dries down to smell like a root beer which is awesome.
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post #47 of 52
7/4/12 at 5:17am
Back to black for me.

Tobacco Vanille is nice, but on me it turns overtly sweet and ... well ... feminine. I've had that feedback from several, both into perfume and not into perfume at all. It smells great on my brother though - so that's what he's getting for his 25 th birthday

And about Back to black, I doubt I'll headhunt it and buy it. Too expensive right now, I feel. Wish I could try out Pure Havane, but Norway is getting screwed out of that one
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post #48 of 52
7/4/12 at 5:22am
I find BtB sickeningly sweet. I vote for TV.
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post #49 of 52
7/4/12 at 2:03pm
Tom Ford - Tobacco Vanille.
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post #50 of 52
7/5/12 at 12:26am
Have both and prefer TV by a mile... But i have to admit that BtB is easier to wear.
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post #51 of 52
7/5/12 at 12:58am
TV is linear, a little sweet and totally awesome! I can appreciate B2B but don't really like it.
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post #52 of 52
7/5/12 at 8:41am
Back to Black just has too much powder to me. If you want a very honeyed fragrance with less powder then maybe try Pure Havane... it's a lot cheaper now too. It has a very clean honey note to it like Back to Black but a weaker tobacco note (at least to me). Both are very sweet.
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