Arabian Wood (Tom Ford)

image from freemanssportingclub.com

review by Mark

My first impression of Arabian Wood was a big blast of bitter green galbanum that screamed Bandit! It's back! Could it be? I didn't dare to hope.

When the shockwave receded, which was too soon, the fragrance had mysteriously transformed into a sweet powdery floral that called to mind the little carved soaps in my mother's guest bathroom, appropriately known as "the powder room". How schizo, I thought.

The sweetness abates after awhile, leaving a vaguely familiar, comforting male-powdery-woody fragrance, very old school.

Over time, this gradually faded into a spicy-soapy accord, again, very classic male fragrance.

This is quietly competent and well-made, but not too striking or original. I wish the Bandit opening had stuck around longer.

Year: 2009
Notes: Lavender, Bulgarian rose, Freesia, Orange blossom, Galbanum, Bergamot, Rose de mai, Ylang ylang, Rose absolute, Jasmine, Gardenia, Honey, Orris, Patchouli, Cedar, Oak moss, Sandalwood, Tonka bean and Amber. (via nowsmellthis)