Cuba (Czech & Speake)

By Thomas

In the old days, before the rule of law and all that, they used a different method to resolve questions of guilt or innocence...I think it was called Trial by Ordeal. In other words, if you were innocent (or worthy, depending on the setting), you could put up with the prescribed ordeal because you were pure of heart, or God carried you through, or whatever.

Each time I wear this Cuba scent, I think of this. The opening is pure stink, appallingly bad, and they have the nerve to dial it up, even. It’s like Spinal Tap in a bottle: not only are we untalented and boorish, but our amps – they go to eleven! Gaaaah.

Fortunately...this ordeal does not last terribly long. Eventually the opening spicy jumble (I don’t even want to pick out the notes I hate it so!) sorts itself out into a dry spicy tobacco rum (was the name a tip-off?) that is far better than the opening indicated. Does not last long, by lunchtime I have to search my arm for it. If you’re gifted a bottle, by all means try it, but apply at least one hour before you have to see anyone.

Year: 2002
Notes: Bergamot, Lime, Peppermint, Rum, Rose, Clove, Bay, Tonka Beans, Tobacco, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Vetiver