Saturday, June 10, 2006

REVIEW: Tauer Perfumes, Lonestar Memories (2006)

Pros: An unusual leather composition, highlighted by an exquisite jasmine note and ambery-sweet basenotes.

Cons: None.

Notes: Geranium, carrot seed, clary sage, bichtar, cistus, jasmine, cedar wood, myrrh, tonka, vetiver, sandalwood.

Reminds me of: I know I've smelled something to this effect before, but I can't place it. Could it be that Mr. Tauer is developing a signature accord? Could what I detect as familiar actually be a reference to L'Air du Desert Marocain?

Development: Lonestar seems slightly more linear than I would have expected with very little about the composition changing over time.

Longevity: Excellent, 6-8 hours.

Sillage: Perfect.

Where can I buy it? Coming soon to TauerPerfumes.com.

Bottleworthy? If you're a lover of leather or richer wood fragrances, this is gonna be a holy grail scent and in that case, better get two bottles.

The Bottom Line: A scent with a wow factor, Lonestar Memories travels an unusual path for a leather-inspired scent. Opening with a fresh vegetal note (I imagine it's the carrot seed and sage) and then moving to a surprising middle bouquet of heady jasmine (one of the standout notes here), sweet birchtar, golden cedar and cistus (rockrose/labdanum) before revealing warm woods, sweet tonka, and earthy myrrh, Lonestar Memories reminds me of a late summer sunset - bands of orange and amber illuminating the sky with glistening stretches of golden clouds.

It's true, I'm a leather-lover and have my favorites - Knize Ten, Creed Royal English Leather, and Chanel Cuir de Russie being among my top three. What sets these fragrances apart from the rest is the range of notes in the composition that compliment the leather. In Knize, it's a buttery-rich blend of woods and musk; in REL, the leather is sweetened by the standard Creed base; and in Cuir de Russie, aldehydes and amber create the mood. With Lonestar Memories, the jasmine, tonka and myrrh create an unexpected depth and fullness that many other leather fragrances lack.

Lonestar Memories is a perfect addition to the current collection of fragrances that Mr. Tauer has created - as good as you'd hope, better than you could imagine, and an utter success. Now, if only we could do something about getting one of those cowboys pictured in the advertising to be included with the fragrance...

Rating (out of 10): 9

What makes a great leather scent for you?

5 comments:

lilybp said...

Oh, no! Just when I was thinking of a No-buy--this sounds like my dream fragrance! I must have it! I adore leather, and like woods very much. Favorites include Cuir de Russie parfum (the best!), Kolnisch Juchten, Lanvin Scandal (floral, aldehydic top--great and of course discontinued). Also really like Knize 10. Amazingly, I haven't tried the Creed; I wasn't too impressed with their Cuir de Russie, but I must try this. But mostly, I want Lonestar Memories now. (I love l'air du desert marocain, though Maroc pour elle didn't work on me). Waiting eagerly for the release,
Judith

Anonymous said...

Wow - this sounds awesome. I have become a leather fanatic. Cuir Mauresque is my fave currently (even went out of my way to get a bottle). Knize Ten is probably second - buttery rich is right! (I always wonder why so many folks seem to say it's chaotic or too dirty.) L'Air du Desert Marocain hit a sweet spot for me; Lonestar Memories sounds like a holy-grail-like scent. I'm wondering though, with a review this glowing, and (only) a "9" rating, which scents have gotten "10s" in your book!?!?

Anonymous said...

I am swooning already - if this is half as good as L'Air du Desert Marocain, I am in trouble!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, this one sounds intriguing! Thanks for the review!

Shannon said...

I can't wait to try this!!! I was thinking of ordering L'Air du Desert Marocain, but maybe I should wait?? I adore leather scents so much ...