Russian Leather

Russian Leather by Molton Brown presents a dense, smoky leather scent with a prominent green and woody character. The opening features aromatic notes like basil, black tea, and elemi resin, blending seamlessly into birch and pine undertones that dominate the early stage. Despite its name, the leather note is soft and aromatic rather than sharp or bitter, and it fades significantly in the dry down. The fragrance develops into a warm, slightly sweet woody base marked by vetiver, tobacco, and cade oil, creating a comforting, intimate aura akin to old leather seats in a cold winter car. The sillage is moderate, projection is moderate to long, and longevity is slightly inconsistent across wearers but generally holds through the day, often extending into night. Some find the birch and pine more noticeable than the leather itself, which is both praised as a sophisticated choice and criticized as overwhelming or diluting the chypre character. It is ideally worn in autumn or winter, where its warmth is most appreciated.