Ebony Fume

The Scent Profile

Ebony Fume opens with a blast of incense, not the churchy kind, but more like smoky campfire – a potent and somewhat harsh beginning. The palo santo adds a touch of sweetness, but it's quickly overshadowed by the black pepper, giving it a spicy bite. The heart is where the leather emerges, a stiff, almost vinyl-like leather. The cade oil adds a smoky, tar-like quality that blends with the labdanum. The drydown is a blend of resins and woods, predominantly guaiac wood. It is dry, woody, and slightly medicinal. The ebony tree note is subtle. It differs from the Tom Ford in that it is less refined and more raw in the opening. It lacks the smooth, polished feel of the original and leans towards a more synthetic presentation in the later stages.

Bottom Line

This is for someone who appreciates bolder, more rugged scents. Picture a craftsman who works with wood, perhaps a furniture maker or a luthier. Someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and doesn't mind smelling like a slightly refined campfire. It's not a fragrance for delicate sensibilities. It commands attention.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is decent, clocking in at around 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length, before settling closer to the skin. I wore this to a casual Friday at the office and then to an outdoor brewery afterwards. It performed respectably in both scenarios.