Irish

Notes & Nuances

Irish by Maison Alhambra aims squarely at Memo Paris' Irish Leather. The opening presents a blast of pink pepper, certainly present but coarser, less refined than the original. The juniper and clary sage are detectable; the aromatic quality is there, though with a slightly synthetic edge. The heart moves into a leather accord which is the central theme. This is where the main divergence occurs. Alhambra's leather is more of a sueded, slightly rubbery interpretation. It lacks the smooth, worn-in saddle leather character of Irish Leather. The green mate is muted, offering a herbal undertone, not the vibrant, grassy note found in the original. The drydown brings in a sweet tonka and vanilla blend, softened by amber. The base is a pleasant conclusion, though the vanilla note leans slightly synthetic, diminishing the experience. Overall, a solid 95% resemblance.

Final Thoughts

If you appreciate the profile of Irish Leather but find the price prohibitive, Irish by Maison Alhambra is a worthwhile alternative. The synthetic aspects are noticeable upon close inspection, but in the air, it mimics the overall impression reasonably well. This is a good option for casual wear, leaving the precious juice for special occasions. If you demand ultimate refinement, stick with Memo.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is surprisingly decent. Expect 6-7 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It settles closer to the skin after the initial burst. Projection is definitely not beast mode; it stays within a conversational range.