Gustavo

Final Thoughts

Wearing Gustavo is like experiencing the essence of Montabaco through a frosted window. You get the general idea, the aromatic tea and tobacco, but some of the finer details are softened. It captures the same vibe of refined elegance, but it lacks the richness and complexity of the original. It's a satisfying wear and suitable for everyday use, but it doesn't quite reach the same level of sophistication.

Notes & Nuances

Gustavo opens with a bracing hit of juniper and something akin to clean laundry sheets dried outside. The cardamom is there, but it’s more of a whisper than a shout. As it develops, a sweet tea note emerges, tempered by a vague floral sweetness, almost like candied violets. The dry down is where it diverges. It has a dry, woody base dominated by Iso E Super with a suggestion of suede. There is a faint tobacco scent, but it's more like pipe tobacco left in a dusty leather pouch than a freshly opened tin. It’s good but lacks the depth and nuanced layering of the inspiration. It has a sharper, less blended quality.

The Performance Stats

I get about six hours on skin, maybe seven on clothing. Projection is moderate, radiating out about an arm's length for the first hour, then settling closer to the skin. I wore it to the office, and it didn't offend anyone. I also wore it out for dinner, and it performed nicely in that setting.