Tabac Vanille

Olfactory Experience

Montagne's Tabac Vanille opens with a dark, somewhat acrid tobacco leaf note; less sweet pipe tobacco and more harsh, unsmoked cigar. There’s a fleeting impression of clove cigarettes fighting against a powdery vanilla that arrives quickly. The heart softens into something resembling spiced cherry cola – a little synthetic, but not unpleasant. Where it diverges significantly from its inspiration is the drydown. The promised dried fruits are faint, overpowered by a cedarwood aroma chemical that creates a plasticky, hamster-cage effect. It lacks the nuanced depth and boozy warmth of the original.

Final Thoughts

This fragrance is best suited for a student or young professional seeking a tobacco-vanilla experience without a significant investment. Picture someone who enjoys the idea of sophistication but is just starting to explore richer scents. It works best in casual settings – a night out at a dive bar or a casual coffee date - where the rough edges will blend in.

The Performance Stats

I observed around six hours of noticeable longevity on skin. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, reaching about an arm's length, before settling closer to the body. I tested it during a chilly evening walk and in a moderately heated office environment. Its performance is consistent, but the scent profile doesn't evolve much after the initial drydown.