Charuto Regal Reserve

Final Thoughts

Charuto Regal Reserve is for the individual who finds solace in dimly lit spaces and intellectual pursuits. Picture a solitary writer, cloistered away with stacks of dog-eared paperbacks and a half-empty glass of dark rum. This fragrance paints the scene, but lacks the polished finesse to translate to sophisticated social gatherings. It's an introspective scent, perfect for cool evenings and moments of quiet contemplation, but approach with caution if you prefer a lighter touch.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Charuto Regal Reserve unfurls a deeply contemplative aura. The initial incense blast is less liturgical, more headshop – a haze of sweet olibanum blended with an intensely medicinal anise. The cardamom offers only a fleeting warmth before the tobacco rushes forward, heavy and damp like unlit pipe tobacco stored in a cedar chest. It bears a similar character to the inspiration but possesses a less refined edge. The original's nuanced apricot facets are flattened into a more straightforward, slightly bitter licorice. The drydown settles into a resinous sweetness. Vanilla bourbon provides a creamy backdrop for the myrrh, creating an almost gourmand effect, though a persistent undercurrent of that synthetic anise lingers.

The Performance Stats

This elixir boasts impressive staying power. I experienced a solid 8-9 hours of noticeable presence. Projection extends easily beyond arm's length for the first few hours, creating a definite personal scent bubble, before gradually receding closer to the skin. I wore it during a rainy afternoon at a used bookstore. It felt utterly apropos, but it became cloying at a crowded bar later that night.