True Leather

Bottom Line

True Leather is a competent clone for those seeking the Irish Leather DNA on a budget. If you desire the refined nuances and smoother transitions of the original, the investment is warranted. However, if you're simply after the general vibe and don't mind a slightly rougher, sweeter rendition, this is a viable alternative. It’s a good choice for casual wear and those new to the genre.

The Scent Profile

True Leather opens with a recognizable blast. The pink pepper is there, mimicking Irish Leather's signature spicy entry. The juniper and clary sage attempt to replicate the herbal, green freshness. However, it presents with a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge than the original Memo offering. The heart develops quickly, and the leather accord is the focal point. It's a decent approximation, though lacking the nuanced, almost birch tar-like smokiness found in Irish Leather. The maté absolute provides a vegetal counterpoint, but it’s subdued here. The drydown leans heavily on tonka bean and vanilla, making it sweeter and less complex than the original's amber-leather finish. Overall, it achieves about 81% similarity to Irish Leather. The key difference lies in the quality of ingredients and the blending finesse.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is moderate. I get around 5-6 hours on skin, with projection being fairly strong for the first hour, then settling closer to the body. A respectable showing point.