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Tom Ford is a favorite of fashion enthusiasts. Even celebrities (like Beyonce) flock to his Madison Square boutique in search of eyewear, clothing, footwear, accessories, and luxury fragrances.
Black Orchid, the “ultimate aphrodisiac” and star of Tom Ford’s fragrance collection, is the scent that firmly established his footing in the perfume industry, making him a force to reckon with. The globally acclaimed formulation is mentioned in the same hallowed tones as Chanel No. 5.
This Tobacco Vanille review analyzes yet another of his groundbreaking masterpieces. What’s Tobacco Vanille cologne all about, and is it worth its eye-stinging price tag?
The Story Behind Tom Ford Vanilla Tobacco
Today, smoking tobacco is frowned upon. Tobacco and cigarettes are considered health hazards and have dire warnings on their packaging. Things were not always this way, though.
For decades, cigars were a status symbol. Perfumers even added the tobacco aroma to fragrances in the early part of the 20th century. And those who embraced this sense of style were seen to have refined taste. (Interested in learning about vintage scents? Check out these best colognes from the 70s).
Tom Ford released Tobacco Vanille in 2007 as an addition to his niche, Private Blend Collection, bringing back the old custom of wearing tobacco, albeit with a modern twist. For tobacco lovers, the heady scent of classic Tobacco Vanille is both irresistible and addictive.
The inspiration for this Olivier Gillotin creation was a gentlemen’s club in London. It embodies exclusivity, sexuality, and boundless passion.
In the next section of this Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille review, we paint a vivid picture of Gillotin’s showpiece, giving you an unbiased analysis of the celebrated fragrance.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Our Verdict of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Presentation
This head-turning fragrance comes in a sleek, aesthetically-pleasing dark bottle featuring a push-down sprayer at the top and the perfume name on a sticker. The flacon is reminiscent of medicinal bottles in a pharmacy dating back to the 19th century.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille EDP is available in 5 different sizes, ranging from a 10 ml (0.3 ounces) travel spray to a supersize 250 ml (8.5 ounces) bottle.
The Tobacco Vanille line offers beard oil, aromatizing candles, and body spray for those seeking to indulge their guilty pleasure. Also, the well-crafted bottle makes a superb addition to any grooming space.
Scent
Have you ever smelled an unlit Havana or Cuban cigar? If yes, then Tobacco Vanille smells the same. Only it has the additional aroma of opulent spices mixed with dried fruits.
But more than that, it has exciting facets. It is sweet yet spicy. Dark, yet playful. Mysterious and, at the same time, bold. Assertive while also inviting you to come closer.
Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a spicy amber cologne. It opens with intoxicating (or sneeze-inducing for some) smokey and peppery accords. These soon morph into a sweet, creamy vanilla -Tonka bean blend interlaced with spicy cinnamon and black pepper accents as the cologne progresses and the heart creeps in. Meantime, a musky and heady tobacco aroma wafts through, making its presence felt.
The drydown is oriental and sugary. It’s all about vanilla, dried fruits, and wood sap amidst thick, elegant tobacco accords as gourmand undertones swirl softly in the background.
Performance
This is one long-lasting scent. We are talking 8 to 12 hours, sometimes longer. The trick is to spritz the cologne on your pulse points (neck, behind the ears, and on the insides of your wrists/elbows).
As for the sillage, it’s super strong at first (initial 1-2 hours), then softens gradually, becoming more of a skin scent. Some Tobacco Vanille fans claim (as per some Tobacco Vanille Tom Ford reviews) earlier formulations delivered a more powerful sillage and remained potent for longer.
Note: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille cologne is not overpowering.
Versatility
Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille suits individuals who lean towards warm, dark, and smoky ultra-spicy oriental fragrances. If this describes you, then you will like this gourmand scent.
For best results, wear Tobacco Vanille cologne in the fall, winter, or early spring. The thing is, spicy tones and gourmand flavors shine best in cold seasons. Consequently, this makes Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille the perfect night scent. It’s ideal for:
- The party scene
- A night out
- Festive seasons
- Business meetings or formal occasions
- A romantic evening
Some people believe you can wear any scent anytime – as long as you take proper precautions. If you belong to this camp and would like to wear Tobacco Vanille in the summer, try the following:
- Don’t go wild on the sprayer. A little goes a long way.
- Layer your scent. Opt for a light, airy fragrance to balance the more pungent aroma.
Save your cologne for comfortably warm days. Hot or humid weather is a no-no. The fragrance would be too intense (read overwhelming).
Overall
Tobacco Vanille is a gender-neutral fragrance most appropriate for strong, courageous, self-reliant individuals. The perfectly balanced composition evokes both elegance and warmth in equal measure, a unique trait that challenges you to be daring and authentic.
Still, anyone who can comfortably pull off wearing rich, sweet/spicy gourmand notes with a hefty dose of smoky accords – and a gender-balanced leaning- is welcome to try out this highly- complimented composition.
While it smells incredibly nice, we do not recommend blind-buying Tobacco Vanille Tom Ford for a friend. While it’s a time-defying best-seller, this is no easy wear. So before you commit, do your research and find out what kind of fragrance notes your pal prefers. Besides, it costs aplenty (even for a designer fragrance), and you wouldn’t want to waste your hard-earned cash.
If you adore this perfume but would rather not spend a fortune on a luxury item, why not treat yourself to the 10 ml (0.03 ounce) bottle and reserve it for special occasions? Trust me; it will be worth it.
Top Notes: Tobacco leaf, Oriental spices
Middle Notes: Tonka bean, Vanilla, Cacao, Tobacco flower blossom
Base Notes: Woods, Dried fruits
Pros
- A bold, mysterious, and luxurious fragrance
- Excellent projection and phenomenal staying power
- A retro-style classic
- Unisex
Cons
- Exorbitant
- Not for lovers of light, airy scents or those sensitive to tobacco