Like so many other Montale perfumes, a name is just a name. If you’re trying Tropical Wood in hope of some sort of “tropical woods”, you’ll probably be disappointed. Now if you try the perfume because you think the note list sounds good, then you probably won’t be disappointed. Tropical Wood is like a fruity rose and leather. This is a combo that I didn’t even know that I wanted in my life until I tried this.
It’s fruits and leather. And for some reason, I’m all about this combo. Tropical Wood opens with the sort of leather that reminds me of a new wallet. This is contrasted by bright citrus and a syrupy passionfruit (that’s almost like apricot juice). This is going to sound unusual but what I like about this fragrance is that it has a “hairspray” thing going on in the opening. Tropical Wood reminds me of 1980’s West Coast hair metal bands – big hair, tons of accessories, tan skin, aggressive but feminine. I guess what I’m saying is that it has the “hugeness” that I expect from a Montale which can also read as vintage-y (like pre-1990’s perfumes). The leather and the bright sunny notes makes this a really “Sunset Strip” sort of fragrance. Most of the wear is a very Montale-y rose, oud and leather combo but it varies from their other offerings because of the tropical fruits. At times the pineapple comes across as grapefruit and the passionfruit like an apricot nectar. The dry-down is warm with white musk and talcum powder. This base also reminds me of pre-1990’s perfumes.
So, Tropical Wood doesn’t really live up to its name but it lives up to it’s notes. It’s what you expect from Montale (rose, oud and leather) but with an addition of tropical fruits…and hairspray. It’s not something that I’m going to wear that frequently (this is my relationship with Montale perfumes in general) but it was fun to wear. And easier to wear than animal print leggings and feathered hairstyles.
Notes listed include bergamot, passion fruit, pineapple, Malaysian oud, Bulgarian rose, violet, leather, white musk and Madagascar vanilla. Launched in 2016.
Give Tropical Wood a try if you like the idea of a fruits and leather fragrance. Or if you like perfumes like Cartier Must de Cartier, Calvin Klein Obsession, Memo Luxor Oud, Vince Camuto Woman, Diana Vreeland Daringly Different and/or any of the other leather/oud/rose Montales. Note that this one does vary from most of these because there’s no spice or patchouli.
Projection and longevity are above average. It’s a Montale after all! I will say this, these loud perfumes always get compliments. Every time I’ve worn this someone has said something complimentary about it. Go figure.
The 3.4 oz bottle retails for $170 at Osswald NYC and Amazon.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Sunset Strip/Glam Metal rose/oud/leather. So, it’s like Glam Metal Montale. I’ve gotten more of a kick from wearing this than I expected. It’s over-the-top in a way that I didn’t predict.
Want more reviews? Try…
Fragrantica – Member reviews
Basenotes – Member reviews
Brooklyn Fragrance Lover – Video review