Mainstream Monday: Sniffing a Popular Perfume
Tom Ford Extreme reminds me of a perfumer’s interpretation of Western U.S. forest fire. But, since it’s a Tom Ford perfume, I’m highly suspicious that it is an interpretation of a super sexy firefighter.
Tom Ford Extreme exists to be a smoky wood and tarry leather fragrance. The opening has a Dior Poison-ish black plum cough syrup thing going on with dried herbs/Jäggermeister with a hint of sharp, green barbershop violet. Like many of the “regular” Tom Ford fragrances, the opening has a lot going on. It’s everything all at once. As the top fades, it becomes heavily balsamic. It reminds me of dark, rich evergreen sap. It’s this dark forest blend of amber, gummy resins and evergreens…with a subtle smoky leather and musk. And this is when I think of it as a sexy forest fire. Or at least a forest fire with sexy firemen. Or something.
Notes listed include Thai basil, coriander, chamomile, cardamom, cinnamon bark, Persian lemon, cistus, saffron, thyme, black plum, parma violet, Brogiotto black fig, cedarwood, sandalwood, rum, Haitian vetiver, caramel, vanilla, patchouli, black truffle, amber, balsam, supple leather accord and Shoyeido incense. Launch date 2007.
Give Tom Ford Extreme a try if you like manly man fragrances. Or if you like perfumes like Halston Z-14, Tom Ford Private Blend Tuscan Leather, Tom Ford Italian Cypress, Penhaligon’s Sartorial and/or original Ralph Lauren Polo.
Projection is below average and longevity is average. I see lots of complaints on fragrance sites regarding the longevity/projection of this one. They expect for it to be louder at this price point. But, in my opinion this is one of Extreme’s strengths. If it were louder, it would come across as dated. I think it seems more modern. “Beasts” in this “everything but the kitchen sink” style are dated and if you want that just buy something like Halston Z-14. The subtly is what makes Extreme smell “expensive” in my opinion.
The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $130 at Nordstrom and Harrods (UK). It can sometimes be found at discounters like FragranceX.com.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A really sexy forest fire. I like it. I think it’s a great designer masculine.
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Sounds worth a try! And the bottle is nice too.
I love the TF “regular” bottles. They’re so classic and elegant.
[…] Tom Ford Extreme EDT – I think this smells like a sexy forest fire. Or a sexy fireman. I don’t know. It’s smoky and good. Retails for $130 at Nordstrom. Full review here. […]