Yatagan (1976)
by Caron

The note of pine dominates this fragrance. I must say that while it was an experience, it didn't really live up to all of the reviews about its power, and strange beauty. It just kept reminding me of two things: one was the faint smell of the live Christmas tree that seemed to linger in our house months after the holidays where over when I was growing up. The other is the smell our kitchen after my mother had mopped the floor with a mixture of hot water and Pine Sol. While both smells evoke thoughts of comfort and cleanliness, its not something I find attractive on my body. I can't say that it's bad, I just don't feel that I need to experience this again as a perfume.

Now that's an awful scent! In fact, it's probably one of the worst I've ever tried. Too heavy, too woody, too sour. It could well be a signature fragrance for a sweaty and hairy truck driver or a boor, rough-voiced forester. Since I'm neither of those, needless to say I can't stand it.

In South Australia there is an area known as the Flinders Ranges. Most of this area is dry and beautiful, and what makes it memorable is that its beauty is matched by its starkness. Most plants that grow in the Flinders Ranges look like they have worked hard to stay alive and grow, and give the impression that they are going to hang onto life with grim determination.

Like the Flinders Ranges, Yatagan is beautiful and stark.

There is only a little bit of sweetness in Yatagan, and it makes me think of how sweet overcoming the odds can be.

The combination of worm wood, Artemisia, and petit grain is captivating, and gets even better once the pine needles and vetiver come into play.

The base of Yatagan is a combination of leather, patchouli, and wood. The patchouli is kind of inky and oaky, and I have never smelled anything like it before. This is the only leather scent that truly reminds me of old used leather, and what I picture is an old whip hanging in a tree, both of them weathered by heat and drought.

Yatagan is probably not for everyone, but is worth a try for anyone who is familiar with the link between starkness and beauty.

Did a full wearing of Yatagan after procuring a LARGE tester from SirSlarty. What struck me was the similar celery note also in Phileas ( which I have been wearing as of late). The similarity between both of these frags for me is striking.

I'm grateful the lavender is proportioned in this scent. If one could mate a pine tree and a celery stalk and then dab a touch of soap to the offspring, you'd name the result Yatagan.

I don't get the leather as some do. I get only what I've already mentioned. As linear as this comes off on my skin, I still like it enough to wear it rotationally. I prefer the Ricci a tad better, but still a thumbs up.

smells like fine tabac and great charm.

You just went for a long ride when your horse decided to fall down in the herb/veggie garden. Earthy, rich herbs that mean business with manly, animalic notes to back them up. You will not like it if the smell of celery bugs you.