When I saw the initial reviews comparing Revolución to Tuscan Leather, I wasn’t overly enthused about sampling Carner Barcelona’s 2023 release. But as fate would have it, I received a sample of the scent as a gift with purchase. I sprayed it on and was pleasantly surprised.
If I were to compare it to a Tom Ford, Tuscan Leather wouldn’t be the first thing that came to mind. It’s more diaphanous and doesn’t have the distinctive raspberry facet. Indeed, I find it more similar to Ombré Leather Parfum and its marriage of ozonic and leather components. Revolución doesn’t smell exactly like this Tom Ford either, though. It’s smoky, rubbery, and even tarry, undoubtedly shaped by saffron and olibanum. This smoky, rubbery facet conjures up images of a mechanic’s garage cluttered with oil, tyres, and metal parts.
In contrast, the leather accord smells fresh and smooth, brightened, and given air by violet leaf/ozonic notes. There’s no rough, around-the-edges harsh feel à la Tuscan Leather. Therefore, I don’t think of well-worn leather jackets or new car seats, but something more refined, like a good-quality leather bag, or maybe a leather belt or shoes.
Still, for that first hour or so, there’s something grimy and greasy here (the perfumes nod to the Industrial Revolution), and the juxtaposition between the clean ozonic and dirty smoky facets is fabulous. This interplay is odd and perhaps a tad unsettling, almost as if that brand-new leather handbag sits strangely out of place on a dirty factory conveyor belt.
In addition to its ozonic quality, I notice some bitterness and earthiness from maté tea. And perhaps it’s this herbal injection that gives Revolución its slightly off-kilter idiosyncratic profile. By no means, at least for its first half, is Revolución a crowd-pleaser as it smoulders under a smoky silhouette. These smoke aspects reminded me of Bois d’Ascese by Naomi Goodsir. However, it doesn’t evoke meats cooking on the barbecue or bonfire smoke like that one does. I’d have loved the quirkiness to continue for over an hour or two. But Revolución dries into an elegant, leathery, woody finish with only a whisper of smoke. So, in the end, it may not be entirely revolutionary, but it’s worth a try if you enjoy your leathers.
Parfumo cites Benoist Lapouza as the perfumer.
Have you sampled this one? Do you have a favourite from the house? Mine is D600.
All photos are my own.
Aren’t we tired of the lack of authenticity in perfume industry ? Great post!
Thank you, Tetê. Yes absolutely, though this one isn’t as much of a copycat as many others. If you enjoy leather fragrances, it might be worth sampling.
This sounds like it could be hit or miss for me. Maybe one day I’ll try them all at once in a store.
Yes, this one won’t appeal to everyone. Let me know what you make of it, Nose Prose. I know you’re a fan of some leather perfumes.
Great review, Daniel. Seems like Revolución needs to get in line with all the other smoky, leathery Tuscan Leather type perfumes out there. I have not had the chance to sample anything from Carner Barcelona. They’re just not that accessible here in my neck of the woods. You know there’s nothing I like better than an unusual smokey, tarry perfume.
Thank you, Flaconneur. Yes, knowing your taste, you may enjoy this one, especially the opening.
Love this brand, D600 also my favourite, with Ambar del Sur, Bestium, and Megalium not far behind. Haven’t got round to trying this one yet, but sounds like another winner, thanks for the review!
Thanks, Marcus. I’m glad you like D600 too. It’s such a well balanced perfume. Let me know what you think of Revolución when you sample it.
Love what you’ve conjured here, dear Daniel, through your pics and writing. Sounds like something I’d definitely enjoy.
Thank you, Rich. Hope you can sample it soon, I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
They aren’t my favorite brand, so I stopped actively looking for samples of their new perfumes a while ago. This one, most likely, won’t be for me, but I’ll give it a sniff if I get a chance.
The only perfume from the line that I actually liked (and bought a decant of) is Sweet William.
Sweet William is one I haven’t tried yet.