First Impressions – Tom Ford

Tom Ford – Bitter Peach and Rose Prick – I’m way behind on my testing of Tom Ford Private Blend’s new releases. Recent entries in the Tom Ford range haven’t exactly set my perfume world on fire. Beau de Jour that moved from the Private Line to the Signature Line, has been the pick of the crop. As I write this article, a new tuberose scent has joined the exclusive ranks. I haven’t heard great things about that one, either. Sadly, in my estimation, Rose Prick and Bitter Peach have done little to arrest the slide.

Noir de Noir is probably my favourite rose the brand has released. Rose Prick doesn’t come anywhere near that one. It’s a peppery, smoky rose/patchouli, with little to distinguish it from many other rose releases. Tumeric adds a touch of earthy spiciness, but it doesn’t hang around long enough. The scent itself seemed to disappear rather quickly. Hardly the sort of thing I’d be shelling out for at the hefty Tom Ford pricing. Moschino Toy Boy did the peppery, spicy rose, much better and at a much better price point.

I wore Bitter Peach twice. It lasted a nauseating 12 hours the first time. The second time around, I had to scrub it off. I couldn’t stand it. The combination of peach, blood orange, boozy notes (officially rum and cognac), patchouli, woods, and florals simply too much to bear. I’m not sure which note it is that turns my stomach. It may be the peach and dirty patchouli combo. Many have compared it to Angel, and perhaps the opening is similar, but it veers away after some minutes, morphing into something that had me running for the hills. Try before you buy. Is it too much to ask for another Tuscan Leather or Tobacco Vanille?

Have you tried these new releases? What did you make of them?

Note: Samples tested in store. Bottle images courtesy of Google.