Our take
What does Hoja de Cuba smell like?
Three materials from three countries: that's the idea behind Hoja de Cuba, which Berdoues added to its Grands Crus collection in 2017. Perfumer Ane Ayo built this eau de parfum in an almost linear way. Jamaican allspice sits on top, bringing a spicy warmth that recalls clove and cinnamon. Haitian vetiver forms the heart, earthy and dry. Turkish tobacco holds the base and ends up covering everything. It's a blond pipe tobacco, sweet and with a hint of candied fruit close to cherry. The structure is very simple. It works because every note stays readable. The result smells like a cigar cellar rather than an ashtray. Next to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille, Hoja de Cuba is drier and spicier. There's no vanilla here and the vetiver keeps it grounded. Even late in the day the tobacco never turns ashy or stale.
When to wear it
An autumn and winter scent for quiet evenings and weekends. Two sprays on a wool sweater are enough.
It belongs to the Woody, Spicy family. Hoja de Cuba is one of 4 creations by Berdoues in our encyclopedia.
