Our take
What does Tsar smell like?
Van Cleef & Arpels launched Tsar in 1989, when men's perfumes were meant to be powerful. Philippe Bousseton composed it. The opening is strongly aromatic with artemisia, coriander, rosemary and lavender. Bergamot and neroli light it up. The artemisia brings a bitter, almost medicinal bite that some will find old-fashioned. The heart heads into the woods. Pine, juniper and tarragon get a spicy prick from carnation and geranium. It smells like resinous undergrowth after rain. The base is the richest part. Oakmoss, leather, cedar and vetiver settle in. Tonka softens the edges. The leather stays in the background but gives the perfume its heavy-coat feel. It belongs to the same woody aromatic family as Yves Saint Laurent's Kouros, minus the animal side. Tsar smells greener and more upright. On skin it runs from morning coffee to a late dinner.
When to wear it
Wear it in cold weather over a turtleneck or a wool jacket. Two sprays will carry you through the day.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. Tsar is one of 20 creations by Van Cleef & Arpels in our encyclopedia.
