Tsar, from Van Cleef & Arpels was released in 1989. The perfumer behind this creation is Philippe Bousseton. It has the top notes of Artemisia, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Coriander, Green Notes, Lavender, Neroli, and Rosemary, middle notes of Caraway, Carnation, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper Berries, Lily-of-the-Valley, Orris Root, Pine Tree, Rose, and Tarragon, and base notes of Amber, Cedarwood, Coconut, Leather, Musk, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, and Vetiver.
Late to the party on this one. Some of my reviews are done way after my initial try of a fragrance but some classics do pass me by. This was one which I do remember from the 90's but hadn't seen for sale in years and figured it was discontinued, however recently I found it to revisit. It's a true classic this one. Tsar to me still has an authentic aromatic feel, a great fresh sappy/citrus opening, then moss, leather, lavender and a hint of smoke. As it settles the prominence of the opening sappy green aldehydes show themselves as wonderful resinous pine. Complex, beautiful, masculine and perhaps a little dated but this kind of scent is more palatable to me than VC&A Pour Homme for example. The drydown is a gently smoky, sandalwood/pine/leather I suppose? Lavender and pine give this perfume a laid back, soothing feel to what could be quite a strong manly affair. Well worth revisiting, nice strong silage for the first couple of hours then dying down nicely to a decent longevity performance. Nothing not to like here if you're a fan of the classics.