Cuir de Russie is a name which has become synonymous with the inimitable Chanel release in 1924, and so L.T. Piver had some big boots to fill by releasing a scent of the same name just 15 years later. Whilst I don’t think it competes with the Chanel, it’s undoubtedly a gorgeous and enigmatic take on leather at a much more affordable price. The leather here is rather rugged, not clean cut and dressed up with orris and jasmine like the Chanel, it’s deep and rich - rough around the edges. An array of dry woods, bay leaf and soft spices compliment the dominating citrus notes, which provide a pronounced rindy bitterness. This is a far more masculine take on the idea of a Russian leather, lacking the delicate impression of florals to make it pretty. I really like this actually; it doesn’t blow me away but considering the price I think it’s great. I’ll definitely pick up a bottle at some point, as I think it’s worth having in the collection as a good reference leather.