Tabarome by Creed

Creed Tabarome smells like a vintage 80s gentleman perfume, one that pushes you toward maturity with fresh tobacco thanks to the bitter orange. Nothing smells quite like it, not even anything modern. At 19, it feels wearable for spring or autumn, with semi-elegant attire or business meetings; it smells like ‘old money’. Obviously, it’s expensive (I bought it for $100), but I wouldn’t pay that exorbitant price; I’m not sure if it’s worth it, but give it a try and do your research.

Creed Tabarome Cologne, said to have been made for Winston Churchill. It arrived in 2000 as Millesime and has been reformulated today due to regulations and bans. In this vintage EDP, citrus, jasmine, and ginger dominate, softening the fresh spiced tobacco. The best part is the dry-down, where the tobacco shines. Very original aroma with quality ingredients. Longevity: 6-7 hours (very good for Creed). Sillage: 1 meter. Timeless, but better for daytime in temperate or warm climates.

Tabarome is very particular. From the start, a spicy ginger; the citrus is almost imperceptible. The blend of tobacco, sandalwood, and ginger gives a sensation of black pepper. This polarizes a lot. I don’t dislike it; it’s a rare fragrance. Good longevity on skin, but weak sillage (typical of Creed). Very high price for what it offers; I know nothing similar. For autumn and winter daytime, maybe the first fresh days of spring; too heavy for summer.

Tabarome Millesime maintains Creed’s classic style: sober, elegant, and discreet, like a traditional English gentleman. The opening explodes with ginger and bergamot; the citrus accord lasts a few minutes before fading to give way to the ginger. This feels very organic, like breaking a fresh ginger stalk. Then comes the tobacco, not as strong as in other fragrances, but like Cuban leaves simmering in a tobacco tea, using the resulting juice. Finally, the musk appears, a star note not always declared: clean with a metallic sensation. You can also detect amber. The ending brought me memories of Houbigant’s Musk Monsieur (classic version). One could say it’s an aqua version of that classic, but with its own personality. I liked it a lot: elegant and classic, with 7-8 hours on skin and acceptable sillage for about 4 hours, though it lasts longer on clothes and projects more. Pity the high price; I use it occasionally.