Tom Ford Cherry Smoke

Cherry Smoke arrives, not with a playful wink like its sister ‘Lost Cherry’, but with a smoldering gaze. The initial burst of sour cherry and saffron is intriguing, a darkened, more sophisticated take on the familiar cherry accord. It avoids the cloying sweetness that plagues so many cherry fragrances, offering instead a tart, almost medicinal edge.

The heart of Cherry Smoke unfolds into a leathery embrace, tempered by osmanthus and hints of apricot. The smoke accord isn’t overpowering, rather it weaves through the leather, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue. The dry down is where it truly shines, settling into a woody, slightly resinous base that lingers beautifully.

Longevity is commendable. Unlike the fleeting ‘Lost Cherry’, ‘Cherry Smoke’ boasts impressive staying power. While projection is moderate, on the right application point (the neck seems to be the sweet spot), it maintains a noticeable presence for upwards of 8 hours, a definite improvement on its siblings.

Is ‘Cherry Smoke’ the best of the Tom Ford cherry trilogy? Arguably, yes. It offers a more mature and nuanced experience, avoiding the saccharine pitfalls of ‘Electric Cherry’ while delivering significantly improved performance compared to ‘Lost Cherry’. However, the price point remains a sticking point. While the scent is undeniably compelling, one can’t help but feel the familiar sting of Tom Ford’s luxury markup.