Andy Tauer Makes Me Cry

It’s hot as balls here and other than spraying myself with my lightest possible fragrances, nothing about this weather inspires me to embrace perfume. I was rooting around trying to find something to write about. And Andy, bless him, comes through as usual.

Andy Tauer’s Les Années 25 came out quite recently; read more about its inspiration here. I wasn’t sure what to expect – something leathery? Something radiant? Something citrusy? Something with orris?   These were my first thoughts based on previous experience.

From the website: “Fresh, light and with an old school depth at the same time: a modern vintage fragrance. The eau de parfum comes with great longevity, is unisex and enchants with balanced sillage…. bergamot, petit grain, orange oil, Indian ginger Bulgarian rose, iris, benzoin, oakmoss, tonka, sandalwood, amber gris, musk, patchouli, vanilla.”

Spot my Mitsouko tattoo, this year’s addition to the canvas. Yes, that’s really me.

You’re going to have to look elsewhere for a more detailed, rational review, since mine is: this fragrance makes me cry, because it’s exactly what I need right now. It’s subtle, first of all; it doesn’t start off with a huge (but delightful!) whack like you get from some of Andy’s scents. So don’t let the word vintage mislead you into thinking this is going to be loud.  It’s …. shape-shifting. If it were music its notes would be a roving, random improvisation– perfume as jazz on the radio on a Sunday afternoon. In fact, this scent is jazz, with meandering notes and fantastic riffs on a central theme.

There’s the citrus part, zesty and carbonated. There’s the part that smells powdery and seems like it might be heavy, but instead it’s like a light hand on the cymbals. There is, to me, a hint of bone-dry leather – how does he do that? It’s not cowboy leather, or handbag leather…. dusty, salty, otherworldly. And the musk, and an animalic note that pads through on small, quiet cat feet, disturbing nobody. Of course since it’s Tauer it lasts approximately forever – only I won’t get bored, because each time I smell it, it’s shifted slightly. Oh, is that tonka? Yes, yes it is. Huh, now it’s faintly rooty, like my garden in the rain…

And I have not lost my mind. Maybe it’s the heat, but I think it’s just typical sly Andy, bottling something up and sending it out like oh well, I guess it’s finished, here you go, and you open it and everything changes.

Here’s what it looked like at my house this weekend:

Boys: Mom, mom.

Me: (sniffs wrist)

Boys: Mom, the grill’s ready.

Me: (sniffs other wrist, then my entire arm)

Boys: Mom, the grill?

Me: Go away, I’m busy.

Don’t worry, they won’t starve. There’s a grocery store nearby they can walk to.

I need another bottle of perfume like I need another hole in my head. But really, how will I live without this, now I know it exists? (Full disclosure: I did not get my sample from Andy. I got it from Patty, she knows what I like.)

 

  • Jennifer S says:

    That Mitsouko bottle fits right in nicely! Tattoo-less myself, though I have a ‘seeming’ agreement to get one with my daughter who has several already. Birth month flowers is probably the way we’ll go but how do you ever pick just the right tattoo? There are so many pictures to choose from. I guess this is why I have no tattoos lol.
    But this Tauer perfume sounds really nice! Must keep this one on my radar. Thanks!

  • hczerwiec says:

    Your back tattoo collage! I love it! And the Mitsouko bottle! I get a new tattoo for every writing project I complete — I just did one on perfume, so I need to think about what to do for that, and I absolutely love the Mitsouko bottle idea! The Tauer perfume and your reaction to it are both intriguing and lovely, but I’m still just gasping at your gorgeous ink!

  • Elle says:

    Just wanted to say that I *love* your tattoos. There is nothing about them that feels “tattoo de jour” or “following super trend.” They’re not just incredibly beautiful, but they seem to be so organically a part of you, a genuine reflection of your spirit. There’s a definite sense of power and originality about them. Anyway, have never once considered getting a tattoo. Am now rethinking that. And am also now looking forward to trying this new one from Andy.

  • Maggiecat says:

    I also love your ink (I only have one tatoo, a lovely rose on my ankle, but it’s still enough to startle my students and the folks in church council .:-) I usually appreciate Tauers more intellectually than I feel comfortable wearing them, but I have to try this now!

  • Kathleen says:

    I blind bought a bottle after reading the description and because it’s Andy Tauer. I have never been so thrilled with a blind buy, and I adore this fragrance. Everything you said! I read it was limited production; go buy s bottle March! I love your Mitsouko tattoo!

  • cheryl says:

    I’m pretty, very much lacking in my perfume knowledge, stick with the few I have worn for years but this post is going to make me find and see what Les Année 25 is all about. Amazing reviews and I’m not easily swayed.

  • Tara C says:

    I love this one too, but being broke AF I have only bought the mini so far. It’s supposedly a limited edition of 500 bottles, but hopefully it does so well he decides to continue it.

  • Neva says:

    I love the moment when I really fall in love with a NEW perfume. It happens soooo seldom. This must be a sign so – go for it!
    Your tattoos are beautiful and interesting and the Mitsouko bottle is such a great addition 🙂

    • March says:

      Thanks — weirdly, I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with a scent in heat like this! Usually I’m just trying to slog through it….. the gal who did my Mitsouko (and the rest) and I were joking about misspelling something, like P A I R S across the bottom. Which I hope she didn’t, lol, obviously I haven’t looked closely.

  • It is an amazing fragrance, I’ve been wearing the hell out of it. Ugh. Gorgeous!

    • March says:

      Another fan…. at the rate I’m blowing through this decant I’m going to have to make up my mind soon whether to buy a bottle.

  • Musette says:

    Well, Portia already said it, so there. But, really, March – I am a bit envious of your love affair with the Tauers. I don’t think I’ve ever had such an emotional reaction to any perfume – prolly because I don’t have anywhere near the olfactory skilz that you do. But I’m glad as heck that you do haz them – and that you write so beautifully about them!

    xoxoxo

    • March says:

      Aw, thanks, honey — it’s those smell-reactions that got me interested in perfumery. And you’re a different kind of synaesthete — I really want to wander around an art gallery with you.

  • Portia says:

    WOW March,
    Sounds freaking AMAZING!
    Portia xx

    • March says:

      Portia, we had a guy in our office from Oz yesterday (royal navy and cute as a button). Of course it’s winter there so he was looking forward to the heat but even he found it a bit much! Wherever he’s from gets hot but not anywhere near as humid.