Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba by Karl.

Founded by Linda Pilkington, Ormonde Jayne introduces the limited edition Montabaco Series with revamped packaging for 2024. The collection celebrates Ormonde Jayne’s original exclusive scents: Ormonde Jayne Cuba for Selfridges, Flor for Fortnum and Mason, and Rio for Harrods. Rooted in Pilkington’s worldly experiences and literary inspirations, each fragrance captures the essence of diverse cultures and landscapes, inviting wearers on a sensory voyage.

Ormonde Jayne Limited Edition Montabaco for 2024 via the brand

Drawing from her global adventures and scholarly explorations, Pilkington infuses the Montabaco Series with a sense of wanderlust and intellectual curiosity. From the bustling streets of Cuba to the serene vistas of Rio, these fragrances serve as chapters in her olfactory narrative—a testament to the evocative power of scent to transport and provoke introspection.

The new packaging for the Montabaco Series epitomises Ormonde Jayne’s dedication to aesthetic refinement and olfactory sophistication. Crafted with meticulous diligence, the 8-sided lead and glass bottles, each containing 88ml of fragrance, feature a lustrous finish—a testament to the house’s commitment to Scent IQ.

Image of the new Ormonde Jayne boutique courtesy of the brand

Nestled in the heart of New Bond St, Ormonde Jayne’s Boutique offers a sensory experience, where personalised service is paramount. Reflecting Pilkington’s ethos, the Boutique provides a welcoming environment where customers receive unparalleled assistance and guidance. Its design seamlessly integrates elements of tradition and modernity, ensuring that every visit is an enriching and memorable encounter.

At the core of the Montabaco Series lies Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba, a fragrance that pays homage to its namesake while offering a unique interpretation. Inspired by the vibrancy of Latin America, Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba intertwines notes of tobacco leaf and suede with the invigorating citrus accents of bergamot and mandarin. Delicate floral undertones of magnolia and jasmine harmonise with the warmth of sandalwood and vanilla, resulting in a composition that is both energising, light, and a touch gourmand.

 Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba by Karl.

Described as sumptuous, intriguing, and desirable, Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba begins as a citrusy, sparkling, and floral experience. The combination of orange absolute, bergamot, juniper, mandarin, and freesia ensure an energetic entrance. There is a clean fresh linen touch I detect, which may come from the heart of magnolia blending with tea notes. The jasmine is lightly positioned here alongside dry woods. Into the base of the perfume the distinctive tobacco leaf and ambergris intertwine with Iso E Super which makes for a green, mineral, and cloudlike effect giving the fragrance structure. The sandalwood and vanilla absolute create a creamy rounding off to the scent that also brings the composition together.

In Pilkington’s own words, “It’s a scent that feels like coming home, a friend whose presence is a comfort and whose stories are always a delight!”

Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba certainly has power and a unique presence. It makes itself known with the signature notes of its original namesake, the tobacco leaf, Iso E Super and Ambergris. The addition of the orange and vanilla absolute give a mouthwatering and sultry addictiveness. It is an excellent fragrance to enjoy during the transition from spring into summertime and would also make a great travel companion for tropical climates and sojourns to exotic places.

Notes: Orange absolute, bergamot, juniper, mandarin, freesia, magnolia, tea notes, jasmine, dry wood, tobacco leaf, Iso E, suede, tonka, ambergris, sandalwood, vanilla absolute.

Karl Topham Senior Editor.

Disclosure: Bottle of Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Cuba offered by the brand; opinions are my own.

There are thirty stockists worldwide. They are limited editions so once they are sold that is it until next year!

Please read: Michelyn’s Creative Directors interview with Linda Pilkington here.

Karl’s review of Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano here.

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