Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano Review (Linda Pilkington and Geza Schoen) + A Bigger Splash Giveaway

Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano review

 Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano by Karl Topham©

“I believe that the problem of how to depict something is … an interesting one and it is a permanent one; there is no solution to it. There are a thousand and one ways you can go about it. There is no set rule.” David Hockney ‘A Bigger Splash’1967.

As I apply Montabaco Verano to the back of my hand and carefully study the bright azure blue bottle with its transition to a dramatic golden hue in the base and silver cap, my mind swirls and I envisage three distinct thoughts that roll into one. The painting, ‘A Bigger Splash’ by David Hockney, the hill town of Matera in the most recent James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ and the background music of Maluma’s ‘Felices Los 4’. Indeed, the beauty of Montabaco Verano is its versatility and ability to conjure up a range of emotions and moods in an instant.

Montabaco Verano

 ‘A Bigger Splash’1967 close up by David Hockney courtesy of tate.org.uk

The key to Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano is the opening. It is a statement that elicits a creative and innovative aspect to the scent and why I immediately thought of ‘A Bigger Splash’ when applying this special fragrance. It is so abstract. However, understandable. The grapefruit note is done incredibly, which brings such a freshness and uplifting quality that one instantly feels positively awakened. This creates the ‘splash’ in my mind. It is an iconic, sun-drenched, and seductive facet, which blends the image of upsurging cascades of water, so pleasurable in combination with orange absolute, bergamot and the illusive air note listed. As I turn to the painting, there are delicately brushed whites depicting the important bursts of foam and the use of deeper blue tones depicting the escapism into an exotic world just beyond our grasp.

Translating a scent into words is a pleasure for me and Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano is a joy. The heart of violet leaf, magnolia and rose brings forth the laconic and relaxed vibes of taking a cocktail in upbeat company. In particular, the violet leaf and juniper gives a chilled green and mossy vibe with a metallic edginess I simply adore; whilst the magnolia and cardamom soften this out providing a subtle caress. The tea note accentuates the freshness of Verano; further enhancing the excitement and energy of the fragrance. This preciseness and balance reflected in the imagery created by Hockney; stylistic and perfectly capturing space and time.

Photograph of ‘A Bigger Splash’ by David Hockney A Bigger Splash 1967 Tate.Org.Uk 

Let now us move attention to the 2012 Montabaco, the soul of the scent, which  Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano is based upon. The outline of Hockney’s painting is the raw amber canvas, which links with the base of Montabaco Verano and its original counterpart with the use of cashmeran, tobacco leaf, ambergris, and suede. It has that rugged feel of the hilltops of Matera, the arid rocky dwellings built into the picturesque otherworldly surroundings of the southern Italian town. The harmony of the notes, particularly the sandalwood, suede and Iso E Super provide me with the soft Latin melody echoing in my mind. As such the scene is perfectly crystalised in Hockney’s painting with the blocks of colour, the building’s glass an almost opaque striking image.

Daniel Craig & Lea Seydoux in Matera, Italy on the set of No Time To Die (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

This scent is a ‘Tour De Force’ it contains the brash bravado of Bond (Daniel Craig) juxtaposed with the sultry tones and style of Maluma. To me it epitomizes the fusion of traditional versus the modern. Here I can imagine the influence of Geza Schoen in this collaboration with brand founder and perfumer Linda Pilkington. The blending of such complex ingredients in what gives the impression of simplicity is a triumph. It is a slow fragrance that unfurls its secrets steadily, but, with intent. The notes breathe life into one’s day and this is a moment in time to savour. The lifecycle of the scent transitions from the fresh and ebullient, to a slightly dirty and charred vibe as I notice a slight hint of rubber about half an hour in. This is quite daring and unexpected. Think the steaming wheels of an Aston Martin in fury. It is quite fleeting but is a reference to action and danger. Once this settles, the traditional nuances of Montabaco rears its head and we left with a scent that delivers on many fronts. Fresh, airy, tropical, slightly wild, also seductively smooth.

Notes – Grapefruit, Bergamot, Air note, Orange Absolute, Juniper, Clary Sage, Cardamom, Magnolia, Rose, Violet, Tea Notes, Cashmeran, Tobacco Leaf, Iso E Super, Suede, Sandalwood, Moss, Tonka, Ambergris

Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano released in 2019 as a Harrods Exclusive and is now available on the official Ormonde Jayne website as part of The Four Corners Collection.

Disclaimer – Bottle of Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano kindly sent to me by the brand. Thoughts are my own.

Karl Topham, Contributor

Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano

 Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano by Karl Topham©

Thanks to the generosity of Ormonde Jayne, we have a 50 ml bottle of Montabaco Verano for one registered reader in the USA or UK ONLY, You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying which note intrigues you most based on Karl’s review and where you live. Draw closes 2/25/22

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We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like CaFleureBon and use our blog feed… or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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42 comments

  • I am curious to experience the notes of cashmeran, tobacco leaf, ambergris, and suede. I am not sure I have an fragrance in my collection that combines these notes.
    Maryland, US.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I love smelling different interpretations of tobacco leaf, so that particular note intrigues me the most about this fragrance. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Danny Constantinescu says:

    It’s very interesting to read Karl’s “interpretation” of the perfume’s stages through 3 different mediums, namely art (Hockney’s A Bigger Splash), geography, or rather geographical location (Matera, even though I would argue that Karl brings a 4th medium to describe the perfume, which is the cinematic one, when he brings into discussion James Bond) and lastly music ( Maluma’s Felice Los 4). It’s very rare coming across a review such as this, so I’m beyond intrigued (even though personally I would’ve chosen an instrumental piece, maybe something from Gotan Project). The slight hint of rubber is the one that attracts me the most.

  • Grapefruit is a wonderful start to so many of my favorites and I am interested in how that plays with Tobacco, the fresh/dirty or dangerous combo. And anything that be likened to Daniel Craig’s Bond is something I am drawn to trying.

  • This sounds wonderful. I love grapefruit. David Hockney such beautiful art work to compare the emotions of a Fragrance.James Bond movie smooth ,wild, fresh. Thank you for this Chance USA

  • I am familiar with the original Montanaco which on my skin is very woody and more masculine leaning therefore I like the sound of grapefruit and the “air notes” in the Verano version which I imagine will make it fresher and lighter than its original counterpart and I would love to try it.
    I’m a fan of the Ormonde Jayne House.
    My favourites so far are Tolu and Ambre Royale.
    Marit, UK

  • There are too many good notes to pick just one. The grapefruit and orange absolute laid upon a tobacco and sandalwood base sound wonderful. And all the other scents swirling around within… send it my way.

    USA

  • It seems from the review that the name and the color of the bottle gives us a reliable preview of what to expect from Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano. It is based on Montabaco but could be understood as a blue version of the original scent. It is tobacco but also airy and smooth. I am in US.

  • I love grapefruit, be it to eat or in perfumery. I love thenoriginal Montobacco so this with the addition of grapefruit and blackcurrant sound heavenly. I love Linda’s work and would be thrilled to win this one. Thank you all for the wonderful draw. In VA, USA.

  • I’m liking the notes on this one. I do see this matching the James Bond style. Mainly due to the look and color of the bottle. At first glance, this gives a fresh aquatic type feel to it. Hope to get a chance to try Montabaco Verano and other offerings from Ormonde Jayne. Thanks for the giveaway, Ca

  • Thanks for the review Karl!

    It was very interesting to read about Montabaco Verano and its seductively smooth blend of complex ingredients, but you also piqued my interested with your comparison to A Bigger Splash. This is the type of painting that would fit perfectly in my conservatory!

    The note that intrigues me the most is Grapefruit. Noting screams “Summer!” more than this delicious juicy citrus fruit. Fresh and uplifting and it always brings me in a good mood!

    Greetings from the UK!

  • This looks like a very interesting fragrance, something fresh and different from an usual new fragrance. I am very curious to experience the suede and sandalwood in this fragrance. I think that Montabaco Verano is a fragrance I will be looking up in the future.
    USA here.

  • This: “violet leaf and juniper gives a chilled green and mossy vibe with a metallic edginess” – so if I had to pick one note, it would be violet. I have and love the original Montabaco and this would be part of what makes it different – can’t wait to try Montabaco Verano one way or another. Thanks from MA, USA

  • Thanks to Ormonde Jayne for their generosity! I’m particularly intrigued by the tobacco and cardamom notes. They are two of my favorites. I live in the US.

  • I am very interested in the juniper and violet, seeing how a mossy experience shapes this scent.

    I am in Nebraska, USA

  • This scent is a ‘Tour De Force’ it contains the brash bravado of Bond (Daniel Craig) juxtaposed with the sultry tones and style of Maluma. To me it epitomizes the fusion of traditional versus the modern. Here I can imagine the influence of Geza Schoen in this collaboration with brand founder and perfumer Linda Pilkington. The blending of such complex ingredients in what gives the impression of simplicity is a triumph. It is a slow fragrance that unfurls its secrets steadily, but, with intent. The notes breathe life into one’s day and this is a moment in time to savour. The lifecycle of the scent transitions from the fresh and ebullient, to a slightly dirty and charred vibe as I notice a slight hint of rubber about half an hour in. This is quite daring and unexpected. Think the steaming wheels of an Aston Martin in fury. It is quite fleeting but is a reference to action and danger. I am fascinated by Ormonde Jayne and the notes of Rose, tobacco leaf and juniper. A house that I am familiar with but I am intrigued by this concoction. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Think the steaming wheels of an Aston Martin in fury. It is quite fleeting but is a reference to action and danger. Once this settles, the traditional nuances of Montabaco rears its head and we left with a scent that delivers on many fronts. Fresh, airy, tropical, slightly wild, also seductively smooth.

    Notes – Grapefruit, Bergamot, Air note, Orange Absolute, Juniper, Clary Sage, Cardamom, Magnolia, Rose, Violet, Tea Notes, Cashmeran, Tobacco Leaf, Iso E Super, Suede, Sandalwood, Moss, Tonka, Ambergris. I am intrigued by the notes of Tobacco leaf, Sandalwood, Rose and juniper. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Wearing Bourdon’s Green Irish Tweed today, I have a unique appreciation for the greenness that violet leaf can bring to a fragrance. Very interested to experience how the juniper and violet leaf are done in MV, bringing that chilled green and mossy vibe that Karl described. Of course, it’s the opening that ostensibly sets this one apart from the original and its flankers, so it’d be wonderful to fully experience that grapefruit splash. Definitely love the combo of suede and iso-E in the base. If Geza knows anything, it’s how to blend iso-E well. And a hint of rubber a half an hour into the fragrance? I’ll have to look out for that! USA

  • If you give me the notes list and ask me to describe the smell, my answer would be ” this one is weird”. I think everyone needs to sniff this perfume several times to appreciate and understand it.
    Thanks, Karl for the bright review! I am in the USA.

  • Based on Karl’s review, I am impressed by the harmony of all notes, though I would say the air note (what is that??) intrigues me. The traditional notes such as sandalwood, tobacco, grapefruit all sound lovely, but how harmoniously they are blended is what attracts me to Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano the most. From USA.

  • I am a huge fan of Linda Pilkington as well as Geza Schoen. The note that fascinates me most is the one not mentioned directly but that never fails to add such depth ad fascination for me which is ambergris. I would love to smell what Geza Schoen does with that note. I am in the USA.

  • It’s the combination of grapefruit with tobacco leaf that I find most intriguing. Two notes I love that I don’t think of together. I’m fascinated by scents that hold contrasts within themselves like this. I’m in Oklahoma, USA. Thanks, as always, for the draw!

  • OJ Montabaco Verano sounds exceptionally well-blended. The citrus, herbs and tea notes plus the air notes seems to lend the composition an ethereal effect. The suede, moss, cashmeran and isoE super is a soft plush base. I find Karl’s description of the metallic greenest of the juniper and violet most intriguing. MD, USA.

  • Grapefruit is the most interesting note to me. it is instantly refreshing and uplifting, marking a fresh start to a new day. Supported with key notes of ambergris and suede will make a definite statement as I move through the day. Thanks for the giveaway. Rob in KY/USA.

  • It’s incredibly difficult to narrow it down to just ONE note that intrigues me most about Ormonde Jayne’s Montabaco Verano because it contains so many of my favorite notes within perfumery. Indeed, when Karl wrote “… the beauty of Montabaco Verano is its versatility and ability to conjure up a range of emotions and moods in an instant.” I immediately knew this would be a complex composition, even before seeing the note breakdown. Grapefruit, juniper, cardamom, tobacco, iso E super, sandalwood, moss…all notes that I absolutely adore and remind me of times/places/memories that I cherish. However, it’s undoubtedly the tea notes that has my mind reeling the most. Tea notes are easily in my top 5 favorite notes within fragrance. It’s fresh, zesty, and warming nature is exactly what I enjoy and something I reach for when I want to feel confident and cozy. This point is made even more true within this fragrance after Karl wrote that the tea notes are “…further enhancing the excitement and energy of the fragrance”. It would be an honor to experience this wonderful sounding fragrance. Thanks, as always, for the opportunity and cheers from Illinois!

  • I love all of those notes individually – be lovely to see what they are all like combined together.
    However, what is this ‘air note’? I’m intrigued…. i will give you feedback on that should i win the bottle. 🙂
    Thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway – I’m in the UK

  • I absolutely love cardamom. Juniper and Clary Sage are runner ups. Ormonde Jane is a brand I’ve always wanted to have a full bottle of. I had samples many years ago but can’t remember which fragrance it was. Montabaco Verano. Nice name. I really like it and the bottle. It looks innocent. I wonder if it is. U.S.A.

  • I have to say I really like Karl Topham review of Montabaco Verano .
    His take on the fragrance reminded me making , and later eating Pink Grapefruit and Almonds Yogurt Cake , and drinking freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
    To me Ormonde Jayne almost equals Ta’if Elixir. I was blown away by the smell of a client in my bakery , how i found about it. Smells very, and I mean very similar to a traditional Persian cake with rose, cardamom, saffron, almonds , orange water and dates. It’s called Kayk-e Eshgh, but more people know it as Persian Love Cake , or Persian Pavlova cake.Once I finish the bottle, I’ll immediately buy another one.
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • Montabaco Verano I’m sure is…. everything you don’t expect it to be .Grapefruit freshness, suede, and slight woody feel , sounds fantastic . Enigmatic , happy fragrances like Montabaco Verano I appreciate .
    Obviously it clicked well with Karl Topham,, feels like it will click with me too.
    My personal favorite Ormonde Jayne fragrances are Taif , Ambre Royal and Tolu.
    Thank you Karl, and Ormonde Jayne
    USA

  • A Bigger Splash’ and David Hockney I’ve never heard of, but taking cocktails not just in upbeat company feeling i know well
    The soft Mediterranean melody echoing in my ears , like a song with bright citruses, tobacco and cozy suede leather.
    I’m eager to try Montabaco Verano
    As for Ormonde Jayne fragrances , I told the story multiple times , but I’ll do it again, I had Tolu back in late 2014 , but my younger cousin broke the bottle – dropped it from the second floor of the house. From the 10-12 Ormonde Jayne I have smelled until now, Tolu is still my favorite. The bigger 120ml bottle is back in my collection
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • Daniel Craig and Hockney
    How creative
    Karl is great and I own the original Montabaco
    Uk
    Please enter me

  • The note that most intrigued me is violet. One of my personal favorites and I would love to see how it smells in this fragrance. Such an amazing review, and I really want to try this one. Kind regards from IN, USA.

  • Classic high quality fragrances I adore , bright , fresh , rose ,leather , tobacco and joyful timelessness is what I’m thinking right now thanks to Karl Topham.
    Montabaco Verano is what I need at the moment.
    The best Ormonde Jayne perfumes
    Tolu > Vanille d’Iris > Frangipani.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • Cafleurebon is back online thankfully
    Ormonde Jayne I relate to Cafleurebon, and Dana Sandu, what happened with her? Is she retired as contributor? I mean she’s not active not only on Cafleurebon, but on her YouTube channel, and Instagram.
    Reading reviews on Cafleurebon is so addictive , and also dangerous if you’re not careful.Blind bought Ormonde Jayne Royal Elixir, because Dana contribution. Honestly I absolutely love it, but the smell is nothing like I imagined it to be . Mongolian people laying on ice , and some connection with traditional songs were mentioned, but the fragrance to me has nothing to do with all above, it’s not cold, but so alive , with strong Caribbean or Brazilian vibe , with happy people dancing salsa .
    I’m not blaming Dana Sandu of course, but myself ONLY.
    No blind buys for me anymore, I learned my lesson, luckily for me in a good way.
    Montabaco Verano i’ll try , I wonder what I’ll get from it, special grown up tobacco and grapefruit mixture , with high compliment factor i presume.
    Exciting giveaway,USA
    Regards

  • Wow website runs so smooth , and fast , no lags , nothing, night and day difference in the overall experience. Congrats !
    Linda Pilkington I’m a fan of for a long time. I know both the parent Montabaco, and the child Montabaco Verano.
    To me they are similar, but not the same, Montabaco Verano is not just Montabaco with added grapefruit , the proportion of the notes is tweaked, on me skin i get more leather than tobacco, way more . It could be my body chemistry of course.
    Montabaco Verano is moody fragrance, with juicy opening , soft buttery suede leather, leafy tobacco lurking in the background , and hefty dose of the traditional for all Geza Schoen fragrances Iso-E Super .
    The Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux shows perfectly the vibe of the fragrance, Spring day in Italy country side.
    Proud of owning Frangipani Made to Measure in 50% concentration in a beautiful crystal engraved custom bottle , and i feel like i own bespoke perfume.Pure parfum versions were called Made to Measure , but I believe they are no longer available , so I’ll cherish my bottle even more
    Thanks to Linda Pilkington , Ormonde Jayne and CaFleurebon
    All profiles I already follow
    USA

  • Michael Prince says:

    The note intrigues you most based on Karl’s review is tobacco. I’m such a huge fan of the note of tobacco and all the different ways it can be utilized in fragrances. I would love the opportunity to try this fragrance. I am from the USA.

  • Lovely review Karl! The note that intrigues me most based on Karl’s review is the violet leaf, which gives it a green and mossy quality that has a “chilly” metalic character. I’m a big fan of violet leaf as a note in other fragrances and I think it’s the perfect component in this stylistic and precise fragrance. I live in the US.