Clearance Mind Games Ruy Lopez

Ruy Lopez is a Leathery, fruity, woody scent created for Men and Women in 2023 by perfumer Christelle Laprade.

Review

This scent is dark and fruity for a fleeting moment, with Cherry and Plum shining for a brief moment. Very quickly, though, a dark earthiness settles in with a blend of Black Tea, Black Pepper, Patchouli, and Leather. Its rough edges hold the sweetness of the fruits, and it confuses the senses just a little. Over time, though, everything begins to meld together, and the scent becomes almost that of a spicy mulled wine. It is dark and sultry and pulls you in. It might be too much for the workplace, but could work if given time to dry down before entering the threshold. It is a great scent for evening occasions and cold weather, and any time you want to create a sense of seduction. It is comparable to something along the lines of Amouroud’s Dark Orchid or Tom Ford’s Cherry Smoke.

Inspiration

Ruy Lopez is an opening move in Chess, also called the Spanish Opening, or Spanish Game. Its name comes from the 16th Century Priest, Ruy Lopez de Segura, who published a book on Chess in 1561.

Notes

Dark Plum and Cherry shine above a gentle Rose note, but only for a moment. Very quickly the spicy elements of Black Tea and Black Pepper are punctuated by the earth nuances of Patchouli and Leather. As things begin to blend together, the fruit nuances come back into play, creating a dark sweetness that something that punches at the senses. Oakwood and Davana bring up the base, keeping things dark and earthy, and almost smoky.

Top Notes: Black Tea, Black Pepper, Cherry

Heart Notes: Rose, Dark Plum, Davana

Base Notes: Patchouli, Leather, Oakwood