Cuir de Cerise by Bortnikoff

Cuir de Cerise by Bortnikoff: a Leather and Cherry Masterstroke

Cuir de Cerise is the latest launch from Bortnikoff, due in 2026. Composed by Dmitry Bortnikoff, it sits firmly in the Oriental Woody family and is intended for both men and women.

This is a perfume of contrasts: amarena cherry and saffron sparkle at the top, while leather, smoke, and oud give it a darker, more brooding personality.

The opening is striking, with sour cherry and saffron setting a vivid tone. The morello cherry provides an acidic fruitiness, while saffron wraps it in a warm and slightly resinous spice – a combination that feels both fresh and deep.

At the heart, leather becomes the main event. Instead of a heavy, punishing leather, this one feels polished and refined, sitting alongside osmanthus, apricot, and olive. The olive brings an unexpected greenness that stops the composition from becoming too dense.

The base is all about cypriol and oud. Cypriol contributes an earthy, smoky nuance, and oud lends a subtle animalic depth that anchors the whole scent. Projection is good, and longevity is excellent, especially on skin that amplifies woody notes.

The listed accords include leather, fruity notes, animalic elements, oud, cherry, sweetness, smoke, florals, warm spice, and woodiness. What unites them is a careful balance that makes Cuir de Cerise feel less like a simple fruity leather and more like a multi-layered narrative.

Because of its intense character, this scent is best suited to autumn and winter evenings. It doesn’t shout, but it does command attention – ideal for someone who likes their perfume to evolve throughout the day.

Bortnikoff has shown time and again that he can craft eccentric yet elegant fragrances. Cuir de Cerise is another fine example: sophisticated, long-wearing, and full of personality.

Those who enjoy niche perfumery, especially lovers of leather, oud, and unconventional fruity notes, plus anyone wanting a rich unisex option with an edge.

Cuir de Cerise is a confident, well-judged addition to the Bortnikoff line. Its blend of tart cherry, smooth leather, and smoky oud feels new, complex, and thoroughly compelling.