SOTD: Irlsh Leather by Memo Paris 21/02/2026

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An early niche favourite of mine and yes I am most certainly biased here. IL is without doubt the crown jewel of the house’s Cuirs Nomades collection. Launched in 2013, it was designed to capture the essence of a frosty morning in the Irish countryside, the scent of a stable, wet grass & the rugged outdoors. It was created by my personal favourite perfumer Aliénor Massenet, who has been the primary architect for many of Memo Paris’s most iconic scents. Most will know Memo was founded by Husbamd & Wife duo John & Clara Molloy. Irish leather is said to be a nod to one half of Memo Paris. Unlike the heavy, smoky, old school leathers, Irish Leather has an aromatic green character.

With top notes of Pink Pepper, Clary Sage & Juniper Berries, It hits with a sharp, bracing blast of juniper berries and clary sage. This provides a gin-like, herbal crispness that feels like inhaling cold morning air. At its core Green Maté Absolute, Iris & Flouve. As it settles, the Maté tea note takes center stage. It’s bitter, grassy, and slightly smoky, providing a bridge between the fresh opening and the darker base. The iris adds a subtle, powdery "silver" sheen that keeps the scent elegant rather than purely rustic. Moving on to the base notes, Leather Accord, Birch, Amber & Tonka Bean. The leather here is clean, think of a high end, well oiled saddle rather than a raw animal hide. The birch adds a touch of woodsy smoke, while the tonka bean provides just enough smoothness to keep the edges from being too sharp.

Performance here is super good, you will get 7 hrs on skin with a strong protection that creates a noticeable scent bubble. It isn't cloying, but its aromatic nature allows it to cut through cold air. This is Incredibly unique; there are very few "green leathers" that achieve this level of realism.

My Rating 8.5/10

Scent 3

Longevity 2.5

Sillage 2

Y/N 1

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