Last night, I descended into the depths of the Ace Hotel to attend the launch of Alan Cumming’s new perfume, 2^nd (Alan) Cumming.  It was held at the Liberty Hall  which is a dark, sexy little bar in the bowels of the Ace. I got a drink, sat in one of the soft leather couches and took in the scene: men in kilts stood by tables which showcased the perfume, sprayed provocatively on male underwear. Since I was there to experience the scent, I decided, after some consideration, to pick up the item and put my nose to it. For the few seconds I held it to my face, I smelled a kind of clean, smoky earthiness, not unlike a scent that you would equate to equestrian sweat. If you’re at all familiar with CB I Hate Perfume, you will know the creative ways in which this company approaches scent-making. With fragrance concepts like, “Black March, Wild Hunt, Burning Leaves, Cradle of Light, In The Library” you can imagine that their approach is one of high reaching abstraction. Christopher Brosius is the creative mind behind this perfume house and his unique, whimsical, far-reaching products are one of great delight, not unlike Alice sniffing her elixir before drinking it. The two men are personal friends and Alan approached the company to create his own line. The result was 2^nd (Alan) Cumming which is all about “Sex, Scotch, Cigars and Scotland”. The perfume itself has notes of Bergamot, Black Pepper, Scotch Pine, Malt Whiskey, Cigar, Heather, Douglas Fir, Rubber, Worn Leather, Highland Mud, Burnt Rubber, Peat Fire and White Truffle. Perfect for the moors or the everyday, inspired, Scottish urbanite.

– Jeanie Kwak

All proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to charity.

You can purchase the perfume on the CB website: cbihateperfume.com

Header Photo: Charlie Gigante

All other images courtesy of Omen PR