Tiziana Terenzi · 2016
Al Contrario (2196 Special Edition)
EDPUnisex
The Story
Al Contrario is a bold, smoky leather fragrance that flips expectations on their head. The 2196 Special Edition honors the year of the brand's founding with a richer, more concentrated blend. It opens with a burst of black pepper and saffron, then settles into a heart of birch tar and tobacco, all resting on a base of labdanum and vanilla. This is a scent for those who love intensity and character.
Note Breakdown
Encyclopedia Insights
What makes the 2196 Special Edition different from the original Al Contrario?+
The 2196 Special Edition is a more concentrated version with a higher oil-to-alcohol ratio, resulting in even greater longevity and projection. The scent profile is similar but amplified.
Is this fragrance suitable for everyday wear?+
Al Contrario is quite intense and smoky, so it's best reserved for cooler weather, evenings, or special occasions. It may be overpowering in hot weather or casual daytime settings.
How does the leather note compare to other leather fragrances?+
The leather here is dark, smoky, and rugged, thanks to the birch tar. It's less polished than something like Tuscan Leather and more raw, with a strong tobacco and spice backbone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 2196 Special Edition different from the original Al Contrario?+
The 2196 Special Edition is a more concentrated version with a higher oil-to-alcohol ratio, resulting in even greater longevity and projection. The scent profile is similar but amplified.
Is this fragrance suitable for everyday wear?+
Al Contrario is quite intense and smoky, so it's best reserved for cooler weather, evenings, or special occasions. It may be overpowering in hot weather or casual daytime settings.
How does the leather note compare to other leather fragrances?+
The leather here is dark, smoky, and rugged, thanks to the birch tar. It's less polished than something like Tuscan Leather and more raw, with a strong tobacco and spice backbone.
Verified Primary Sources
✓Fact Checked by Essentia Editorial Team