Blamage

The Verdict

Nasomatto Blamage, created by Alessandro Gualtieri in 2014, is a fragrance that revels in its own disruption. The name itself, Italian for embarrassment or blunder, signals the perfumer's intent to challenge conventional expectations. This extrait de parfum is marketed as disruptive, unclassifiable, and seemingly at odds with order, and the community experience largely validates that description.

Reactions are sharply divided. Some reviewers expected to hate it but found themselves giving it a 9 out of 10, while others describe the opening as headache-inducing and screechy. The common thread is that Blamage demands patience and an open mind. Those willing to sit through the challenging first thirty minutes often discover something genuinely compelling underneath.

What It Smells Like

The opening is confrontational. Birch and leather arrive with a metallic intensity that some compare to wet paint or cold metal, accompanied by synthetic musk accords that push the composition into abstract territory. This initial screech is not for the faint-hearted and is the primary source of negative reviews.

Beneath the challenging opening, a sweet peach and apricot accord gradually emerges, creating an unexpected counterpoint to the smoky, woody foundation. The leather note reads more as expensive and refined rather than purely smoky, while the woody notes oscillate between dry and damp wood in a way that feels modern and composed. The drydown reveals a smooth, musky warmth that several reviewers describe as their favorite woody scent of all time. Despite listing only four notes, the fragrance smells remarkably complex.

When to Wear It

Blamage is best suited for cooler weather, where its metallic cold-weather vibe and smoky woods feel most natural. Evening outings, art events, and occasions where making a memorable impression matters are its natural territory. The fragrance has enough presence to be noticed but enough sophistication to avoid being crass.

This is not a summer fragrance, and it would feel out of place in conservative professional settings. It rewards personal, intimate wearing where its complex evolution can be appreciated over several hours.

Longevity & Projection

As an extrait de parfum from Nasomatto, Blamage delivers impressive performance. Projection is above average, filling the immediate space around the wearer without being overbearing. Longevity is exceptional, with most reviewers reporting all-day wear from just one or two sprays. However, some contrasting opinions note that it can sit quite close to the skin, suggesting that performance may vary with skin chemistry. The consensus places it among the stronger performers in the Nasomatto line.

The Community Says

The fragrance community treats Blamage as a litmus test for adventurousness. Enthusiasts who love it tend to love it deeply, calling it their favorite woody perfume of all time and praising its complexity. Critics focus on the loud screaming synthetics and what they perceive as a slobby construction. The middle ground is occupied by those who find it surprisingly safe and wearable, offering a modern interpretation of woody scents that balances boldness with refinement. Almost everyone agrees: sample before purchasing.

Who Should Buy This

Blamage is for the experienced fragrance collector who has grown bored with conventional compositions and craves something genuinely different. If you appreciate abstract, concept-driven perfumery and have the patience to let a fragrance evolve on your skin, Blamage can be deeply rewarding. Fans of smoky leather and dry woods who also enjoy unexpected sweetness will find much to appreciate here.

The Bottom Line

Nasomatto Blamage is a deliberate act of olfactory provocation that rewards the patient and the curious. Its challenging opening gives way to a sophisticated woody-leather composition with an unexpectedly sweet heart. It is not for everyone, and it knows it, but for those who connect with its vision, it delivers an experience that few other fragrances can match.