FRAGRANCE | Continuum [12:00 GMT] EDP by Tumi: Not unique but still a well-executed, masculine fragrance nonetheless

I never would have thought Tumi, maker of high-quality bags and luggage, had a line of fragrances until I was given a 30ml bottle of Continuum [12:00 GMT]. The presentation, while straightforward, is both elegant and rugged at the same time; very masculine in appeal. I also love how its black and brown color scheme echoes that of my Tumi laptop bag, which only added to my immediate fondness for it.

But did that instant fondness extend to the scent? Well, it sure as hell did! As with its presentation, Continuum is likewise characteristically masculine in scent, with a fairly dark vibe to boot. And I love dark, so Tumi had me there already.

Deliciously dark and dry tobacco and leather mark the scent at the onset, accompanied by an incense-y sweetness and a mild citrus accent. The incense here is not the airy kind but rather full and on the heavy side, lending the tobacco and leather some needed moisture to round the scent out. There's also something sweet and sour-ish going on, perhaps from oud. It offers nary anything distinct in terms of progression, with everything just swirling together and projecting this wonderful aroma. Over time, however, the citrus expectedly fades while the scent becomes less sour and less sweet, leaving the tobacco much more prominent.

Admittedly, it's nothing unique or groundbreaking, as these accords have been done time and again. Still, while there are facets of this creation that echo the likes of Tom Ford Tobacco Oud, Burberry London, and a few others, Continuum is by no means a replica of any of these. It remains its own scent, however reminiscent it or any of its accords are of other fragrances before it. 

Tumi Continuum [12:00 GMT] leans formal or office and because of its scent profile, works better for cold than warm settings. Projection is generally moderate but prefers to sit close to the skin after around the two or three-hour mark, although some activity or heat will afford you random whiffs of it throughout the day. All in all, I'm happy with it.