Racing Club Black Men's Cologne by MCH

Today I'm sharing my thoughts on my latest fragrance purchase, MCH Beauty Fragrances Racing Club Black Men's Cologne, crafted by MCH Beauty Fragrances, (nope never heard of them either).

The box is fun. I'll give it that. It has racing grid formations on the inside, and I'm into those little details because I know someone had to think of that for my benefit. What I didn't like was the lack of a suede pouch which was advertised on numerous sites. The box is certainly big enough for a pouch and even has a little segment where it should be housed.

The bottle itself is a sturdy ceramic, with a black pillarbox cap that feels quite clunky to remove and replace. The shoulders are sloped and the silver lettering is embossed and is not peelable despite several attempts. Overall, it elevates the shelf.

The atomiser is also entirely black and a little seepy.

This fragrance is billed as a very masculine fragrance, with a mysterious aroma. The note portfolio is also a mystery, with descriptions such as freshness, flowers, and fruits. The Base notes apparently provide a warm and lingering trail, adding a touch of sensuality.

The opening is very intense and direct. Reminds me of that terrible drink Aftershock you'd have in the 90s towards the end of the night. Vodka Redbull put an end to all that. Can you still get Aftershock? (A quick Google, discontinued in 2009, thank Christ).

If you fancy a wave of Aftershock nostalgia then this Racing Club Black aftershave could be the one for you. Oddly after a few sprays, it doesn't lie flat. The notes refuse to open or unlock. It's the most unlayered fragrance I think I've ever tried.

I'm starting to appreciate why the note portfolio is so hard to come by, because this is such a one dimensional fragrance. I've not quite tried anything like that before, and that's not a good thing.

However, it's a very hot scent. It has a lot of alcohol in it. If you were Eddie from the TV show Bottom, you'd consider drinking this if there was nothing else in the fridge.

I mainly get cardamom perhaps with some amber. There is an edge of tobacco, and a very light coating of cedarwood or something else, maybe vetiver. Whatever it is, it's so shy it's imperceptible. The fruit is simply not there, completely shrouded by the intensity of the thick spice of cardamom.

Where to wear

I wouldn't have the confidence to wear this out for black tie, it's just not sophisticated enough. Perhaps for a low budget black tie event that you know is going to be naff. Like a James Bond themed poker night round your relatives where everyone is going to be dressed in £20 tuxedos they bought on Amazon.

I'm sorry I can't be more encouraging. The one saving grace is that it will look good on the shelf, and perhaps you could use it as room spray to get rid of a nasty lingering air biscuit.