Azzaro Pour Homme | Fragrance Review | Handsome Smells

[@HandsomeSmells]

Released in 1978 Classified as a Aromatic Fougere Noses behind this scent are Gerard Anthony and Richard Wirtz (who only ever created this perfume), where as Gerard Anthony was also behind XS Paco Rabanne and Balenciaga Pour Homme. Top notes: Lavender, Lemon, Caraway, Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Iris and Star Anise Heart notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedar, Juniper Berries and Cardamom Base notes: Oakmoss, Leather, Amber, Musk and Tonka Bean. Scent breakdown: - Opens with a beautiful bright but fresh & warm spice, the star anise is the main player, giving this a unique warm spice but also a licorice sweet vibe, along with a bright citrusy lemon, and the caraway which gives this a fresh spicy brightness. The opening immediately gives me a barbershop vibe, the Kurdish barber near me which I frequent every two weeks for a haircut, will end my beard shave and haircut with a cologne/aftershave which gives off this vibe - As the opening relaxes, into the heart of the fragrance I pick up a gorgeous lavender, which smells luxuriously clean and fresh, it has the classic gentlemanly vibe. Sometimes the note of lavender can come across quite harsh and soapy in some fragrances, but it's not the case here. Along with the lavender I also pick up some gentle powderry vibes, which may be coming from the sandalwood or iris. Along with the lavender and powderry vibe, the opening warm spiciness remains as a backbone to allow the lavender to shine. The fragrance remains largely like this throughout the wearing. - In the drydown the scent develops a whiff of a woody backbone, but it's largely retains scent from the heart, where it's a gentlemanly lavender scent, with fresh brightness, some powderiness and gentle sweetness. In my opinion this isn't out-dated in anyway nor does it scream old school. Possibly the vintage formulation had an increased leather and oakmoss vibe, which gave an outdated or school vibe - but the Many people talk of the vintage being superior, it probably is (I've not tried it), and tell people not to bother with the current formulation (I hear the same regarding Kouros), but I would have to respectfully disagree - the current formulation is excellent juice that I wouldn't avoid, it's worth sampling for sure, and for the price it's a bargain. Longevity is around 6-8 hours, with projection being excellent for the first 4 hours, really pushes out strong, after which it sits a little bit closer to the skin. This is best suited as a daytime scent during the spring in my opinion, but could also work in the fall. I think it works well as a signature scent and a casual scent. Overall rating: 8/10 - a true classic!

[@miles-178]

this is my fave !!!!! thanks for a review of it!

[@HandsomeSmells]

Thanks Miles, this is a classic indeed, I'm not surprised it's one of your favourites

[@miles-178]

@@HandsomeSmells ... very important point and experience you mentioned in this video - this scent doesn´t smell outdated at all, i tried it, tested it and smells sooo perfectly masculine , to me it´s almost a perfect picture of masculinity (compared to today´s garbage releases in today´s perfume industry - all of them smells the same, sticky and sweet or sticky freshness) - this is maybe even more worthy than overpriced Beau de Jour , I reckon

[@HandsomeSmells]

I have yet to try beau d'jour but I'm sure I'd share your sentiment. Yeah it's so above the new releases these days and for £30 for 100ml it's insane value.

[@miles-178]

@@HandsomeSmells yeah it is, i rather wanna appreciate everything with real heritage and what stood test of time

[@thefreestylefrEaK]

This one is a MUST HAVE for any man who appreciates classic barbershop fougere's.

[@HandsomeSmells]

I whole-heartedly agree, for me this is THE classic barbershop fougere.

[@rolandaustria7926]

Thanks food this video. Just bought this today. Can’t wait for it to come tomorrow. I’ve just finished a fullsize bottle of Drakkar Noir, so I’m hoping they are similar.

[@HandsomeSmells]

Awesome, I hope you like it. They're quite different, azzaro is more citrussy bright with more sweet warm spices. Though both share the gorgeous lavender note.

[@mubashirsherdil3382]

How was your experience sir? I am also ordering one here in pakistan

[@michaelbullock8011]

Great review and I enjoyed it and I'm going to try these fragrances and have a blessed day

[@HandsomeSmells]

Thanks Michael 😄

[@pmrp12]

I acquired this bottle in a swap early in my fragrance journey and it remains in my wardrobe years later. Out of all the Fougeres I’ve tried, this one remains the most fresh, powerful, and classic. I also like and own Sartorial, and am eyeing Bon Monsieur from Rogue.

[@HandsomeSmells]

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! 😁 Yeah I agree, for me it's one of my favourites of the fougeres. I really enjoy sartorial (my wife also really enjoys it on me). Not sure if I've tried Bon Monsieur, but the others I've tried from rouge have been excellent 👌

[@justaddlight]

I'll always have this one in the stash. Absolutely no question. Did get to try the newest formula and it still gets a thumbs up from me. A great take Waseem. 👌

[@HandsomeSmells]

Thanks Doni. How does the vintage differ to the new stuff?

[@justaddlight]

@@HandsomeSmells Only have an early 90s bottle myself, but there's a pretty hefty dose of DHM in both. The new version is more balanced and cleaned up imo, but mine is spicier, with a more pronounced juniper and oakmoss. There's also a tiny bit of floral "grunge" if that's a thing. The new one feels like it has more coumarin too. But I'd still have to say they're about 80% similar. No question that young people would likely prefer the new stuff. Already have a backup, but might get a few more before it becomes extinct.

[@HandsomeSmells]

That sounds incredible, thanks for the sharing the differences, appreciate it!

[@bandhanjha8563]

This doesn't last

[@HandsomeSmells]

Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you! It's a average performer for me, thus I'm satisfied, as the price and scent it self is brilliant.