Un Homme

An excellent masculine fragrance from around 1980...a short-time after Azzaro Pour Homme came out, one of the classic Aromatic Fougeres that has a prominent note of anise. The scent pyramid, while scaled down from Azzaro PH, has some similarities - and the nose behind it is Francoise Caron. The beautiful sharp & crisp opening of bergamot and lavender is accompanied by a uniquely different and distinct anise note (from aniseed, actually a sharp, lifted spice) as well as tarragon - which offers a secondary anisic note, but from a softer, greener and more herbal aspect. Together, wonderful harmony between the two. It opens bright and has the quality of an excellent chilled pastis or absinthe in aroma from the anise and tarragon, and citrus bitters. This is, in my humble opinion, truly fantastic! It is a lifted and beautiful array of top notes that immediately gets your attention and warms wonderfully to the skin showing glimpses of the complex, blended fougere structure that is underneath. One who knows Vintage scents will immediately realize just "how" good this is within the first few minutes - the opening is just breathtaking! For true lovers of classic Aromatic Fougeres...this is an excellent bottle and far surpasses many scents from the time period. The patchouli and cedar in the heart are brilliant along with a beautiful carnation note (spicy and sharp - a bit towards the warm 'clove' end of the spectrum, but still distinctly floral for a period), that blends wonderfully with the slightly earthy geranium that has the distinct faint hint of mintiness. I found the note of jasmine - it is similar to what you find still on the vine...fragrant & lively, very 'white', yet green and soft. A light touch of its powderiness in the heart - but not a dominant note (it's in the background and well-blended). Smooth, very smooth - a vibrant and rich aura scent that radiates impressively. One does not need to apply too heavily, but definitely let it breathe on your pulse points and chest (even a couple of shots to your shirt, but let it touch skin). The projection is excellent for the first few hours and the longevity is very good indeed (I easily get 8+ hours with it). The base is where the refined power and beauty really show what this scent can deliver. With the lavender and anise carrying through to the end of the rich floral heart, it transitions to a very smooth and rich leather base with very distinct oakmoss - warmed by amber. The aromatics here are superb - with a smooth, creamy high-quality sandalwood (which transitions beautifully from the slightly sharp cedar note in the heart), tonka bean and musk entering as complimentary notes. But it is the leather and oakmoss that, for me, make this composition outstanding - along with the gorgeous lingering florals. The very nice patchouli stays for a long time too with the anise, lavender, carnation-clove and base notes - creating a nice earthy/floral/green accord that is sharp and articulate. Wonderful in harmony with the rich, plush leather and oakmoss. A nice touch of warm amber is detectable about 90 minutes in...which adds even more dimension and longevity (as mentioned, warming the base notes). This is extremely well-blended, but so brilliantly articulated and has a classic styling about it (unmistakably, a great Vintage scent) - yet it is timeless in its beauty! It is astounding how good the quality of this fragrance is...quite possibly THE best aromatic fougere from the 70's & 80's that very few people have tried. I highly recommend it. Anyone who has a deep love for Vintage Azzaro Pour Homme (and Aromatic Fougeres in general) would find this as a stand-out bottle. I most certainly do. Note separation here is simply incredible, but paradoxically, the seamless blend is amazing! No note is intrusive or dominant. Balance. Depth. Distinct and defined notes. Excellence and refined. Very masculine with a truly confident vibe, but not overtly so - this is pure class. I cannot compare this to Vintage Oscar Pour Lui, except how one can separate the notes and smell the exceptional quality. There is a similar vibe, though (and the lavender note is "integrated" similarly, although the surrounding notes are so different). One who wears Vintage Oscar Pour Lui would like this, a lot. To be worn with appropriate attire, an aire of confidence and a sly grin. Proper attitude and sophistication is required as well...as this is suave, elegant fragrance for a man. My final score for a lost and nearly forgotten gem - 9.5/10. Near perfection. Cheers.

I found this PHENOMENON fragrance in a boutique carrying rare fragrances with one bottle remaining so I didn't waste any time and bought it. Being an old school juice when I sprayed this on my skin I get the lavender note and somewhere in it all the deep aroma of cloves giving it a real attractive spicy masculine aroma. After awhile the fragrance settles I get a sweet/spicy scent which is from patchouli with Amber. Anise and sandalwood gives it an excellent base notes making this juice opulent. Lavender and Carnations gives this fragrance a real balance between a cool aroma to a warm vib. Longevity and Silage is OUTSTANDING...well past 10hrs on my skin. Overall thoughts, In a sentence...they don't make fragrance's like they use to!! This complex aroma of different notes all coming together beautifully making this fragrance abousotley sophisticated. I would wear this fragrance on very special occasion which is near and dear to my heart. The nose behind this fragrance is a MASTER!!! Rating this fragrance is definitely beyond a 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.. Your holding perfection...a true GEM!!!

This is decidedly " old school ", from an earlier time in men's fragrances. If released today, I'm not sure it would really sell to the mass market. But if you're a connoisseur of fragrances, it's an entirely different story with Charles Jourdan Un Homme. Lavender, Leather, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Patchouli, and Carnation is a time honored blend. There have been many variations on this theme. But instead of being resolutely similar to a myriad of other men's fragrances, CJUH has it's own unique qualities. Compared to many peer fragrances of the day back when this was released, I find this stands out. Azzaro and Paco Rabanne, stand aside. Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui? You're a bit too brash to be in the company of Charles. Dunhill Blend 30? Well, I think you've met your sparring partner. Many fragrances for men are titled with a "Pour Homme" suffix. Why "Un Homme"? Simply put, this is representative of the man that all men should aspire to be. Refined masculinity.

There is a remarkable harmony that comes from joining aromatic herbs such tarragon and marjoram, a pronounced anise note, and true oakmoss (of which there is a generous helping in my vintage bottle). Charles Jourdan Un Homme is blissful to my nose, truly sensational. It's sophistication as an aromatic fougere really is evident as it dries down and all the elements coalesce and the patchouli fades in and has this choreography with the oakmoss, swirling, undulating, wafts of repose. It is definitely not a beast like many of its contemporaries, but something so nuanced couldn't be a beast, it must hum mellifluously. I can definitely see Un Homme as the predecessor for the wonderful Zino, but Un Homme has character and wisdom that is transcendental. This is such a rare gem and I will relish each spray for hopefully years to come.

This was an unspeakably wonderful scent. Quite tragic that CJ ceased production of this. It was a phenomenal, original and fabulous creation that was hard to find in its day. I would know it anywhere though. I loved this - like I loved the original Ted Lapidus PH. Why oh why did they stop making such beautiful perfumes? Time has not dulled my memory of either of these one bit. What a pity I wont ever smell them again. Does anyone know anyone who could lobby for their return?