1962

As far as traditional, green citrus aromatics are concerned this is something of a personal "Holy Grail," as it doesn't get much better for me than 1962. This is a fragrance that is crisp and clean, constructed with great balance between the notes, and that manages to have a clearly defined, substantial presence while remaining swift, airy, and aromatic. It opens with a juicy bite of lime that quickly mingles among cloves, and is flanked by mint. It's clear from the beginning that oakmoss and cypress will play a significant role in the heart, yet both notes remain a bit in the back at first, allowing the top notes to provide a bright, uplifting start. The cloves have an important role, as they skillfully cut some of the sharpness out of the bright citrus, making it all the more easy and pleasing on the senses. 1962 immediately recalls Polo for Men, but here it feels lighter and delicately balanced, perhaps less expansive in exchange for a tighter, more crisp and modern sort of feel. Personally, I find Polo a bit too big and overpowering, aggressive in its herbal-aromatic presentation of firs and mosses, and 1962 seems to tone it down just to the right level where there is still plenty of character but with a little more discretion as well. This isn't a knock on Polo per se, as much as it is a comment on my personal style and preference. As the mint, cloves and citrus notes from the top fade to the background, a traditionally masculine combination of oakmoss and cypress take over. Cypress smells like fir balsam and pine, a clean aromatic and bracing woodiness that I find does a great job of imparting freshly groomed classical appeal, and of course pairs perfectly well with the bitter, soapy nuances of oakmoss. What I enjoy about 1962 is that all of these notes and qualities feel so nicely balanced. There isn't any component that seems heavy-handed or too quiet where it's unfocused or where a note or accord seems just out of reach. There's both clarity and delicacy at work and it results in a fragrance that stays with you as you wear it but doesn't extend beyond you and overdo it. This is a sober, daily wear option for work, but could also be appropriate for dressed up formal affairs in the evening. The majority of my fragrance preferences lean modern, but 1962 presents an older, more traditional style in a manner that works well for me due to its balance and the crisp addition of mint and juicy citrus notes. Overall I would rate this fragrance an excellent 9.5/10 and recommend it as a blind buy for anyone familiar with this traditional masculine style and looking to add one to his wardrobe.

On the opening I can smell a light haze of orange and lime with the lime been more prominent. Soon after the cypress makes itself known and it is very nice indeed. It reminds me of a lighter and fresher version of Italian Cypress, the cypress note is gorgeous and to die for here. After a while I can detect light wisps of jasmine and floral's but the cypress is the star of the show.The other notes act around this note to make it lighter, fresher and just god damn gorgeous. Eventually the cypress accord becomes more warmer and mossy and musky as we move into the basenotes. The fragrance has a understated elegance too it. I know the scent is inspired by London's Soho district in the Summer of 1962 but it definitely smells Mediterranean and Italian to my nose. Well the fragrance did not impress right out of the gate but when it opens up it does become a stunner. The Cypress note here is just beautiful, very fresh and seductive. In fact I think I prefer this to Italian Cypress as its more elegant and refined with hidden nuances. Italian Cypress is very potent where as 1962 is just easier to wear. In fact this scent could have been released under the Acqua Di Parma line.lol So all in all if you like fresh aromatic cypress and the Mediterranean vibe then this is a winner. Would be great for Spring and especially Summer.

Finally scored a hard to find bottle for under $200! Update: I hadn't worn it for a while, now October. I picked up a clear ashen incense for the first time. Unlisted. I like vintage classic chypres like Balenciaga Pour Homme, Z-14, etc. This came out in 2016, but has an 80's- 90's vintage vibe. It has the cypress,, cloves and Oakmoss of Halston Z-14. It is sweeter and more fruity than Z-14. It has a creamy sandalwood and a green mossiness of Gucci Envy or Balenciaga PH. It's a great fragrance. So well blended and enjoyable for all seasons. It could be my signature fragrance if it was still available. PS: In the dry-down I'm getting the green mandarin note. It is very unique and less tart/ more green than citrus. It is the oil distilled from the mandarin orange before it ripens. Rating: 9/10 God bless. John 3:16

I absolutely love this! This fragrance conjures up memories of two other masterpieces. The opening and first 25 minutes are VERY reminiscent of Tom Ford's Italian Cypress. Once the dry down hits, the wafts I get call to mind vintage Polo Green. I wear this to work, and get a SURPRISING number of compliments. While 1962 will work in practically any season (the possible lone exception being super-hot summer days), I would particularly recommend this one for cooler weather. The chilly, crisp autumn days of mid-November really bring out stunning elements in this one. I adore both Italian Cypress and Cosmair Polo Green, and I adore this. This is a 10/10 for me.

I'll echo other's sentiments by saying that I bought a bottle of this after I fell in love with Italian Cypress. But it's actually less linear that IC, and less dense. I definitely agree that it's a "lighter" fragrance. Still, I've had my girlfriend complain about how strong it was whenever I put on more than a few sprays, so it definitely projects well. Lasts 8+ hours, because I still catch whiffs of it after a day of work. Alas, I get my cypress kicks from a new fragrance these days, so 1962 and I have grown apart. I've recently listed my 2/3 full bottle on eBay. I have a feeling I'll miss this one someday.