No 89

It's simple, if you want to smell like a well dressed, cultured and articulate guy, this is your scent. It's for the gent who takes great care in their appearance, even if not wearing something formal. You are the type of man that doesn't try to look immaculate for attention or compliments but for self satisfaction and personal principles. You are the type of person that still does what is required, even when no one's around to see! It's an intricate scent for all seasons, situations and scenarios. It's has adequate strength, sillage and projection but that's not really why you acquire something like no.89....hopefully! It'll be a captivating skin scent by the end of the working day, by then of course you'll be ready to reapply if desired or transition to another fragrance thats more appropriate for your evening setting. You wear the Floris brand because you enjoy craftsmanship of the highest quality and tradition that's still more relevant than ever in a modern setting but most importantly, you like to make your mark in an understated fashion. Simply, you are an elegant, stylish and confident individual. If this is for you, you'll know from just a little research. For me, it was a blind buy! I rarely do such a thing but I love the notes and wear classic perfumery most of the time, friends also assured me this was a very safe bet as no.89 shares many qualities of my established favourites, so the risk was minimal. The notes are all here for you to peruse at the page heading, so it's not necessary to repeat but I just say it's truly a timeless, unique blend that exudes qualities rarely found in day to day life anymore. If you want something that's gentlemanly, possibly Dandy-ish but unforgettable, this scent will see you through the years without breaking stride. Whether business, formal, casual or anything in-between, it's hard to beat for the right kind of man. I've been very lucky to have found another fragrance that'll be considered everyday and worn often.

I’ve been on a bit of a mission lately trying to slim down my ‘daytime office’ fragrances to one or two per season, to remove some of the decision fatigue I was struggling with each morning! Having spent most of the summer wearing Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet in the office, I decided to look for something better suited to the Autumn months. As an Englishman, I find myself drawn to the classic, somewhat ‘austere’ English houses for my daytime wear – Penhaligon’s, Floris, Trumpers et al, whereas night time is where my heavier Tom Ford-esque fragrances tend to come out. It was this Autumn search which led me to buying my first bottle of No. 89 a few weeks ago. Initially, as was the case with my bottle of Floris’ Santal, I found it a little overpowering to the point that it gave me a headache and I began questioning whether or not I had made the right decision. However fast forward a couple of weeks (with more than a little olfactory fatigue likely playing its part) and I’m absolutely in love with this fragrance. As a daytime office scent for the colder months, I could do no better. No. 89 is crisp, complex and classic, with a healthy longevity provided the correct amount is used; I find 4 sprays to be the optimum number – 5 at a push. 6 is overpowering. I have all but abandoned my other Fall choice (Trumpers’ Eucris – another great fragrance) because I can’t bring myself to spend an entire work day not wearing No. 89. Pair this fragrance with a crisp white shirt, a good suit & a decent tie and you’ll feel several inches taller. My only challenge is going to be switching to something heavier for the winter months!

Ahh, the fragrance of James Bond (mentioned in the novels) and a favorite of Ian Flemming himself. It took me a long time to have the opportunity to try this! It didn't disappoint, but it didn't blow my mind either; It was -just right-. I had imagined it would be dated, unappealing, and perhaps even "old" smelling. However, it wasn't. Floris 89 is a very nice classic fresh English barbershop type scent, as one might expect. It is a classy concoction of aromatic citrus, florals, woods, and small hint of spices. The opening is fresh and vibrant but it eventually does dry down to a powdery scent. Being an avid wet shaver, I love barbershop type scents and so Floris 89 was right up my alley. However, if you despise powdery scents, this is not for you. Again, it doesn't open powdery, but it does dry down to a powdery scent. I think this scent would be perfect for a gentleman into the classics, and would be a great piece to own for all the Bond aficionados. Floris 89 is really a great fragrance and may even get you compliments in the opening. Are there other better classic barbershop fragrances? Yes. But this one is special to me for the James Bond connection. But be warned! When I smell Floris 89 I think of something Sean Connery, Roger Moore, or Timothy Dalton might wear, not Daniel Craig or even Pierce Brosnan. I must also add that I LOVE Eucris by Geo F. Trumper (James Bond's other canon fragrance). I prefer Eucris over Floris 89 and would recommend it first. However, they are very different and are not redundant. If I was Q and had to pick, I would assign Floris 89 to Roger Moore and Eucris to Sean Connery. :)

No. 89 is a gentleman's delight: a fresh cut, fresh shave, pocket square, loafers, and a pep in one's step. Who am I kidding? When have I ever been this man? I suppose its never too late, but for now, I am wearing No. 89 for just me, myself, and I, as I wear my WFH (work from home) attire of an Underarmor shirt and sweats. This is the beauty of fragrance. Do we really need to wear it for others, or can we be liberated from these expectations and just embrace it for our own ephemeral journey into reverie? My life has been a journey into reverie lately, so I will gladly take this No. 89 and wear the hell out of it. I'll revel in its classicism and aromatic panache! There is a starchy, powdery elegance that is the backbone of No. 89, with its lavender, rose and moss being its soul, and its musk and woods its spirit. There aren't any plot twists, no cliffhangers, no thought-provoking notes that attempt to provide 'interest.' It is unpretentious, and it's a relief from all the pedantry and artful braggadocio that fragheads navigate through, because of course this was made as more an artful utility than as an artful expression. It reminds me that all the thin slices of pie that are rationed out in this relatively new subculture that is called "fragcomm" can dilute the personal experience and render it needlessly self-conscious, vain, and hedonistic. It can also make the yearning more painful. It can really be quite exhausting. A fragrance like this sort of brings me back to center, and I am thankful for that.

Man I love this stuff. Bought recently some samples. First Parfum de Marley- Pegasus-Herods-Layton- Amouage Jubilation Mancera Black Gold Only liked Pegasus which I bought. Layton is simply horrible for me. Mancera Black Gold was interesting. Will reconsider it later. But overal, not impressed with these overly expensive fragrances. Than bought another 2 samples. Floris Santal & No 89. Santal has a great opening but after only a few minutes becomes lesser interesting for me. But Floris no 89 is really great. Used the sample during an entire week. Only had doubts how much to buy. Really lovely sophisticated scent from an era gone by. Clean, soapy barbershop. Was a bit afraid for its performances, with Chanel pour Monsieur EDT in mind which unless I peel my skin off I guess,is gone in 60 minutes. Floris no 89 however, has a good sillage for the first 2 hours or so and than another fine 4 hours closer to skin. But I still can smell it 10-12 hours later. Not bad at all for a citrus Summer fresh fragrance. So the big bottle is mine now. Been using it at least every other day since I have it. Out of the 20 I bought in the last 2 months. A lesser thick on vanille version of Habit Rouge. HB performs better but its citrus is more old school and the sweet vanilla can sometimes be a little too much. Almost sickening. Floris is the more sophisticated of the 2. But in the end I love both just as much. Floris for the warmer days. Habit Rouge for cooler Spring/Summer days/nights but it works even in Winter.