Francesco Smalto pour Homme

Francesco Smalto pour Homme is a unique, gorgeous aromatic fougere. It is a lovely smokey-herbal-Oakmoss scent that places it squarely in the 80's powerhouse fougere classification, and yet it is far more approachable and subtle than all others of that class: the huge majority of votes at the top of this page list FSpH's sillage as "moderate"! My 22-year old son uses FSpH regularly, precisely because it is so different than fragrances worn by his peers. Think about it: no citrus notes, no aquatics, no cocoa or vanilla, no wood elements, no soapiness and no sweetness whatsoever. FSpH was pretty unusual in the 80's, but utterly unique now! If I close my eyes and focus on the fragrance, FSpH's dry, herbal smokiness transport me into another place: nightime amongst desert sand dunes, where the warmth of a smoldering fire offers comfort from the cold night air. Onto the glowing embers someone has thrown some dried herbs and mosses which meld with the fire's smoke to wrap me in a comfortable embrace. Some reviewers have found similarities to Drakkar Noir. I guess to some extent that's valid, but FSpH is a far drier, smokier and more austere fragrance (while at the same time having less sillage, and being less of an attention-seeker). As I write this it occurs to me that FSpH might contain some of the elements that the current reformulation of Drakkar Noir is lacking compared to the vintage version. I wonder if layering FSpH with current DN might result in something akin to vintage DN? My rating: 9/10

After waiting and waiting for ages to receive order from an online seller (who shall remain nameless - but who rhymes with FlagranceX), my long awaited bottle of Francesco Smalto arrived. Woohoo. I have been focussing on collecting powerhouse fragrances and this one came highly recommended, so I bought it blind. I am glad I did. Wow, what a magnificent cologne! It has so many similarities with fragrances I already have. There is a definite similarity with Azzaro pour Homme, but F.S. is a little edgier. I also detect similarity with Polo and to some degree Red by Giorgio Beverly Hills. If I were to pick the two closest, I would say it's like Polo and Azzaro mixed together (with, perhaps a touch of Lapsang Souchong tea). Anyone unfamilar with Lapsang - it has a distintive smoky flavour. The smokiness in F.S.is very appealing. I was going to say I was surprised there is no artemisia but I Googled tarragon and what do you know... it's a member of the artemisia family. Artemisia along with patchouli are two of my favourite notes and they blend together with the lavender to make a potent yet attractive combination. The oakmoss is quite strong and in fact I sprayed some F.S. in the crook of my elbow, while comparing it with other fragrances and it ever so slightly irritated my skin (So I don't recommend applying it to your eyelids). This is a long lasting fragrance and well-worthy of its powerhouse status.

This one has always been a 'love' from my very first time wearing it. It's complex mix of notes winds up being enticing, exhilarating, sexy and comforting all at the same time. I love the earthiness, smoky side and the nice and noticeable oak moss and musk in this frag. I don't get any tonka bean notes in this at all. I love the fact that when I'm wearing it I've noticed both men and women lean in towards me to get another sniff. Most often the comment is "Whatever you're wearing - I like it!" So do I. Lol Yes as some have indicated, there is a bit of similarity with Drakkar and even similar notes shared with Giorgio Red for Men. I've sampled all three side by side. Make no mistake those are fine and worthy scents IMO. But Francesco Smalto is one smooth MF and less in your face than the aforementioned two fragrances. This was a sleeper frag in its day. Popular with a small crowd. Unknown by many. It reminds me of the discontinued Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar likely due to the oak moss as well. A timeless discontinued classic that I'm happy to still have in my collection. I'd never sell it. A very beautiful yet masculine scent. Could easily be worn year round. Overall: 9/10

Francesco Smalto pour Homme is a fantastic 1980's powerhouse fougere. It is almost as dry as Yatagan by Caron, although it smells nothing like Yatagan whatsoever. The opening is strong - a spicy, smokey lavender/leather combination with a touch of anise (the only seemingly "sweet note" during the entire development). This becomes a very nicely balanced fragrance once the initial olfactory onslaught mellows. After about an hour, the anise seems to be gone but the smokey leather is still there with the lavender coming through more distinctly, along with only a hint of some very dry florals. By the four hour plus mark, the lavender is at its finest (really nice!), the smokiness has faded, and I detect predominantly leather with some oakmoss in the base notes. This is a wonderfully masculine fragrance, and anyone that enjoys Quorum and Azzaro pour Homme is sure to enjoy Francesco Smalto pour Homme! This is without a doubt one of my all-time personal favorite fragrances.

Francesco Smalto PH is a love at first scent for me. The dry, burnt smokiness combined with a familiar green herbal mix and potent blend of oak moss and leather is addictive. While it doesn't have the depth or refinement as vintage Polo Green, it could be its younger sibling. Imagine a smokier (as in burnt wood "smoky") Polo Green but remove its prominent tobacco note. I wear Fancesco Smalto more often than Polo Green because it's cleaner (I agree w/ solidsergio7 on Xeryus) and you can wear it whereas Polo Green can sometimes wear you, if that makes sense. Antonio Puig’s Quorum is another classic that comes to mind, among others, but for me, I much prefer this drier/smokier approach to this crowded genre of woody aromatic/chypre classics, which is why Smalto’s PH stands out for me. Score: 8.5 ou tof 10 Would I purchase a replacement bottle? Yes, this is perfect for overcast days, but could be worn year round. Disappointing that this was discontinued.

my old time favourite EDT - wore it first when I was 20 - everyone loved the smell, it was unique - 6 years later I wanted to buy another bottle but I was not able to find it anymore - just recently I bought a bottle online - and still love the smell though I think the longetivity has somehow changed - apparently the early bottles were made in France and newer editions were made in the USA - anyhow I still love it and just recently I found cheap bottles for only €7 for 30ml on the french Amazon page Amazon.fr - had some hassle getting it so I bought immediately 5 bottles - just to know that I always have a spare available - the smell is fresh but also a little smoky - best to wear in fall or winter - I never found a smell alike this one, so it's unique

Francesco Smalto pour Homme is a great fragrance. Is herbal, woody, smoked, spicy, floral and leathery. The opening is beautiful and very strong, it feels lavender, tarrangon, bergamot, rosemary and anise, but after it softens, altouhg follow smelling very good. After two hours appears a smokey leather combined with lavender and a soft haba tonka, patchouli and cedar. This fragrance is very aromatic, but at less the formula that I have is not so powerful. I found a great similarty with Drakkar Noir, but Smalto is smoked and actual Francesco Smalto has better longevity and price than actual Drakkar Noir. I think It could be used every time of year. I love this kind of fragrances, I love Francesco Smalto Pour Homme.

This is amazing, reminds me of the original Colors by Benetton, the all black bottle. I could swear there is cloves in here, like jacamo d jacamo , but nope , it must be the menthol aspects of the anise that seems like cloves. I has that 80's vibe , like Antaeus , but spicier , I'm gong to find my bottle of Caron 3rd man, see if they are similar. I can see why everyone speaks fondly of this Gem, a Great manly scent that is still relevant. 2023 edit; its just like drakkar noir, I have both now and gave them a side by side, the dry down on this is uncannily similar. I see why it's #1 in votes for similarity

Uuuuuhhh this is heaven in a bottle. Pure Italian fougere-nectar! The opening alone is highly addictive, like the openings of vintage -Lacoste ('84) -Xeryus ('86) -Basile Uomo ('87) -Tsar ('88) and so on....addictive stuff! And then the unveiling of the equally aromatic, dense, mossy deliciousness that makes a classic italian fougere, imho ;) Once you pop that cap, it's gonna get you! 10/10

This is Drakkar Noir meets Xeryus . Unique masculine scent ! It’s a darker version of both but not as fresh as DN , whereas Noir is sporty all-time around fragrance , Smalto is more for special occasions, romantic settings. Good longevity and moderate performance. Prices are sky high but fortunately got it from a seller from Mexico City. They seem to have a huge stock for the classics.

Herbal, dry, smoky, leathery, aldehydic, mossy—dreamy masculinity bottled. Unlike some of the 80s fougeres that arguably come off as somewhat strident, Francesco Smalto Pour Homme is a smooth operator, with an understated naturalness that sets it apart for its genre. Be sure to pick up a bottle with the ridges in the gold collar of the cap.

Ok, this bring back fond memories of 24 years ago. But I'm glad I found Smalto on here because I just have to say - I thought this was sex in a bottle. I haven't been around it in a very long time, so I don't know if I'd still like it today. The ad campaigns in the late '80s with, "Smalto... You make me weak..." were spot-on perfect.

smoky in deep dark forest. Don't pick up any substantive anise or tarragon whatsoever, sadly. 9/10 scent , 4-5 hours

This was my signature scent when it came out for many years! Still love the smell of this magnificent juice!

@Paligap The one in the main picture is the answer to both your questions

shamus1, instantjim and preetmonger - fantastic reviews! I was a little hesitant at first to buy this - although I am a powerhouse and aromatic fougere lover, I was worried it would be overly-done or perhaps a shadow of another scent. I was also concerned if the bottle I got was a good one as there are threads on other forums of cheap (possible immitation) bottles. I got the real juice from a reliable source and have very serious affection for this fragrance! Excellent. Shamus1 nails this - I got hit with the smoky opening full of rich green herbs (tarragon, sharp lavender, and rosemary) and florals (similar to Drakkar Noir but with added smoke), which sort of floored me...in a very good way. Surprised not to see artemisia as a listed note - (as was Instantjim, who found tarragon to be in the artemisia family...bingo). It is not as tarry as Jacomo de Jacomo (which can be over the top for some) and the smoke blends very nicely into this. The specific accord is the carnation-clove, blending with the rich oakmoss and heavy, warm leather. I would have to say that it is an Aromatic Fougere (classic 80's style after DN's success starting in 1982) with a lot of leather, lavender, oakmoss, deep patchouli, musk and other green/floral notes. The citrus is minimal - this is a rugged scent, not "fresh" - but in your face macho. It is not the tough guy at the bar - it is the bouncer who will throw him out! I recently have reviewed the reformulation of Drakkar Noir and feel it is very good (lighter than before). Ironically, this is like Drakkar Noir "Black" - ;-) ! The notes are very well-blended here...impressively so. The smoke stays, but other florals come forward in the heart and the fresh top green herbs keeps this from becoming dank or musty. This is the perfect smoker's fragrance...and yet there is no tobacco note. Apart from Drakkar Noir, I would have to say that this is actually fairly unique. I don't get a strong anise note from this (although it is mentioned), but there are subtle nuances of dark licorice undertone, along with a nice, green fern note in the late heart. Overall, Francesco Smalto Pour Homme is a rich, smoky leather scent that has well-incorporated green and floral notes - I do get the rich tarragon and some nice rosemary, so green, earthy/herbal indeed. The patchouli here is deep, earthy and rich. The musk, just slightly dirty - which goes perfect with the smoky leather, oakmoss and warm tonka bean (coumarin) for that classic fougere vibe. I have a large collection of Aromatic Fougeres and this one just found a home in my rotation! Excellent. Throw my hat into the ring of really, really like - damn near love. I am curious for a full-wearing of this, but I can tell it is a powerhouse. For now, I give it a solid and respectable 8+/10 and a recommendation to buy (I have worn the latest Drakkar Noir several times lately and increased my rating to 7.5+/10 - I would say they are very close, but slight nod to Francesco Smalto Pour Homme for the depth and not reformulated that I can tell). I would reach for DN to be less-offensive/daytime scent. I'd rather not compare, but when in the mood for a composition like this, one will choose either this bottle or the opaque, black one that says Drakkar Noir on it. This is actually closer in vibe to a layered wearing of Drakkar Noir (current with vintage formulation) as you get both the green/herbal/floral notes with the rich base from what only the Vintage juice can offer. This bottle is great to hang out and enjoy on cool, fall & winter evenings projecting an intense, macho-vibe - and wear just to feel I got a pair. Great bottle of juice and only to be worn by men, not boys. Highly recommended.

The best of the Aromatic Fougeres that I have tried. This was a favorite of mine for several years when I was much younger. It was so different from everything else I had, and I never smelled it on anyone else. I found it in a Spiegel's Outlet store in San Marcos, Texas back in the day. I wasn't sure I loved it then. I don't think I was mature enough for it then either. There was something about it I liked at the time, but could not put my finger on. Years later I understood it was the oak moss. This thing is an oak moss beast. All I get is oak moss and leather; deep, dark, mossy leather and moist, musky earth. The opposite of a dry scent...wet and with an herbal quality. The bottle is the right color for the scent. Not floral at all, not just-showered fresh, not oceanic, not sweet, not slight. THIS IS MAN! It lasts and projects like crazy. I still have my bottle from the mid 90's. It smells the same. I take more pleasure these days from knowing I have it, and from the memories of the time when it was mine; not from actually wearing it. They do not make them like this anymore.

I agree with most of the descriptions of the notes from previous reviewers and overall I think this is alright. BUT I have two reservations. - The first is that the smokiness and leather notes combine to give a slight but definite urea smell which puts me off (like the smell of fresh kidneys cooking). - Secondly it seems like a watered down powerhouse - the projection is good early on but fades fast and longevity on me is only 5 or 6 hours and it's barely detectable for the last few hours. Can't help feeling it was made as a "safe" version of some earlier powerhouses and didn't really commit to anything fully - that might be what you want if some of the others don't suit you - but it just doesn't do it for me. I have other scents that IMHO do a better, more full-blooded job (that I can get hold of more cheaply) and this doesn't add anything to my wardrobe. OK but can't recommend.

Francesco Smalto Pour Homme is a beautiful and captivating powerhouse scent that integrates many of my favorite notes. It starts out with herbs, lavender and anise while gradually passing into a heart heart of fern, carnation and geranium and then yielding to a leathery, tonka, oak moss and musk finish. What I really love is that the presence of smoke, motor oil, soap and leather is always at hand letting you know that this is a manly scent that deserves respect. FSPH has quickly become one of my consistently used favorites. Not for a younger crowd, it needs to be worn by men who have experienced life and understand their place in this world.

The reviewers below that compared this to Giorgio Beverly Hills Red are correct to my nose. I was blown away to learn they smell nearly identical, and my wife agrees so I guess I'm not crazy. I'm glad I only bought a mini of FSPH before forking over the crazy prices on ebay for a 3.3 oz. Other similar fragrances to FSPH are Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme and Jung Pour Homme. But Red is a dead ringer and the 3 people I had compare the two fragrances all agree. BTW No need to get butt hurt if you disagree with the comparison. We all smell things differently so relax. As for me, I saved $100+ so boom!