273 Rodeo Drive for Men

Dark and mysterious 80's style frag comparable to Jacques Bogart. I'd say its worn best casually or on a date, not very strong or long lasting, but definitely makes a statement that's sure to grab some attention from the uninitiated to the world of 80's fragrances. Buckle up for this one. This fragrance invokes an image a man stepping out of a 1982 Firebird Trans Am in a disheveled suit with a 5 o' clock shadow wearing sunglasses at night. On my first spray I thought it simultaneously smelled like burnt and unburnt incense. I assume that was just something synthetic because that scent quickly dissipates. It maintains a resin/incense smell in the forefront even a little camphor/balsam that plays along too I'd say. Oakmoss/musk takes the middle ground being present throughout and perhaps why I've been wearing it so much lately (really down with earthy/musky fragrances). The dry down really reveals the undertone of the lavender that has been there the whole time just waiting for it's time to shine. There's also a bit of brightness to the whole fragrance I can't pin, perhaps the amber scent, maybe the citrus others have said they smell, but I feel its closer to a fresh spicy than citrus. Cedar also fits right next to that scent but I'd surprised if that's what the brightness is, this smell is the most reserved of all but there certainly is a woodsy scent even when the oakmoss is gone. This is nothing like Drakkar Noir unlike what others have compared it to, but I guess its the easiest comparison because this fragrance isn't common anywhere else. If you have any interest in something different or are on the fence about this style of fragrance you really can't go wrong here. You can grab a large bottle for below $15, that's basically a large combo at Mcdonalds.

I have bought Rodeo Drive blind based on the observation that if a bottle this dated and tacky is still sold, the content must be something special - and it is. This is what I think it is made of, after wearing it for days non-stop: Top - Lavender or a mix of lavenders, with medicial sharpness and soft floral undertones usually not found together - Bergamot - Arizona cedar: a fresh citrusy cypress - Artemisia Heart - Texas cedar: a woodier juniper - Amber: Enough styrax to make the whole composition dry, labdanum, real vanilla, something similar to coumarin just darker - Something smokey - I am not that good with notes - Another aromatic note Base - Sandalwood - Cedar or cedar like conifer - Woody musk or combination of musks - Oakmoss Supported by a variety of aldehydes. Well thought out and masterfully executed, Rodeo Drive appears simple with a single main accord featuring over a quieter background at every stage. All the notes are transposed (excuse my extension of the musical metaphors) supported by similar notes in the background and fortified by synthetics. Like a symphony. The opening is light fougere. Once the lavender fades a very strong birch tar type leather appears, except it is not actually a birch tar leather. The dry down is woody. Note separation is very good. The composition is somewhat fickle like all composite leathers. Wear it exclusively or apply enough to overpower the remains of yesterday's fragrance to get the leather - definitely the best stage for me. When Rodeo Drive came out, the synthetics blended in would have been the main attraction. These days it is the prevalence of natural materials and the simplicity. The only compromise imposed by the low price is the strength - which is easy to overcome by applying a bit more.

Great stuff! Someone one said why bother owning, it smells so close to Antaeus. Well, the better Antaeus versions cost minimum $125-150 for a silver sprayer bottles. The early vintages versions, $300+ easy and all day. Why own 273 Fred Hayman? I think I paid $8 for my full bottle. Even if I have to spray a couple more sprays, it scratches a similar itch to Chanel Antaeus or other animalic 80’s fragrances like Furyo, Davidoff Classic, Marbert Gentlemen, and many, many others. Projection is pretty good and longevity is there. It always amazes me how many wonderful cheap fragrances were available before IFFRA came in and decimated perfumery. It’s a shame. Why own? Because one day scents like this won’t exist. You may sit there and regret not buying that $8-10 fragrances that smelled a lot times gone by. Either way enjoy the hunt!!

I love this cologne! It is only EDC strength, but it still commands attention. The musk is a particularly animalic type that smells more like civet to me. This is coupled with a strong lavender, citrus, herbal accord that makes it dry and sharp. Purplesun was correct in calling it austere: it is in the same company as Yatagan, Antaeus, Montana Parfum d'Homme and other fragrances of that ilk, but almost like a base to which more notes were added to get all the aforementioned colognes. Its simplicity is what gives it its beauty. EDIT: the box says it is an EDC but the bottle itself an EDT.

I love this stuff. I first heard about it on Scents of South Jersey YouTube channel, and it did not disappoint. It's simple but interesting, doesn't smell like anything else I have. Something about it reminds me of Kouros, but they smell totally different. 273 Rodeo Dr is so funky, but in a very enjoyable way. Not sure I would wear this to work, it feels like more of an evening scent to me. But I could see this as a signature scent for the right type of guy.