Drakkar

Few seem to realize that Drakkar Noir was actually one of the earlier "flankers" in existence (Magie Noire being another, as the flanker of Lancome's 1950 release Magie). The original Drakkar, a citrus aromatic in the spirit of its time, is one where it is safer to go with the latest version possible and hope for a well-preserved specimen, as this one I've learned has a reputation of going quite terpy and sour. I discourage anyone from trusting the notion that the oldest formulation is the one to seek as we are talking about nearly 50 year old bottles. The bottle I own was likely produced in the early to mid 1980s. I apply this as a general rule—vintage buying is a risky game, and finding a safe bet usually means seeking out the most recent formulations that still likely retain the character of the original. Drakkar is notable in that in addition to its tart lemon, verbena and lavender opening that recalls Homme de Grès, it has a spectacular mastic-resin (reminiscent of the fantastic Sisley Eau d'Ikar), a discernible angelica root, subtle juniper tang, and a jasmine heart. It's green-resinous and warm-musky, accented with rosemary and pine needles. Its dry down is a bitter, quenching moss and cedar, accented by cinnamic tolu balsam, calmy expressive after its initial stages of vigor and radiance. This would appeal more so to those who have a yen for the barbershop style of aromatic masculines: its clean-shaving bracing quality may fall short of expectations of some statement fragrance like its flanker. I however, find it delectable.

Marvellous. This is why i fell for frgrances! I remember smelling this as a kid and thought it was magic, and couldn't say why but it was mesmerising. I think this is the fragrance that started me into fragrance collecting, age 5. I had this mini bottle and couldn't stop smelling... but i wanted to preserve it, so precious it was to me. Drakkar is a classic fougère with a twist. It's sexy, with a warm base. The base is all about it and explains why, to this day, I so much love tolu, amber, oakmoss and patchouli. Cozy and warm, sexy and solid. I much prefer this first version over Drakkar noir or other flankers. Everybody should at least try this gem.

This is a true gem. If there’s any fragrance that deserves to be called timeless, this is it. I find it unpretentious, unique and sophisticated. Zingy fresh citrus notes are superb, juniper adds a touch of dryness, and the real oak moss and musks balance it out, making it really smooth and creamy. It vaguely resembles Floris’ no89, but Drakkar is much more refined and subtle. Pure class.

My son was born in 1988 when I met and fell in love with Drakkar! Drakkar was the scent of my beloved cousin who left this world at age 28 at the same year. Today I gave like a 32 birthday present vintage Drakkar to my son. I hope he will likes it.

A great scent from the past! Now guy laroche released drakkar intense! For the 50th anniversary of drakkar original💝 but I hope they will release the Original drakkar at last!

another great vanished scent!!!!! why we never know??? but i miss the 1st drakkar ! such a pity!!!!!!!!!!

This one surprised me ;) :D You would never guess this is a scent from 1972. It's so modern like it's made nowadays, creamy lemon. Chanel Allure Blanche and El Ganso Limoncello could be copies, but Drakkar is more fresh, manly and better than both of them. 8.5/10

A very nice Fougere. Very fresh, citrusy about 30 minutes after the start. The freshest old-school scent I know.

I remember this well. One of my very first colognes. The dry down had a beautiful fresh lemony smell.

It's so upsetting when great fragrances like Drakkar are discontinued. I bought my last bottle of this classic French cologne in 1982, in the summer sale at Harrods, if I'd known then it was going to be discontinued I'd have stocked up...Drakkar is far and away a much more sophisticated scent that the Drakkar Noir that replaced it. It's subtler, softer, gentler and smells unmistakably French...in a similar vein to Eau Sauvage.

An icon saddly forgotten! as Acteur, BY D&G men, Envy men, Minotaure and Dune Men ... No explanation how they are abandon! Drakkar classic is a refreshing, tonic and balsamic fragance ... could be sporty or formal. Totally cozy and easy to wear.

Something about this bottle reminds me of Beautiful by Estee Lauder. Just an observation. I never got to smell this one, but it sounds wonderful. I do remember the scent of Drakkar Noir driving me crazy(in a good way) back in the 80's.

oh i didnt knew there was a drakkar before the drakkar that im using and that i was using drakkar noir version hehe.. curious what this could have smelled like

Maybe because I came of age in the 80s, but original Drakkar just smells like sex to me. My husband doesn't like it, but I have an old bottle just for me!

Very fresh ,aromatic and French I would imagine this is what MAGNUM PI wore in the 80`s. Only for Bold Confident men...more like Magnum Pi than McGyver -)

Wonderfull fresh and very manly fougére. I suppose it was worn by a sphisticated yet sexy man in those days. Alluring and seeking attention. I love it.

it was best at that time back the 80'was fist fragrance i buy it was and still fantastic i love it

Gorgeous!!! Why dissapeared????????