Jacomo de Jacomo

This perfume taught me to always be careful with the reviews we see out there. Challenging? Difficult? Only for those who only knew perfumery from 1 Million. Jacomo de Jacomo is a perfume that doesn't hide its purpose: it's an extremely masculine and woody-spicy fougere. It bears the mark of the time it was launched, with the same dense and forest-like base formed by oakmoss, patchouli, pink pepper (whose combination reminds me of Zino) among other minor notes that make it woody, full-bodied, and earthy, an accord that presents itself from the opening. This weight is quickly balanced by lavender, basil, cumin (which isn't even among the main notes, appearing much less than expected, fortunately), other aromatic notes that I can't distinguish, and the musk - which isn't the "sweaty" one from Kouros, Gentleman 1974 among other animalics, this one reminding more (not the same, just reminiscent) of Narciso For Him. In other words, Jacomo de Jacomo doesn't have the animalic punch of its contemporaries, which makes it less dated than them. This aromatic and woody duality is balanced by spices, a ton of them, especially clove, quite noticeable from the opening, the star of the perfume, which is by no means so difficult, on the contrary, it's quite pleasant, bringing a smoky and incense-like touch (it reminds me of the scent of ecclesiastical myrrh) that obscures this fougere. As it dries down, it becomes more balanced, neither too spicy nor too woody or aromatic, with patchouli and woods maintaining the earthy touch that becomes slightly sweet and almost creamy, always balanced by lavender (reminiscent of that in Drakkar Noir, but here darkened by the other notes). The dry down is interesting, as at certain moments the lavender stands out, at others the spices and woods, remaining so until the end of its life. It's an extremely refined and pleasant barber-shop perfume, somewhat obscured, evoking old shaving foams. I see no restrictions on usage other than special occasions (it calls for full formal attire) and temperatures below 25°C, although it shines best in the cold. It indeed evokes a dark and ancient atmosphere, I would even say that it takes me back to times even more remote than the era it was launched, presenting the same opulent dark and gothic vibe of perfumes like Van Cleef pour Homme, Encre Noire, Antaeus, and Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui (all different, only the atmosphere is the same, with the latter following a more floral path, while this one is more spicy and smoky), and those who like those (like me) will probably be enchanted by this one. Among the more recent ones, perhaps this one will please those who like Sauvage Elixir (which is a modernized and more commercial reinterpretation of this one, being much sweeter). I imagine it as something characters from old horror movies played by actors like Vincent Price and Christopher Lee would wear, evoking a villainous and somber atmosphere. I don't see men under 25 years old using or liking this one, it requires a certain maturity and personality. The performance, as far as I could test, is excellent, projecting very well for the first 2.5 hours and lasting for at least 10 hours, and as today is a particularly hot day, I believe it will perform even better in the cold. My bottle is from 2014 (lighter cap), therefore, before the last reformulation and bottle change, so these considerations only apply to it.

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS Clove essential oil is credited with having a stimulating smell that is considered an aphrodisiac, as well as helping to manage anxiety energy and increase the ability to concentrate. If used correctly in a perfume, I believe it can do a whole lot more still. Jacomo was a very innovative fragrance when it was first released in 1980. Four decades have now passed and it can be considered (still) as a modern perfume. It has a powerful aroma, showing an avalanche of sweet and warm spices, hints of powdered cinnamon, and woody floral nuances, and develops swirls of smoke... a sheer delight! We could be looking at a typical vintage men's fragrance, with oakmoss, leather accords, patchouli, and musk. However, in Jacomo, a very dry ambience stands out through the intense use of oakmoss and "Evernia plum lichen" (an unusual note only listed by Jacomo), almost as if we have moss and lichen in a double dose. The theme of a "typical 80s perfume" also presents another important deviation. The development is essentially dark and gloomy, with a penetrating and rather harsh smoky mist. However, the main audacity comes from a heart with a dominant clove note that overshadows a timid lavender opening. Then the clove also overlaps - but without eliminating - other warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cumin, well in addition to greens like rosemary and basil. Finally, it perpetuates itself in the base while amplifying the effect of moss, lichen, cypress, patchouli and musk. In my opinion, we are way far from a trivial fragrance. It is so modern that it survives to this day, with its legion of enthusiasts, and even gaining new followers. It is an extremely masculine perfume, performing above average, and well crafted enough to challenge any young 'dark spicy fragrance' enthusiast. I just pass the no longer fashionable Zippo-type cap, always stealing a bit of juice when spraying. The final good news may be the observation that several reformulations have not been cruel to this perfume, and its retail price is also a very agreeable surprise. Music: by Paul Simon - "Still Crazy After All These Years" Note: I find the name "Jacomo de Jacomo by Jacomo" a sheer delight!

1991 was a strange year. On May, I answered to a desperate, poetic ad in a heavy metal magazine. "I can no longer cope with my existence, in my glaring pitch-black territory, wailing endlessly over the end of the world. My future, a little water in your eyes." A couple of days later I found her waiting outside my door. On the same night, while she stood by the window, naked and moonlit, she was emanating a bluish, otherworldly aura in the dark room. She was the most comfortable while naked person I ever met, stripping herself not only from her clothes, but from norms, rules and conventions as well. She was a heavy smoker, and what's more, she was playing with the ashes in the ashtray during our long talks. She had her nails always painted in black. She always wore an old oversized leather jacket over her gypsy dresses. She had grey, troubled eyes, which were like two shards of her shattered soul, trying to escape her battered body. She was tacking cloves in her short maroon hair. Her rough skin was beaming a surreal torrid smell of cummin and milk. She was acting crazy most of the time, to the point of wondering whether she was posing a threat to herself. She taught me how important it is to share your last cigarette. She showed me the melting point of patience, cause a three hour train ride in order to meet her was always feeling like millennia. Every street urchin knew her by her first name. She was living in an old house, with a small yard full with carnation bushes. Her febrile mind was geysering dark poems; each of them a new cicatrice to a heart already covered with scars. All I recall is that I kept on following her. I followed her to her small hometown. I followed her through her jewel making years. I followed her on a mountainy island in early autumn. I followed her in a southern Greek island for a week in summer. I followed her through a song that I wrote for her and she never listened. I followed her through countless silent whimpers in empty hotel rooms. But I was too scared to follow her through life. Her name was, most ironically, Joy. Jacomo de Jacomo is how she smelled like. Joy de Jacomo is how I call it ever since...

First read Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ when I was ten years old and Jacomo resembles what I always imagined the spice “melange” from Arrakis would smell like. Always assumed that the name “Jacomo” was an allusion to the legendary master of seduction, Giacomo Casanova. This was a blind buy based on reviews and articles on Fragrantica - found a 100ml tester of the original version (the one with blue lettering) for less than the retail price of the current version. Amazing. Rich and spicy - a veritable “spice-bomb”. Most noticeable for me in the first impression is cinnamon and cloves - with a camphoraceous aspect to the clove that imparts a kind of freshness, very reminiscent of oil of cloves or Indonesian cigarettes like Kretek or Gadang Garam - on a backbone of oakmoss, palisander, galbanum and patchouli along with a bunch of other things my inexpert nose can’t identify. Patchouli, Galbanum and Oakmoss become more prominent in the dry down. Lots of oakmoss. The effect is invigorating and curiously seductive. Smells niche, natural and high quality. Can’t detect the “new tyre” smell others have described. Although my mind associates oakmoss with last century Jacomo doesn’t strike me as particularly dated or old-fashioned - this is a complex, somewhat enigmatic blend that smells luxurious, rich and pleasantly “spicy.” Definitely doesn’t smell noticeably “artificial” in any way and if anything the overall effect is “niche”, natural and vaguely reminiscent of a blend of essential oils. On the flacon is a list of bases and absolutes : “Bases et absolus: cardamome, galbanum, lavande, bois de rose, mousses de chêne, cannelle, cumin, patchouli, geranium” (cardamom, galbanum, lavender, rosewood, oakmoss, cinnamon, cumin, patchouli, geranium). Really glad I found this. It’s quite unlike anything else in my collection. The original vintage Jacomo is a classy creation and I can well understand why it was so popular with the denizens of Studio 54. At some point I hope to try the current version.

Smoke, patchouli and greens. Jacomo de Jacomo is pure smoke and masculinity in a bottle. The first whiff of the top notes is extremely strong and potent, nearly stomach churning. I won't lie, it might make you feel sick and uneasy from the initial blast. It's like being trapped in an ashtray, or sitting in a cigar room with no ventilation and incense musk burning. However, do NOT be fooled. Once the top notes settle down, 45 minutes later the middle notes develop and it slowly becomes a very manly blend of patchouli, greens, leather and smoke. It projects very well without being cloying or irritating for several hours in this stage. Pure beauty. The drydown in this is simply amazing, the complexity of going from being purely nasty and then morphing into pure manhood is unbelievable. Imagine a couple-days-unshaven, aviator shades wearing guy wearing a leather jacket with a vintage T-shirt and jeans, smoking a cigar outside the hole in the wall trendy bar in the city kind of smell. A confident, cool, knows the ropes kind of dude that plays guitar and rides a Triumph. That's what this is. The base notes are pure patchouli, leather and tobacco. After about six hours it stays closer to the skin and gives you a subtle and sexy, almost natural smell. Lasts at least 10-12+ hours in longevity for me with ten sprays (neck, wrists, shoulders, chest), with above average sillage and projection. I've owned about 100 different colognes over my lifetime and I've never come across ANYTHING that smells like this. It truly is one of a kind, and holds a special place in my collection, and it will be in yours if you're a true collector or enjoy powerhouse 70's & 80's fragrances. Highly recommended.

I must admit I had to dig deep into memories to find references to Jacomo. Not that it isn't appealing - quite the opposite. Jacomo is just not there anymore. Even the Kretek cigarettes (you know these Indonesian clove-clouds) that were such a benchmark of avantgardism by the end of the 20th century are nowadays banned in my country. Cloves are for Christmas - end of story. But not this time. Jacomo isn't cheerful. It is certainly not family and in-laws and howdy-dowdy. Jacomo is black leather, dim lights and the era when synthetics met the old joy of the clubs. It is the bottle with phosphorus blue text on matte black. Jacomo is not merely comfortable, it evokes a certain nervousness. It is leather and smoke, but not as in Chesterfield and whisky, but as if someone had dropped a cigarette butt in your leather pants. And you are so drunk and high that it just iches a little. And it's so late that it's not even early anymore. Then someone plays "Venus in Furs" on the stereo. Could have been a bad-ass, but the room is turning and tilting softly. Vodka and god knows what. I bought myself a new bottle on discount last year, and in my opinion it has sobered up. Recovered itself from most of those harmful chemicals. New bottle, black suit and attempting to live a decent life. Did anyone say boring? Well, be glad it is still around. Jacomo could have died from an overdose thirty years ago. And beyond that modest performance, and a slightly more christmasy clove-smoke, there is still a trace of utter decadence. Which I love. Just test to over-apply ones. For good old days...

The early 1980s gave us men's perfumes that announced their intention to be bold without reservation. Kouros, Antaeus, Santos de Cartier, Armani Eau pour Homme, Versace L’Homme, Drakkar Noir, and Portos broke away from tradition and made men flaunt their masculinity with staggering confidence. And then there's Jacomo de Jacomo. It's up there with the 1980s club of 10X shakers. It is dark. It is smokey. It is pungent and then powdery. As it blooms, it does not care about nuances. Officemates have complimented me on what turned out to be cumin, cloves, and cinnamon. I do not smell this spice trifecta. I do not even know how they smell together, except when I cook my masala dishes. Yet Jacomo de Jacomo is far from being nutritional. How cumin, cloves, and cinnamon got into this sensational juice is bizarre to me. I smell tyres that have just parked themselves after driving along Mumbai's gravelly streets. I sense automotive grease that's creamy and sweet. I feel the aroma of the outdoors fraught with bullets and race cars. This is probably why I feel that Harrison Ford's character wore this in "Blade Runner." Or Schwarzenegger's in "Terminator". It's one of the most unusual scents I've ever experienced. It strengthens my conviction that the 1980s were amongst the greatest years of fragrance for men. For all its bizarre attributes, Jacomo de Jacomo is one of the best, an underrated and almost forgotten creation.

Wow this took me by a huge surprise or what! I like buying random unknown (to me) cheapies from time to time and this was probably one of the best ones ever. This has a strong smoky leathery opening to my nose which none officially listed. Those fade away fast and it sits into a warm spicy, woody, and manly fragrance. It has touches of fresh spices and lavender that you can tell they are there but in the very back just making this playin interesting without making it a barbershop soapy scent. This is a very harmonious scent. On the dry down, it smells very reminiscence of Guerlain Heritage EDP. I like it a lot and it is worth every penny I paid for it. I highly recommend to get yourself a bottle if you are into masculine fragrances. Suitable for colder weather and nights. It could have been easily a beast mode fragrance if it had more punch to it. Having said that, I like it the way it is because it doesn't become offensive.

This was released in 1980, but it strikes me like a 90's goth smell. The band Type O Negative comes to my mind when i sniff this. This thing is awesome, so unique. It has a niche characteristic in the sense that it goes full on into the "smoke" direction. The reviewer who said this reminds of Kretek cigs is spot on, specially in the opening, but it also gave me this vibe of something metallic burning. Like a piece of shiny metal/silver/sterile on fire. Dark and definetly masculine, there's nothing modern about this and i say it in the best way possible. The drydown has hints of Jaguar, the green bottle, but in a smoother and less abrasive way. It's not dense or heavy, just dark and "warm". Put this on during winter nights wearing leather or wool, wearing black. Decent performer, but i can only imagine what kind of nuclear bomb this was during the 80's.

In 1980's I was a teenager and I smelled Jacomo on my boss. That was the best men's perfume I ever smelled !! I said to myself: "when I will be a mature man I will buy this!!!" Anyway many years gone, I forgot about Jacomo... and suddenly last year as a member of Fragrantica I remembered it again!! I found it and bought it online IMMEDIATELY!! I was so happy when my order arrived... I open the box... sprayed.. and BIG DISSAPOINTMENT followed. That was worst than a fly killer. Nothing to do with the Jacomo I knew. Since then about every month I was giving a hopeless try ...but nothing. Suddenly 10 months later (last month) a U-turn happened! My Jacomo became from absolute zero > to a solid 9!! It is still not the same as the one of the 80's but it is a fantastic masculine, clove - spice - smoky - aromatic perfume!

Epic Journey Into the Bottled Yonder, 053 ------------------------------------------------------- Purchased June 2017 Already was very familiar with this because my dad in the early 2000s sprayed this everyday and I had never understood it until I got my own bottle out of sheer nostalgic curiosity that this was made in the death of the '70s and unleashed in the dawn of the '80s. Took several tries to get out of my association by memory to get through it, but definitely Santos de Cartier was the bottle that gave me the courage to get this although I recognised the bottle from my past. It's the most manly and elegant smoky scent you'll ever find, very much leather and smoke. Can't wait to wear it again because although I've worn Jacomo Rouge more, it's this one that I miss even more as I spend time away from it.

Time travel ................. 80's atmosphere! Lavender, oak moss, vanilla, rosemary, etc............. spice orgy! Very unique composition! Gives wearing very elegant, balanced feel. Besides, in turn relaxes ......... perfectly masculine scent safe! Very durable and strong phenomenon!Masterpiece. The "Zippo" cap is not clear to me because of the "old" cap was more specific, which is better suited to smell unique. It's my little commercial cap ........... Yet, the perfect signature scent, is special!! A big thank you to the manufacturer, that has kept this classic! The eastern feeling never goes out of style, especially when paired with a French fashion house ..... Drakkar, Alain Delon, Azzaro take up worthy space beside trade names until today 10/10

Well, if I was ever to receive an anonymous love letter willing to seduce me, this is the scent I imagine the mysterious lover should deliver on the paper blazing its trail from the envelope to do the trick. So captivating and intriguing.... Poems would be a way background story since I would have already been enchanted by Jacomo's luring caress surrounding me, carried away slowly by the current of a fragranced air. So inviting...so beguiling. I can't quite recall all of the notes now, but I remember Jacomo as such a beautiful, sumptuous and refined (especially in the drydown) fragrance. Powerfully and mysteriously attractive to reach the point of a highly seductive scent with a kind of a "Forbidden fruit" drift....

Astringent leather of the motor oil kind, a polarizing scent for this is a note not many like. I cannot get a clear idea as to the notes, but is true that there not floral ones around, rather spices and the usual woody combo of masculine scents. It is, regardless of the initial punch, very soft and mild. Normal application won't make for a "project / longevity" scent, but going the liberal way might be the answer to that. At least, I once did and could get the blend's nuisances in a way I was not able to grasp when applying the usual way. I like it. A nice cheapy off the way of the usual ones. PS: I bet that a nuclear version of it would make for a hyped niche EdT / EdP.

Warning: Do Not Buy Until You Try! Jacomo by Jacomo has one of the harshest openings imaginable. It opens with a potent odor that resembles old cigarette ashes mixed with burnt rubber, tinged with burnt cloves. It`s an offensive start that lasts 90 minutes. Major olfactory turn-off. Ultimately Jacomo morphs into a very nice incense-leather combo with impressive longevity. I would embrace Jacomo if there was a more tolerable way to get to those nice base notes, but this is a Jekyll & Hyde fragrance, and it just isn`t worth the trouble. Given the ash and burnt-rubber opening, which lasts way too long, Jacomo clearly belongs in a category labeled Buyer Beware.

Jacomo De Jacomo is a real master piece. It smells like burning Cinnamon cigarette. Spicy smoky & Dark. Projection is awesome for 2 to 3 hrs, Longevity up to 5 hrs, Then gets close to the skin. It works only on skin & not on cloths. So better to spray on skin. Compliments sure. Its a winter Fragrance ,which sould not be used in summer. The opening is strong, but once it settles down the smell is awesome. Some may hate this, But i love it. It can be used for night party or going pub. It is fantastic choice for smokers. It suits for both young & Middle age men. The bottle is like a cigarette lighter & looks good. Its night life scent. I give 9/10. Class

I have fallen in love with this fragrance. So much in love that I'm willing to wear it in 95 degree weather. The spices come together so well here. It reminds me of visiting my mother for Thanksgiving and her home smelling like baked apple pie. Extremely comforting scent. So comforting that I've even used it in stressful moments to help me relax. Even though its not listed in the notes, I get a little bit of incense also. Phenomenal performance (blue letter vintage bottle); I can easily get 6-8 hours from 3-4 sprays. The best part is it's not your typical cologne. I guarantee nobody around you will be wearing this. Pure winner. Grade: A+

Very good quality, opens with a smokey leather with inky oak-moss. But wait.. it may not give you good impression at first sniff just wait 12-15 minutes and the magic begins. That's when come my lovely natural both carnation/clove and basil. anyway there is the famous cola note hidden beneath coming from the following: "cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, lemon, coriander, and petitgrain" (these are the actual notes giving the cola its odor). Good both longevity and sillage here, I think it beats the high-end pricey perfumes regarding its ridiculous price (28 US $). Two thumbs up, I'll wear it at winter outside and spray it at home for now..

Jacomo de Jacomo.... ...is by far the smokiest fragrance I own. A heavy punch of cloves, tonka, cinnamon blending with patchouli and incense. A soft and slight floral background and iris are working well to mellow it out a bit. It is well blended and quite complex. I don't even want to go into the never-ending and tiresome discussions about reformulations and I'll leave that to the reformulation mafia but i firmly believe this scent is still around today BECAUSE it was reformulated. Which leaves 90% of the original scent for 60% of the original price. I call that a good deal....

I used to wear this as a fourteen-year-old girl. The name, Jacomo, oddly still rings through my head now and then. Crazy times. I bought a new bottle of this. It doesn't have the flip top, like a zippo lighter--just a regular black cap. The bottle is fine, the sprayer is just fine. It's a nice fragrance, but I was expecting a glorious jolt to my system, based on what I remember from times back. It's still a good value, a very pleasant perfume. I get lots and lots of yummy cinnamon. My husband likes to wear it too. Peace.

Wow, I haven't tried the old version of this. The one I have was 5-6 years old. It has a really good blend. The notes in it are great. It's like a softened versionIt's quiet and deep like CDG2. It surprised me. It's a gentleman's fragrance. Definitely one of the timeless scents. 40 years ago, but even in 2021, everyone can love it. That's what Gucci envy and pour homme 2 and pour homme 1 are, alongside three unique scents, Jamoce de jacome. Perfect.

When scent dries on your skin, it matches with xeryus. An incredibly masculine and sexy perfume. Don't be surprised, you will smell a smoked meat smells for about 10 minutes with the first spray. Then, at the age of 45, he smells like a handsome, well-dressed man who is attracted to and respected by women in the environment should smell. Definitely not for young people. 10/10 forgive me for i saw you too late jacomo.

It's like the underpinning of Lagerfeld Classic (which, for me, is a great thing) with the musk tuned up and the vanilla pipe tobacco, tarragon and clary sage replaced by clove cigarette, cardamom and cinnamon. I sampled it four years ago and I didn't buy it because the cigarette ash note was unpleasant on paper. Now I really regret that decision. This gem is easily in my top 10.

So just to help: The new one is about 80 percent the 80s version and I get 1-2 hours on my oily skin. I have the Original 2 bottles but almost 100% clone (blind spray) is Al Rehab Superman. The 'burnt tire smell' is more in the new version much much less so in the old version. In addition, the new has a sweeter dry down which was not in the original at all.

Love this one. Have the vintage 1980 formula. I get the good herbal greens like sage and rosemary. Was afraid if the clove note originally but it is blended to perfection. Similar to Drakkar Noir to my nose with that clove kicker. Will always have a vintage in my collection. Haven't tried the newer formulations yet. If I find it I will amend my review.

This fragrance needs to be tolerated for about an hour, before it becomes terrific, I mean really good. Up till then, it smells like caramel, burnt tires, tar, smoke, you name it. Those who know this know what I am writing about, those who don't should not be scared off, because JdJ is an enormously likeable fragrance.

Heavy on cloves and smoke in the opening. Reminds me of the peat smoke in a fine scotch. Oakmoss is a big player as well especially with the older formulation. Extremely dark and masculine. Calms down somewhat in the dry down and the scent becomes reminiscent of shaving foam. Fantastic stuff!

Update after a few wears: The latest dry down is mostly smokey and nice If you want the closest, get Bon Monsieur. The current version is fantastic! I wish they had an EDP. But the EDT opens so beautifully and the light smokiness makes it distinctive. I now want to find the OG version! :-)

Strong,deep,dark and long lasting is Jacomo de Jacomo. Open by a little fresh lavender next is aroma scent and leather at last. It's the best one from Jacomo. And good dark type men perfume. Not suitable for hot weather.

One of the better 80's powerhouses. I have the vintage version and I'm really enjoying it. Probably my favorite from the 80's thus far. Imagine Azzaro Pour Homme but with some backbone and more of a clove note.

I just love this fragrance! It's kind of baroque smell, full of spices and that is what I like most. Very different from the soft and shower smell like of the fragrances from nowadays.

If someone want complement, don't use this cologne. It is hard and classy, in my opinion it is more complex. Green and dark, you must be more 30 to wear this masterpiece.

I have an older bottle with the blueish lettering. Similar to Rive Gauche, has a shaving cream / Barbasol scent to it. A strong clove note and slightly smoky. Very nice.

A true masterpiece from the 80's 🏆❤️ even derby by Guerlain was much inspired by jacomo de jacomo 😀 of course the vintage version was just amazing 😍

Easily in my top 3. Got two vintages of this. Extremely dark dry woody clovy scent. Last ages on my skin. Over over masculine. I love you jacomo !

A big, spicy, bold fragrance that brings back the early '80's for me. I'd never wear it now.....I view it as a cultural memento of that time.

what a stunning spicy masterpiece , this is one of the most masculine enjoyable winter fragrances like ever, love it 10/10 powerhouse

Smoky lavender, with a nice creamy soft finish. This is lovely stuff, and it lasts forever, for a very low price indeed.

Great scent spicy & leathery👍 to my nose it's close to derby by Guerlain❤️ complex scent not outdated!

@Le_Couer_Gothic....EPIC REVIEW!

****Vintage Formulation**** Had to update my review and put the Vintage formulation where it belongs...first. The black, metal 'industrial' flacon with light blue lettering. Wow. This is truly what the scent is about. It is dark, brooding, but there is a radiant bluish/purple glow that exists throughout the wearing. It is a deep and "gloomy fougere" as accurately described by another great reviewer. With its base of rich oakmoss, the cloves are pungent & smoky, the lush, floral lavender is far more pronounced and the leather is much more integrated (not harsh or vinyl). I really am impressed by the sheer quality of this old juice. It has that "Djarum" vibe, but it is smooth and dries down to an old-school scent with classic undertones. One could say it is a 'Vintage scent', but this could be rebottled and sold as a niche offering today (minus the rich oakmoss). Overall, you must appreciate a smoky scent - but the older juice has a much more vibrant layer of freshness blended in. Really don't consider the reformulation to be 'worthy' after enjoying the Vintage formulation. Stark difference in quality of ingredients. Rating for Vintage Jacomo de Jacomo - a solid, 8/10. Excellent scent for wearing outdoors...recommended especially for Fall/Winter and overcast days. **Current Formulation** This one is tough for me. Purplesun and a few other reviewers describe it well. Initially, I had a hard time tolerating the top notes - but I have grown to like them more. I feel it is very similar (nearly identical) to the smell of a Djarum clove cigarette, a light amount of smoke from burning rubber mixed with some heavy leather (perhaps, vinyl at first) and warm cinnamon. I never entire disliked it, but others have difficulty (and still do). The key is moderation and wearing it with the right attitude. Rough and rugged - this is not for the timid and will slap you across your nose if you are used to aquatics and sweet vanilla fragrances. All in all, I don't dislike it though - the drydown is where this is good, very good. My wife hates the top. I have to spray it and leave the house (or room for sure) for an hour or so before getting back in her good graces and within reach of her sense of smell (just kidding, in reality it is more like 20-30 minutes as this warms to the skin). Funny thing - it actually makes me want to have a cigarette...the whole "Zippo" lighter flacon and the scent itself - and I am not a smoker! I rarely have a social/casual cigarette, but this fragrance has a lot of smoke...no tobacco notes ironically - just smoke, cloves and a composition that comes together like an incense cone). I get harsh, dry lavender in the top complimenting the notes I previously mentioned along with some galbanum (sharp, green & resinous) and a touch of cardamom. Is my bottle bad? No. But to a novice nose, they may be shocked that this is bottled as a men's fragrance! I don't believe this, because the drydown hits what people here are talking about - dark and smoky. Do you wear this, or does it wear you? 6.5/10 just for the originality and drydown. Longevity is there - my wife washed my shirt and I swear I still smelled a trace! Update: Wearing a full dose today on a cool winter day in Northern California. I stand by my last review - applied 15 minutes ago. It like an ashtray opening of all the notes in the pyramid above - literally burning cloves and lavender with a whiff of moss. I have smelled fresh-burned wood all my life and grew up in a home with a wood-burning stove for heat. I am getting a lot of plumes of various things here...but all smoky. A forest fire opening in a bottle that has a lighter-vibe (as seen and previously mentioned). I know some green notes are in there, which keeps this interesting and you want to find them - but they are muted. I will refrain from changing my score: 6.5/10 - but add that this is a fragrance that I may reach for on cold days more often. The "leather" has been confirmed as black vinyl and greasy as hell.

The 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s were a time when the comparatively infrequent masculine releases were frequently très viril, yet the the macho oriental, the hairy chested amber, has never really been a thing and I’m not sure why. The fougere is of course the classic platform on which to build a perfume that embodies a type of overt and over the top masculinity (Brut, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme, Azzaro, Kouros, Drakar....) and a chypre structure can also support such a goal (Aramis, Givenchy Gentlemen, Antaeus, Derby....), but I can’t recall any Oriental that really accomplishes this outside of Santos (review forthcoming). Jacomo’s eponymous masculine is the first runner up for me (the second runner up is Lagerfeld Classic, but that’s really a whole other story) and the reason for it's secondary spot on this list is how totally odd the thing is. It opens with a blast of Rosemary, Lavender, and a god damn overdose of clove. The rosemary is also amped up and reminds me of the burnt opening of 90’s Crabtree and Evelyn Hungary Water. Coupled with the clove, which is so intense it makes me feel as if my lips and tongue have gone numb, we have an opening that really does smell like a Djarm. The lavender just rides in the background, it’s bit player status highlighting that this is in no way a fougere. After a bit a tad bit of creaminess comes in, as does a leather accord. These are mere adjuncts to the clove accord which blazes on, and manages to smell both warm and ashen, funeral and sophisticated. It came out in 1980 and It kinda reminds me of a goth Opium, vibe wise.....or JHL’s younger brother interning at Interview by day, playing post punk in clubs by night. These comparisons are just vague approximations however. This is not the weirdest fragrance I have, but it’s really one that plays with juxtapositions of disparate elements to create something that smells like little else. Some fragrances are beyond language, and Jacomo De Jacomo surely is one. It’s cheap, and highly recommended to fans of Antaeus, Eucris, Santos and Dali Pour Homme. 93/100

Once you've tried enough of these 70s/80s fragrances you start to feel like you've smelled 'em all. And, admittedly, a lot of the modern cheap formulas do smell sort of samey after a while. Lavender, patchouli, sage, musk, oakmoss, yadda yadda yadda. Been there, smelled that. Seeing the "reminds me of" list gave me the expectation that Jacomo would be another one of these. Glad I was wrong! This stuff (modern formula) opens up so oily and leathery that it reminds me of a motorcycle shop or something. I'm talking a greasy, oily, petrol-spattered riding jacket. I love it. But it doesn't waste any time settling down mildly sweet, clove-heavy spice that's warm, masculine, and inviting. A really well-composed blend with a very nice progression. The reformulation queens always whinge and moan about these old fragrances. You'll see it on every page for anything released before the 2000s (and many that came after, too). I can't speak to the vintage Jacomo, nor am I going to bother trying to hunt down a rotten bottle of 20 year-old perfume, because the performance of the modern formula is just fine for the modern age. This isn't the 70s and 80s where your fragrance has to compete with cigarette smoke and everybody was over-spraying. Jacomo isn't one where you want to be gassing everybody out from across the room, anyway. Projection is right where it should be for a fragrance of this profile, and its longevity is admirable. It lasts noticeably longer on me than R&G Open and 273 Rodeo Drive, two examples in "reminds me of" which I own and which fall into this category. Those smell great but become airy and fleeting rather quickly. Jacomo is superior to both, IMO. For less than 30 bucks, Jacomo de Jacomo smells great and gets the job done. Worth adding to your classics shelf.

I was looking for the Bitter perfume theme. i.e Creed Royal Oud, Rance Victorie, Monocle Comes Garcon Laurel, Mauboussin M Generation, Azzaro Homme, etc. Found discounted at online store, for $15. Tested on: daily use Sillage at arm length. Stays forever on skin. It's not a powerhouse like other reviews. Scent is quite linear. Almost all scents presents from the begining to the end. Fougere: Present from the begining disapear in middle. Aromatic without being flowery. Amber: Present from the begining disapear in middle. Powdery, little bit sour, sweaty armpit. Incense: Comes with amber, smoky incense like. Leather: Present from the begining disapear at drydown. Smells like my synth mirror finish leather shoes, glue, burnt rubber. Gives the feeling like standing in the front of a shoe rack. Herbal: Present from the begining, more apparent at middle, stays forever. Clove: Appears from middle, more apparent at drydown. Raw, bitter. A hint of; Pepper, Sea salt: Comes with the clove. The overal experience; It's kinda reminds me about opening wooden drawer full of herbal medicine, ointments, and wallets. What I like: I love the raw / bitter clove drydown. Not sweetened note, like most other out there. What I Hate: I hate the opening. It's fougere, and it's 80's fougere. Which is shared by most, if not all the perfume of that era. Which makes the first impressions; common, dated, cheap. If you looking for vintage and bitter you should try this. If you like bitter and do not into vintage you can try Monocle Comes de Garcons Laurel.

I've been wearing men's summery colognes and EDTs during the day this January. And then lush women's perfumes at night. Specifically my Patous, but others, too. This evening I sprayed Jocomo as a palette cleaner and boy it worked. I get green herbals and aromatics, ashtray, and the smells of a cabinet maker's shop: wood, paint, lacquers and thinners. I don't smell the citrus nor the claimed iris. I believe it's sorcery because I believe all those classic kitchen sink fragrance notes are in this, but it's a complex and smooth blend, and ends up smelling like a workshop. Possibly the art studios on a college campus. When kids still SMOKED. A goth or punk smell, I would say an uber-masculine scent which therefore, nowadays, means it's begging to be unisex. For 20yo black motorcycle jacket crowd to switch up from their great-grandmother's classy parfum. It's dirty, rubbery, dry yet volatile, and will appeal to creative types only, in my opinion, in 2022. I feel some nostalgia to when I was a 20 yo art boy wearing Fahrenheit because in 1988 Fahrenheit lasted a day, projected, and produced sillage. I don't know how much this Jocomo cost me but I hope it was about 20 bucks because it's frustratingly fleeting. Those who want a biker jacket frag and have some cash, there are similar impact fragrances that perform better around the 50 buck sweetspot. And for niche at 200 bucks - well then you're rich and have many fragrances that do this bad boy style.

Every time I open this page, it’s as if I’ve just walked into the basement speakeasy, Joy division is playing while the band sets up between sets, and all my friends are there... Hello! I dig spicy chypres and clove is one of my favorite notes. I love incense as material, but hate how it’s handled in most contemporary fragrances. Superman is my 2nd favorite Al-Rehab but like most Al-Rehabs, the drydown goes all sweet, thin, and fractured on me. Jacomo de Jacomo is a blind buy slam dunk for me. As far as smoky and dark, most “black” fragrances are not smoky or dark enough for me. My Goldilocks comparison: Bulgari Black - too sweet. Makes a nice room spray. Loewe 7 Anonimo - too synthy. Love the note list, HATE the fragrance. Lutens Serge Noire - love the opening hate the dry down. Too sweet. CDG Black - OK I guess. Love the birch tar but the drydown is a scrubber. Black Afgano - pretty great but expensive, too synthy, and not ‘before it was cool’ anymore. Lush Tramp - textbook oakmoss/patchouli/clove but a one trick pony. This juice is delightful. Opening is a clove blast. Chai tea with just a little milk and just a little honey and plenty of black pepper in the spice. Ashes. Forest. Performs with few changes and moderate to low sillage in a gradual decrescendo. The drydown is delightful: a low volume purr with pre-reformulation chypre qualities but not overloaded on the patch or the oak moss. Yes it’s masculine, but hey, so am I.

First...my story about the first original Jacomo de Jacomo release...years ago. This was a BEAST mode,not for everyone,non-compliament getting scent....IMO. Just 2 sprays and you were done. But...I still liked it anyway. I had a splash on bottle of the original, and packed it in my suitcase for a trip to France/Italy, years ago. Upon arriving to my hotel and un-packing, I found the cap had came off the bottle !!! Jacomo everywhere !! The whole 2 week vacation was JACOMO>>JACOMO everywhere !! OMG. I HATED THAT SMELL FOREVER ! So crazy me decides the other day to re- purchase the "newer" version. YES...it has changed a lot.....not as beastly....and somehow....smoother...???.....and I am really enjoying it. The performance and sillgae are cut in half for sure...but the basic scent/vibes remain. (yes, I bought the "spray" this time..lol). I have not really wanted to own splash bottles since that incident...LOL

Jacomo de Jacomo is a typical 80's style masculine fragrance. What I found unique about it is the cloves note which hangs around pretty much for the entire life of the scent. The clove note isn't overpowering or Christmas-y like those cinnamon-clove pine cones sold around the holidays. In fact, I wouldn't have minded had the cloves been a tad stronger. Also has the expected oak moss & patch component that is so good in the classic fragrances from that time. It also has a touch of cigarette ashtray, but very subtle. Nowhere near as strong as with Quorum. The only downer with Jacomo is that the longevity isn't that great. After about 5 hours, all you're left with is a pretty close skin scent. Projection is also average after about an hour. I'll still hold on to my bottle because it is a pretty unique scent and I can always respray as needed.

Initial reaction from a vintage 30 ml bottle: Masculine, 80s powerhouse? Yeah. I can smell that. The "Powerhouse" aspect doesn't last long - could be due to age. Djarum Black Clove Cigarettes? As a former club-going goth kid, it comes close, but needs more clove and "bite" to be an exact match (used an old pack of "pre-2010 US clove ban" Blacks to contrast and compare)! Burnt tire rubber? As much as I like BVLGARI Black, this possibly relates to the newer bottles, but not the ol' black & blue. Any bite left in this quickly dried down fast into warm clove-geranium-oakmoss. Three hours later and it's a faded memory. Time to break out the Clan of Xymox albums and spray it again.

Smoke, clove, florals, oakmoss, patchouli and musk (slightly animalic) are all blended to the point where it is hard to pick out individual notes. Complex, heavy and warm, this scent is a product of a different era that works best in cold weather. I get about 8 hours longevity with moderate projection. Increased humidity increases both the projection and duration of this scent. Bottle looks cool in the current, black rubberized version, but the atomizer is poor. The scent does not smell cheap at all, but the price sure is. This stuff is a bargain and worth getting for fans of retro fragrances. Quite masculine. Recommended.