Vintage

I’ll try to keep this short and sweet — like Varvatos Vintage! Well not really, but since that’s what some people think I’ll explain why I don’t entirely agree with them. First of, for those who might think the duration is short or it must be weak because it doesn’t seem to last very long on your skin -- try spraying it on your T-shirt. Guess what, the smell of Vintage is still there 2 days later! So it actually lasts a long time. How well it projects off your skin is another question: that partly depends on you. I’m wearing it tonight and to describe how it makes me feel in word: Comfortable. I literally get that “ahhh” feeling when I smell a favorite old school masculine frag from the 60s, 70s, or 80s and I just relax knowing it’s "all good in the ‘hood”. My favorite for that feeling was VC&A Tsar which was unfortunately discontinued a few years back. It’s VERY rare I get that “ahhh” feeling from modern men’s frags (this is from 2007) and this one of the few that do that for me. This was one of the first modern colognes I bought in 2018 when I started wearing them again after a very long layoff, and I got it after reading it was a bit similar to the old Ralph Lauren Polo (Green) I wore back in the 80s (I believe Varvatos worked for Ralph Lauren so that would explain it). And sure enough, it does have that “vibe" even though it actually doesn’t smell like Polo. But it just reminds me of that style somehow. I own more than 100 bottles now, including some fancy “niche” stuff, and have tried 100s and 100s more samples, but I still love to wear this a few times a year in the cooler weather. And I’ll probably replace my bottle when it’s gone. The sweet — yes it IS a bit sweet for a masculine frag designed to pay homage to the old school style. It’s certainly not as dry and austere as say Aramis or Yatagan (both great by the way). BUT that sweetness comes from cinnamon and tobacco, and it’s contrasted with some sourness from the quince and it has all kinds of other interesting notes like spicy rhubarb and greens. There are NO florals aside from a tiny touch of lavender. The perfumer who made this one knows his craft. So I find it quite masculine despite that sweetness. It is certainly NOT sweet in a candy-boy way like say Versace Eros or so many other “clubbing” scents out there are that modern guys wear to smell more feminine for girls who don’t like their boys to smell too much like men, I guess. And I’m not going to lie: Eros smells pretty pleasant to me so if you truly enjoy it then go right ahead and wear it, but as a man in my 50s I’d feel pretty silly if I smelled LIKE Eros. If you look at my 110 bottle collection (more than 30 of which are old vintage masculines) you’ll see I only own a few sweet scents. There’s a Burberry I enjoy around Christmas and a Hanae Mori I like in cold weather and that’s about it. So in other words, unless you just hate ANY sweetness in ANY of your masculine frags, don’t be too afraid to blind buy this. You’ll probably like it, and if you don’t, plenty of people do so you ought to be able to swap it for something. Could it be stronger or last longer? Sure, but not everything needs to be “beast mode” and it’s cheap now so feel free to spray away! Enjoy!

This being the third John Varvatos I have received recently, and at present, lost with any encouraging words for Artisan Blue, I will start with the last, ranking it first, and save the other two for a different day. Confused yet? I was too...if only for a moment. The bottle, looking so much like the original, presented some anxt. Would they be just as similar within? With the state of flankers these days, who can ever truly know until the first mist falls. Alas, no. This was an entirely different creature, and for reasons I can only attribute to the Jedi power housed behind the name Rodrigo, it is utterly divine! An overview of this scent would mash up all conceptions of a valiant man. Sillage like a gentleman, this perfume does not falter or faint, but has presence enough not to require aggressive trespasses. A subtle fougere current, flowing with herbal notes of a fresh shave, intimate an older man secure and decided. Woody resins encompass a landscape of various conifers, from the pointed tip of pine needles to the depth of soil's enriched darkness. Only a strong, dependable, and self sustaining man lives amongst the trees. A playful top, characterized by unexpected rhubarb, quince, and wormwood, is balanced with austere orris, fennel, and cinnamon. The result manifests the perfect silhouette of all man's virtues, and does its name proudly! Of course I couldn't leave well enough alone. Why should the men have all the fun? Naturally, I fearlessly dawned this scent today, rolled my shoulders back, and stepped forth into the world. Instant gratification ensued with two immediate compliments, which just proves a great perfume doesn't need a "proper" gender to shine. By the end of the day and eight hours of wear, my brother could still smell this on me, despite its disappearance to my nose long before. So take heed - it helps to have a spray-spotter before unrefrained reapplication. No matter who you are, or what demographic the world seems intent on labeling you with: This is just a beautiful, innovative chypre, worth your every possible consideration. Now if you will please excuse me, I must get back to swooning!

A little back story. I’m in my mid-40s and just really started appreciating cologne within the past 10 years. I have an overactive very sensitive sense of smell and this has been a curse. I pick up on smells that others don’t and often they are bad and make me feel sick. I’ll ask my wife what a smell is and she won’t smell anything. That being said, I hate body odor and never want someone else to smell me and have a bad reaction. So I have worn deodorant since I was a teen and would put a little cologne on but it has always been those bottles that I get as gifts. Usually something from Kohls given as a gift. No complaints about that, but that was my experience. Now, within the past ten years a male sheriff walked by me and I smelled this awesome scent. Sounds weird and I felt it would be weird as another guy saying you smell nice, what is it. So, I asked a female deputy to ask him for me haha. It was JV Vintage and the first time I had smelled it. I immediately bought a bottle online and am on my fifth bottle. I absolutely love this scent. I can’t review it like others because I don’t know all the fancy words. What I will say is that is smells manly, a little like I would expect someone to smell like after being in a nice bar for awhile. I have not gotten too many compliments but most people don’t compliment me on anything. When my son was younger and I would carry him in the morning his teacher had commented a couple of times that he smelled nice. My only complaint is I really don’t think it lasts long on me and for the most part I don’t think others smell it. I still enjoy the smell though. I’m currently looking for more scents that are similar that possibly project and last longer. But this will always be a favorite and my first “grown-up” cologne purchase.

I blind bought a bottle of this gorgeous little guy to see what its got (I said “blind bought” coz I swear I tested this before at Macy’s in passing, while testing other fragrances and that was four years ago so I don’t have a clue how it really smells) Well, no regrets. I love this one 😍 I slept on it for a long time 😴 silly me. First spray, it didn't tickle me so I put it in the back burner to give it some time. I decided to revisit it today and there you go, the beauty 🤩 was revealed. This one has similarity to CK Eternity Flame which I also own. I heard of this even before I started my fragrance journey but kind of ignored it for some reason. Now, I consider it as one of my favorites in my designer collection. Gorgeous and masculine but not loud, just moderate sillage and projection on my skin great for colder weather and night outs. Maybe more appropriate for 25 + age group. This is perfect for the current season till early spring next year. I will also check JV Artisan Pure, a summer frag and I heard some good things about it. Same as this one, I've already sampled it at Macys years ago but I totally forgot its scent profile. I am also a loyal fan of Burberry London for Man that's why I like this little guy. They are not similar but they have the same holiday season vibe. Very warm and comforting with that fruity cinnamon, tobacco and other nuance that evokes that spirit of the season. They are well blended and then came up with this gorgeous scent. Overall, I am giving this wonderful juice a 9/10 “Let's spread the scents of peace and kindness. The two most beautiful fragrance in the world that will cost you nothing and will get you a totally different kind of compliments” 🙏

Two years after the success of the classic version, which was the first creation of the brand (in 2004), Varvatos Vintage was released, as a cologne made to please fans of the classics without losing, however, modernity. The bottle of John Varvatos Vintage keeps the same pattern of its predecessor, but in tones that I'll call of sepia, something between the Brown and the gold. It is an aromatic-chypre, with output notes of silver absinthe, lavender, Santolina (also known as lavender cotton, or limonete), cinnamon leaves, pepper and Juniper. The heart of the fragrance has notes of patchouli, Jasmine from Egypt and balsam fir, while the base brings notes of oakmoss, suede, tobacco from Turkey, tonka bean and Woods. Some say it has quince notes in the composition also, but it's nothing official. When touching on the skin, the fragrance is fruity and citrusy, slightly sweet and with spicy nuances. But that runs out faster when the body of the fragrance is present (and is the most enduring part of the evolution), resulting in a more herbal scent, remembering roots and green plants, with the Absinthe more present and a lot of FIR content. During this evolutionary part, it is easier to understand the dated aspect and why the name’s choice. Then, after one hour, approximately, the base begins to give the air of its grace and a creamy suede, combined with wood and the macerated tobacco arises, ending the work. As in Varvatos Classic, the projection of John Varvatos Vintage is not the highlight, but the lasting is excellent! In my opinion, Vintage was made for who is not stuck on the age, but to the pattern of the elegance of the older fragrances.

So for me, I've had this and was wearing it daily about 10 years ago.... my wife loves it.... it's masculine while not overbearing... very pleasant... and for a noob about fragrances, an easy reach. Fast forward now I've sampled over 150 fragrances and have a drawer full of decants and own many high end niche perfumes and I've obviously become a snob lol .... so Vintage just doesn't cut it any more for special occasions, especially performance wise.... and I was looking for a long time for something similar... I think it was the tobacco note that every time I got something similar from another house it was too strong or paired with something too nuclear or ambroxan or something and it was always a turn off. I tried almost every single Montobacco from Ormond Jayne and many Xerjoff's... hoping to find something similar to this but I was always disappointed. Then one day I was sampling some Roja's and to my surprise, Great Britian was very "Vintage like" ... obviously very different, Great Britian is way funkier with a more animalic leather and it's definitely darker and more luxurious then Vintage is.... but the spirit of Vintage is in there with the leather and oakmoss and all the spices, etc... now Great Britian doesn't have the tobacco but the animalic leather with the balsams almost has that fine cigar like tobacco scent. Vintage is definitely lighter and good for every day but Great Britian for me is for special occasions. I really love it and I'm so happy I've found my niche version of Vintage that lasts all day.

Wow, what a beautiful scent. Right off the top there is a fresh, tangy rhubarb. Then after a minute or two the sharpness of the rhubarb smooths out into an amazing resinous fir mixed with tobacco and the slightest hint of cinnamon. This is where I fell in love with the scent the first time I smelled it. This isn't a creamy, sweet vanilla tobacco that so many other fragrances do, this is a spicy, resinous tobacco, almost verging on damp, like a moist pipe tobacco. This part of the scent lasts about an hour, and this is also where the most projection occurs. As it dries further a very prominent leather takes over. A soft leather, a worn, vintage leather. Reminiscent of, yes, an old leather jacket. That tobacco and cinnamon notes still linger though, giving depth and a hint of spice. This smell lingers until the scent fades into obscurity on your skin, approximately 5-6 hours after spraying. This fragrance reminds me of a man who doesn't need to raise his voice to make the room listen, who never brags or boasts and always makes you feel special when they talk to you, who's calm presence conveys a quiet confidence and level-headedness indicative of a man who always knows how to handle himself in any situation. Above all else, this fragrance is comfort. I love to wear this in the evenings after a hot shower washes away the work day. Ok, sure, performance isn't beast-mode, but this fragrance isn't meant to be loud and obnoxious. Sometimes a man needs to be quietly confident in who he is.

Vintage in the name and in the heart. This fragrance smells expensive, masculine, refined, confident and really vintage, definitely more than the original jv. It's a mix of a classic tobacco scent and an aromatic fougere. The fresh start fades quickly, then u can find lavender, cinnamon, nutmeg and green notes: this is the most old-fashioned stage of the fragrance. After that there are suede, pipe tobacco, oakmoss and patchouli. The blend is done very well, the vintage vibe is very strong. It reminds me a mature man, well dressed and confident, someone who smokes pipe in an heritage club. The performance is not so good, even worse than the original. After a good first hour, jv vintage became a skin scent and lasts five hours on skin, more or less. Only for cold seasons, for 35 and up, formal occasions. If you like the old-fashioned style this is a must have! profumo vintage di nome e di fatto. Caratterizzato da lavanda, note verdi, tabacco, cuoio molto leggero e muschio di quercia. Il blend è di assoluta qualità, il costo è irrisorio. Mi ispira un gentleman ben vestito e sicuro che fuma la pipa in un club di fumo lento o qualcosa del genere. Consigliato a chi apprezza i profumi dal carattere retrò. Performance non incredibile. Scent- 7,5 Longevity - 5,5 Sillage-6 Uniqueness-8 Versatility -7,5 Compliment factor-7 Presentation-6,5 Backup bottle? Maybe not My vote-7,5 In one word- heritage Alternative - original jv, Ferragamo oud, alain delon seducteur rebel...

I received this fragrance blind as a gift from my girlfriend --a dicey introduction to be sure. (I recall hoping against hope it would wear well on my skin.) To my delight, it did --and it's proven itself surprisingly versatile. The woodsiness speaks of autumn nights, and the warm spices smell right at home under the turtleneck sweater I save for winter. Yet as the days lengthened with the rising temperatures, I found myself reaching for it in spring (and even summer!). The sweetness of tobacco carries it through, and its boozy qualities make it especially compelling at night. That said, this fragrance isn't for everyone. It is, as others have noted, mature --but in the best ways. It smells timeless, not ageless. (It would take a VERY serious person to wear it under 30.) In that way, it is earned. It promises this in the elegance of its understated, leather bound bottle, and it delivers on that promise. And... it lasts all day, changing character as the shadows lengthen. I love this fragrance. It's one I keep reaching for through all the seasons, and one I imagine I'll enjoy for years to come. **Written without AI. Dashes are mine and not influenced by the tech. (I've been using them before ChatGPT was a gleam in Sam Altman's eye.) Flex.**

ReminiScent, I think you nailed something that I did not see until I read what you wrote. Now I appreciate this scent much more for that. I am definitely paraphrasing, but you mentioned that this is an artistic representation of a life cycle. The opening is sweet and playful, as if it comes out youthful like, and then it literally progresses into something else much more herbaceous, green and tart. Then ultimately it ends with a more mature, "barbershop" type scent. I totally get that, and ever since reading your comment, it has made me really respect this artwork for what it truly is. Thanks to you for opening up my mind to this concept. This truly is artwork that as fragrance lovers, we get to experience in a more organic way by blending it into our every day lives. That is really why I love fragrances. We get to add something to those moments of our lives, either exciting or mundane, that help to enhance the experience. Scent memories are the strongest memories that the human brain grasps onto, so by adding a scent to memory, it makes it much more vivid in our memory bank. I really try to keep this in mind when choosing scents for special occasions. Great post ReminiScent. I appreciate you.

A Platonic ideal of men's fragrance, and something so rare it may be sui generis - a designer men's scent with a memory and a philosophy. Memory: Tobacco, tonka, cinnamon, oakmoss ... a warm barbershop/pipe tobacco accord, evoking some fusty old-fashioned ideals of a man's scent, shocked with zingy rhubarb, quince and pepper. The effect is simultaneously young and old, antique and brand-new. Like a designer label's sportswear update of a classic smoking jacket, this is winkingly timeless. Philosophy: This scent sits close. Many see that as its greatest flaw. But at least in my part of the world, I know that not everyone wants to smell me everywhere I go. This hits a particular ideal for a masculine scent, maintaining an intimate bubble of projection all day long. My colleagues won't smell me coming, but anyone who comes in for a hug will think, "wow, he smells good!" We lose sight in this hobby, with our “beast-modes” and “compliment magnets” ... sometimes subtlety is the perfect move. Admittedly I don't wear it as much as I once did, but I still adore it every time I spray, and over fifteen years later, that says a lot!

Elegant. That's the adjective that best defines this Varvatos gem. I have a soft spot for Dark Rebel Rider, but if not this would easily be my favorite from the designer. One of those perfumes you reach out from time to time just to smell the cap. Manly tobacco sweet and citrus scent for gentlemen only. The bottle design could not be better. This is money in a bottle, and I say that in the best sense possible. I still cannot believe I purchased this for less than 30 euros. People complain about it not lasting a lot of time, but to me it is not a smell which you want to invade a room with. It's rather subtle, but very manly. Kind of unexpected, but extremely pleasant at close distance. Very British. I mentally picture a mid 40's guy in a sweater, riding his weekend scrambler motorbike through the English countryside. As we all know, one of the main drawbacks of this hobbie is the insufficiency of words when it comes to describe a perfume. This one needs to be lived by the nose of everyone, and I'll go as far as saying it is one of the safest blind buys one can do to smell elegant at any occasion. 9/10.

An embossed leather band with gold stamped lettering stitched around an antiqued looking bottle? How could I not test this rugged looking beauty when I saw it on the department store counter? A spritz on a paper strip: fir, rugged, classy, outdoorsy, smokingly sexy. A delicious blend of sweet evergreen and spices and just enough earthiness to be taken seriously without being cynical or sombre. It seems like such a commonsense compostion for the rugged, intelligent, outdoor type that I'm surprised that this hasn't been done before--but it does smell refreshingly different with a slightly modern, yet classically natural vibration. The dry down is close to the skin, smelling of spiked, smoky tobacco and leather in harmony with honeyed hay-like tonka. A scent with intimate proximity to share with someone special. Vintage is reminscent of my Oregonian environment--sweet sun-toasted fir needles crunching underfoot while hiking the mountains. Perfect.

I've been eyeing this for quite some time & I finally broke and grabbed a bottle. I usually don't buy into the whole "signature scent" thing, but if I did, this would easily make it as one. Classy, mature, sexy, dark, unique & (to my relatively new found knowledge regarding fragrances) nice value. I've heard that the longevity of this (and all JV scents) is bad, but where I just got it today, I can't really comment on it from a personal experience. What I can say however (again) is that I absolutely love Vintage. If you've never smelled this & you like classic/classy man fragrances (but this is far from a cookie cutter), do yourself a big favour & give this a check. Nice, done up suit event, even a nice date night. As long as the temperature is on the lower side, I don't think there's much where this gem couldn't fit the situation.

Something about this women swoon over. My girlfriend's favorite scent on me. Waitresses have complimented it. It's hilarious because this is one of the cheapest fragrances I own. I never expected the reception I get from this. Turns out, girls kinda like when you smell like their dad. This fragrance's skeleton is harkening back to slightly "vintage" men's perfumery with that synthetic oakmoss, the lavender, and those herbal qualities. There is something hinting at a an oriental fougere (Polo Safari) or even a chypre. There is a metallic vein running through it. But the fruity leathery touches make this something sexy. It is in a league all its own. Just smells like a gentleman. The best bang for your buck fragrance ever, in my opinion. And a 2000’s designer masterpiece. 9.0/10

A luxurious niche scent with below average performance. If this liquid was put in a niche fragrance bottle and its performance increased, the fragrance would sell for ten times its price. A fragrance unlike any other: smoky, spicy and leathery a light scent on the nose that gives you a complete olfactory experience of pleasure. The most distinctive notes are Rhubarb, Tobacco and Suede with a hint of Cinnamon in a very light and pleasant way. The fragrance is masculine and suitable for cold weather. The performance is very weak, which is a drawback of this fragrance. The price is reasonable and not exaggerated. The fragrance bottle is very distinctive and luxurious and is worth more than its price, as usual with John Varvatos fragrance bottles.

Just adding a comment, since I love JV Vintage. I accidentally found a way to extend JV Vintage longevity by layering it with another fragrance (for 2:1 combo). The combo blew my mind co JV Vintage scent on my skin has 4-6 hours of around 5 meter bubble around me on wind/rainy weather, bigger bubble with shorter period during hot tropical weather. Vintage's scent went arm length then after 8 hours it becomes skin scent tobacco & suede prominent. It does pop out anytime I enter a colder rooms. And it lasted on my skin around 12 hours or more. I can smell it around me after 12 hours. The layered fragrance, unfortunately, only marketed in Indonesia. It's Avicenna Prestige Extreme, which on it's own lasted around 6-8 hours. Who would have thought.

It's a masterpiece and the best of the John Varvatos line in my opinion! This perfume is elegant, classy, soft and sophisticated. It is so well-balanced that its actually difficult to discern any one note! You can't go wrong with it. John Varvatos Vintage is comprised of a sensuous and masculine composition of the aromatic chypre family with an assertive spice core and a warm leathery background. This perfume reminds me of Trussardi Uomo Fresh but Trussardi Uomo Fresh is more spicy and stronger. This is the perfect fragrance for the fall and winter. I love John Varvatos Vintage. Highly recommended. Two Thumbs Up. Bravo John Varvatos ! Rating : 8.5 / 10

I love this fragrance! It's very masculine yet not at all overpowering. It reminds me of a light, sweet natural tobacco smell mixed with tanned leather ... like a nice leather wallet smell. As it progresses, you get woody notes with one of my favorite spices ... CINNAMON! The drydown is exquisite, masculine and sexy. If you like CK Shock ... then this is the refined, well crafted version of that scent profile. Even though many say this is more of a Fall/Winter scent ... I also like it in Spring. If you have extremely hot summers where you live then it probably should not be used at that time. WONDERFUL, MASCULINE SCENT for any age group.

I dont know how or why ... But this frag reminds me a litle of Guy Laroche's DRAKKAR. Im not saying they are the same!! But somehow it gives the same masculine old school barbershop vibes. About performance... I am an OVERSPRAYER whenever the perfume allows it and with this one it DOES ALLOW IT! Maybe thats why in ME it performs pretty decently it lasts up to 6 hours with moderate Sillage for about 3 of them. Ive received some compliments for the perfume, nothing extravagant but they tell me that I smell Nice like i've just got a haircut. I describe the smell kind of spicy and bitter with some fine and sweet tobbaco hints along the way.

I think that this is the gem of the Varvatos line, and a criminally underrated scent. It's a fairly straightforward sweet, woodsy tobacco scent. There isn't much development to my nose, and it's basically all about tobacco, suede, fir and rhubarb. All the other notes compliment these main notes, but never take centerstage. Overall it's quite a balanced composition. It's very linear, but in the best of ways. The killer for this one, is the one that also kills Varvatos Original - the longevity. I get 4-5 hours out of it, and that is bit too little for me. However as it's such a nice scent, I just refresh during the day. Rating: 9/10.

As a female I just love it, also on myself. Vanilla pine with some spicy elements. Comforting but also powerful. Longevity and sillage is really good on me. I entered a flat and someone asked if I wore something. First it's a bit spicy, typical masculine, after a while is rather sweet, balsamic, piney and herbal. I wanted a perfume I could wear in the Spring which reminds me of being in a forest, under the Sun, of warming soil ..and yet that also could be a classical ambery, sweeter fragrance that could be used in office settings. I found it! :) This is like Xerjoff 40 knots but in a forest setting, without the ambergris factor.

The name for this fragrance may seem like a misnomer at its big opening of rhubarb and quince, which produces a very up-to-date rather than "vintage" accord. But it's in the drydown, with its tons of multiple notes dominated by tobacco, that you get a fuller sense of what's truly vintage about this fragrance, which hearkens in that back to the great complex tobacco-and-leather chypres of the 80s and early 90s. The tart fruits of the opening are deeply invigorating, but the drydown makes the whole thing seem highly gentlemanly. It's a wonderful mixture of old and new, and should become one of my favorite go-to fragrances.

I only wish it lasted longer but man oh man is it good. No, not good, it's awesome!! Sensual, spicy, reminds me of something else I've smelled somewhere. It is just divine. I tried some of this one afternoon. John Varvatos Vintage on one arm and John Varvatos Dark Rebel on the other arm. Dark Rebel I could smell the next morning. Vintage was about 6 hours before I couldn't smell it at all. It is an amazing fragrance though. If you like a nice amount of spice this is a winner. Just keep it handy for re-application if needed. And the bottle looks fantastic too ;) Fragrance 10/10 Longevity 5/10 Bottle Design 10/10

This was the scent that got me into colognes, I first purchased it several years ago at the recommendation of an employee and repurchased a bottle recently. It still smells just as good now as it did then, it’s clean, masculine, and makes me think of a record store, leather jackets and spice. Sitting in a bar with a cold beer and just enjoying the ambiance! While I’ve moved on to other scents I think It’s still worth a try in my opinion and an occasional wear for the night out with the wife. I think you’ll enjoy it. John Varvatos really instilled an enjoyment for designer fragrances in me.

Nose Note #655 It's a funny and a little weird scent. Smells very quirky to me. This rhubarb note is a major player in the composition and it made the scent very unique. I haven't smelled anything similar. Rhubarb is very sweet and gives the scent a subtle playful, light and airy touch, but the overall composition is dark. It doesn't feel very strong, it's an average performer and I think it could work in any season. It's just a very unique scent and it is the best asset. Easy to wear yet very unique. To say that I was impressed is an understatement. 9/10, to me this is a must-try

Its special unique tobacco,different kinda of tobacco.Barbershop modern direction with kinda soapiness,the tobacco here is sweet with the tonka and dense with the suede but clean cbecause of the green notes. To me its a good one i have nothing like this and i didnt smell anything like it,not similar to any the perfumes that they mentioned,i almost try most of them...And if creed or roja or any niche house sell same scent people will buy it for sure and talk about it,cause the quality is good.If u love tobacco buy it. So the scent 7.8/10 Performance 6.5/10 Bottle 9/10

John Varvatos always produces a good men’s fragrance. This is my 4th JV and you get quality for less $$ This is a great cologne for many reasons, natural smelling, no harsh opening, great bottle design, and is fairly versatile I’m thinking summer evening or controlled climate is fine. This is definitely a more mature man’s cologne but not over the top barber shop, but a little in a good way. Blind buy? Yes if you are 40+ performance is above average and it’s not an over the top beast. I get a whole days wear with it and people notice and comment.

I’ve had this fragrance in the rotation for years. I find it’s a great everyday scent, an amazing fragrance for its price. It’s certainly woodsy, spicy and the tobacco is quite prevalent for me. The sweetness is strong in the opening but gives way to the earthy base notes swiftly enough. It doesn’t perform well enough for an important night out, but rather a reliable favorite for everyday use in the office. Totally a masculine scent, which I appreciate. Not every fragrance should be unisex in my opinion, and Varvatos does not disappoint here.

Some have said that this is a boring "Dad" scent, and I get that. This has a classic smell that I associate with men over 40. But unlike "barbershop" fragrances like Azzaro Pour Homme, I like this. For me the smell conjures rugged film characters like Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, Paul Newman and Robert Redford as Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, and Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt. If one of those guys were my dad, you can be sure I'd borrow their cologne!

Beautiful and sensual spiciness. I get a sun-tan lotion vibe as well, but that isn't a bad thing. I love this smell and ladies do too, but it is on the classy and maybe mature side. I get 4 hours of soft projection, but it becomes a beautiful musk for as long as 7 hours. So performance is soft, but yet perfect for dates or even travel I love this, but I know it isn't for everyone. Try it out , if you want to like leather, but can't find one you like.

I love this. There is something familiar and comforting about Varvatos Vintage. It will remind you of something you've smelled before but can't exactly pinpoint. It will evoke memories. I suppose that's the "vintage" aspect. It smells like the perfumer combined Tsar with a dash of Polo Green, then poured it through a strainer into the dark-glassed Vintage bottle. It can be worn formally or casually. The cooler the weather, the better for this one.

I have ignored Varvatos for a long time for some reason, but glad I tried the line finally, most of the scents are exactly what I was looking for, original and reminiscent of the early 2000s releases, glad they still produce them rather than choosing the easy way and discontinuing post ifra reformulations . This one is masculine, spicy smoky, well mixed. Taking in account 90 percent of fragrances available today, this scores a 10/10 in my book.

Grabbed this in Marshalls for $26, it was a blind buy. This is one of the best masculine fragrances I've ever come across. It smells like the classic colognes from the 70's and 80's, yet modern and edgy; it's aptly named Vintage. The ONLY complaint that I have is that it just doesn't last that long, 3-4 hours maybe, with only one hour of projection. John Varvatos please make a stronger concentration of this, I'll be a forever customer. 9/10

To me this is notes of sweet spicy cinnamon and tobacco with a touch of lavender, but not heavy, closer to a designer freshie. Reminds me of the discontinued Spicebomb Fresh. On skin it seems to make the tobacco and rhubarb a little more prominent, but in fabric the cinnamon seems to dominate. It has decent projection for an hour or so, but overall longevity is about 4-5 hours total. A great dumb reach for cooler months.

This smells JUST LIKE Ralph's Club Elixir, but without the synthetic shit. Amazing, complex yet very heavy on fresh sticky tobacco. Lots of orris root comes through once you look for it, if you know what it smells like. Scent only lasts about 2 hours, but it's nice while it lasts. I've had mixed results with this one though, girls seem to not like it as much as I think they would. It's no tobacco vanille.

Easily one of the top JV fragrances to date. Masculine and classy leather vibes with Rhubarb and pepper got me feeling like I left the cigar lounge with the boys and I’m heading out for a date afterwards with the lady to grab an old fashioned and get a few steps in on the dance floor to some roaring 20’s swing. Sits on my skin nicely for a good 3-4 hrs on a cool night. Good stuff!

I love this one. Just got a 10ml decant. Honestly it smells like old spice. Very spicy fresh and masculine. This will remind you of your grandad. I would wear this as an everyday, as long as your the type to actually put some effort into looking presentable, this will work for you. Also I believe Thai works best in colder months if you try it in the summer or spring go light

This is one of my favorite all timer perfume. It is so well made with fresh, spicy and deep accords, with reasonable longevity and sillage. I love the opening, the transition and the final dry-down. It is not easy to detect any one ingredient, but the resulting symphony is just great. A must have that can be used for office, outings or just for chilling at home.

My favourite from JV. Love the way the tobacco and suede notes (awesome suede note) combines with the bitter tart fruitiness of the rhubarb and green balsamic fir note. Classy and not loud, but lasts longer than most JV frags on my skin. I find it very versatile, it can be dressed up or worn with smart casual attire. Get it if you love suede like I do!

This seems to be a complex blend of spices, balsam incense, herbs and fruit. Very unusual but pleasant. Moderately potent though it is a lasting skin scent with a subtle leather/spicy/herbal smell wafting around. *Update* Yes, this is and old school mossy, herbal, spicy and complex leather perfume. I love this so much. The bottle is real class.

Re-reviewing the very first perfume I ever bought. After 2 years of smelling countless fragrances, buying 18 more after this one, and making my own homemade perfumes... Varvatos Vintage is still the GREATEST of all time. So rich, spicy and tangy. Extremely addictive and intoxicating. Imagine leather, strawberry preserve, and cinnamon. PERFECT!

If I were to have a signature cologne this would be it. The fruity opening, but not to bright, remains through the dry down even as the warmer notes become more prominent. I get could performance and it lasts most of a typical work day, even longer on clothes. It is a pleasing fragrance that others seem to enjoy as well.

It opens sharp and harsh. I instantly get an old-school 80’s and 90’s powerhouse feel, hence the name Vintage. Despite some familiarity, it is still unique. Vintage ultimately dries down to a smooth tobacco and suede fragrance. I can imagine some would consider this a difficult wear. Overall, I like it.

smells masculine, leathery, aromatic, green, and a little bit sweet. very solid unique fragrance. I didn't smell anything like it I rather Dark Rebel my favorite from JV. JV Vintage is my second favorite from JV. JV vintage has good performance on my skin I get 7 hours of longevity. 10/8,5

Everyone complains about performance yet I wore this to my internship and an hour in my supervisor who was over 5 feet away told me my fragrance was strong and was filling the room. Say what you want but I wouldn't go heavy on the trigger to work. Lovely fragrance regardless.

I loved this stuff..two women complimented me on it, one said it was “therapeutic”, the other said “Something smells good in here!” The top note starts off with this musk, then it ends with wood. It has average performance, 5 hours. John Varvatos just makes good cologne.

I like this one better than JV Artisan. It almost smelled like an aged but sweet, high quality wine. Was it the juniper berries? The sourness and the sweetness has that great balance, the only weak part is the longevity. 7.9/10 olfactorx.blogspot.com

A vague review but honestly this is an evergreen all-time scent for me, especially on weekends. It has a grassy undertone that works great in warmer months, but the overall classic Chypre scent just totally works all year round. Wife loves it.

@Smirky those who know my taste know me as a fan of this fragrance. But I can objectively say that you should definitely put this on skin before you make your assessment. The difference in scent between paper and skin is quite significant.