Cravache 2007

Before I start talking about what this isn't (which everyone seems to want to do), this current iteration of Cravache deserves to be talked about in terms of what it actually is: a highly unusual woody chypre, with a big distinctive citrus opening, and one of the best drydowns I've experienced. If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary, affordable, masculine signature fragrance, this would be a great choice. The original lines of Robert Piguet fragrances crafted starting in the 1940s were so beloved for their innovation and complexity that the House survived even the collapse of its fashion line, and continued to bring forth marvelously intricate creations like this one even well after the death of Piguet himself in 1953. Eventually, though, the house did fold, and when perfumers wanted to revive his famous scents they were faced with the problem that Germaine Cellier and the other house noses had crafted their fragrances from different compounds so involved that it was practically impossible to reconstruct them note for note. Many of the fragrances released under the old names from Piguet are thus not what they once were. Luca Turin has deplored the fact that Cravache (which means "Whip" in French) originally had, appropriately, a strong leather note which is now missing, and which made this chypre even more extraordinary (reportedly). The absence of this may certainly disappoint those familiar with what the fragrance once was; but since I've never smelled the original myself I can only judge what I have, and I can say this is a lovely chypre as it is now. This new iteration is frequently compared to Chanel Pour Monsieur, which I also love; but the two to me are nothing alike other than that they're both chypres with lemon openings. But the unforgettable lemon blast that opens Pour Monsieur comes from bright Sicilian lemons that really wakes you up; the lemon here is much less immediately pleasing but more unusual, mixed with mandarin and (especially) petit grain that produces a more medicinal and aromatic green-orange scent. The nutmeg (which is also more pronounced here than in the Chanel) mixes with this to produce a really marked accord that is ultimately as memorable in its own way, if not as accessible. And the drydown is where this fragrance particularly shines. It lasts longer than Pour Monsieur's and is equally beautiful, with the lavender, sage, vetiver, and patchouli here all blending with the lingering green orange, even though I can olfactorily separate each one of the notes. I don't have anything else like this in my collection, and I am sure I will be using it enough that I am glad I bought a full bottle (which I found for a great price on ebay). UPDATE: 5/12/21: This has become one of my very favorites. I crave the smell of it all the time. It is calming and lovely, and is not aggressive; it is unusual in its austerity--it's an absolutely great fragrance for introverts. I wish this were better known!

A classic men's cologne. So this review is purely to provide some contrasts with the other classics. I would say it is most similar to Dior's Eau Sauvage, however the opening citrus is sweeter and less sharp due to the presence of the mandarin, the note structure is also tidier in the manner of the more straightforward Pour Monsieur. However there is none of the creamy citrus from Pour Monsieur nor is it a pure spicy after dry down. However, like Pour Monsieur the sweetness carries into the dry down (I believe the lavender note is the sweeter than that found in most other colognes, contra Pour Monsieur where the sweetness is an aspect of the spice.) The sage, patchouli and vetiver in the dry down give it an earth green (very slightly) skanky quality that is on the strong end of the range found in colognes of this type, reminiscent of YSl Pour Homme but not as extreme. Finally it has the best oak moss of any non-vintage colognes in its category, not sure how Piguet managed to stretch the IRFA allowances but the only thing I have that compares is my vintage Eau Sauvage. Overall, I enjoy a number of scents in this category and do not find them homogenous. I like Pour Monsieur for its simplicity, I like Pour Homme for its agressive quality, Eau Sauvage for its more complex scent- particularly the orris and floral elements. However Cravache stands as at least the equal of these others, and is probably the best at conveying an air of relaxed assertiveness. It reminds folks at the office that I'm the boss, but a nice boss.

I don't know if you'll get the vibe you're on an equestrian outing in the Italian countryside or not, but the description of the scent itself provided by Piguet's website is pretty spot on. Like the other two fragrances I have from Piguet (Bandit and Bois Bleu) the quality and blending are superb. It's a pleasure to wear. --------------------------------------------------------- "Originally created by Robert Piguet Parfums in 1963, Cravache is an exhilarating classic citrus scent reinterpreted with modern elegance. Inspired by an equestrian outing — Cravache means riding crop in French. Perfectly balanced yet vivacious, this fragrance is an ode to traditional European cologne compositions. Lemon and mandarin set a fresh prelude for sweet lavender accented with a spicy bite of nutmeg. The comforting warmth of patchouli anchors the bracing citrus notes while the green and earthy richness of vetiver provides a beautifully grounding contrast to the initial sparkling accord. Cravache is reminiscent of an Italian countryside on a warm summer day where a gentle breeze carries the delicate perfume of lemon blossoms and sun-dried grasses — fresh, vibrant and warm." - Piguet Fragrances Note: You can find this for under $50 on ebay/Amazon if you do a little looking and are patient.

Wow! perfect juice this one. Exactly in the style of a classic french cologne from years gone by, Cravache delivers for me. The only issue I have with this sort of fragrance is the price niche houses charge. For example I love Dior Cologne Royale but I couldn't justify the high price. That doesn't apply to this one fortunately as it's a EDT and as such reasonably affordable for sheer quality. Opens with juicy lemon and madarin orange then becomes herby but not overly mossy like Chanel pour monsieur to which it is similar. The clary sage, nutmeg and of course lavender are more prominent without over powering, Cravache is very well put together and blended. Vetiver and herbs in the drydown on my skin but not very good longevity I have to say, I was a bit stingey with the application so next time I'll use more. There's a definite hint of minty menthol in this fragrance just after applied as @LookOut mentioned...and I was surprised not to see it in the notes on my sample card or on here. All in all a great fragrance it's calming and cerebral and a good day to day scent.

I don't know of too many Robert Piguet fragrance which don't give you a quality fragrance whether you like the aroma or not. Cravache is a sophisticated warm citrus/tangerine vib floating around with a herbal blend. After spraying this juice on my skin, the aroma of lemon feels like I came from southern Italy. Lavender and oakmoss give it that light herbal blend which is subtle yet evident in the overall blend. There's a definite woodsy note, again I feel that it's put together perfectly, so that the lemon juice shines through everything. Longevity and Silage is excellent lasting well past 6hrs... wears well during the summer months. Finally, I'm totally floored why such a high quality fragrance isn't as prominent in the North American market? I totally agree with those who put this juice in the same class as Dior's Sauvage and Chanel pour Monsieur. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE SUMMER. EXCELLENT FRAGRANCE 9/10

I've had this juice for several years and I never get tired of smelling it. The juice has a unique blend being a fougère and herbal base. I enjoy the quality of lavender used with Petitgrain and oakmoss. They come together in a harmonious dance as it settles on the warmth of your skin. I also pick up a sage/tangy blend of orange peel giving it another layer to enjoy. There's just enough of vertier that noticeable but it doesn't throw off the delicate balance between greens and earthy notes. Longevity and Sillage is mid-range as a spring/summer purfume. All of R.P purfumes are worth the investment. The raw materials that used have a high quality and depth to them. I'm glad I have this juice in my collection for the warm weather. 9/10

I get mostly a luxurious licorice, elevated by a sparkling citrus. Eventually, it gives way to what must be oakmoss, at which stage this reminds me slightly of a cleaned-up Denim Original Eau de Toilette. The comparison is essentially misleading, though, as Cravache is much more refined and gentlemanly. I think this is pretty unique, at least for the designer price point, and could make an excellent signature scent for an unpretentious man with classical good taste. In short, a very nice citrus-chypre with a delicious licorice facet.

This is a blind buy and absolutely worth it. Amazingly good scent. Has a lot of depth, greeness, enough lavender to be rich and fougère-like but not overpoweringly so. Spicy but balanced. Wonderfully rich and sensuous but not too dank or animalic. It's what a gentleman wears when he wants to be a bit more serious. Similar to some commenters here who say that it resembles Chanel's Pour Monsieur. In fact, this current version is much closer to what Pour Monsieur used to smell like back in the 90's. What a delight!

a typical male perfume, citrucy with a lot of lavender. the strong citrus fades away after 10 minutes and then the lavender dominates the game. It reminds me Zino by Davidoff. Zino is not so citrucy and due to the vanilla, is sweeter. I can't imagine someone below 30s to wear this perfume as the smell is somehow old fashioned and strictly masculine. Lovers or lavender will be thrilled....and finally, the story end with the vetiver...traditional vetiver with some citrus and lavender...

Classic and sophisticated. Very old school at first,but it is actually timeless and upper class in my opinion. Best for mature men and rather not for younger men which would make them smell like a father. The base notes are rather musky and metallic which gives this perfume its old school feeling. Very masculine and elegant. I like the bottle too and would put this on my list for next buys.

Elegance bottled. The citruses are tempered well with lavender and clary sage, making this such a delight to the nose. I somehow pick up an anisic quality in the heart, perhaps the interaction between the nutmeg and the other elements, while the dry down is reminiscent of sun-dried grasses and herbs. This is Chanel Pour Monsieur if it had legs.

I tried Robert Piguet Cravache on one arm and Xerjoff Fiero on the other arm. The difference is almost non-existent. Fiero is just a little bit more refined in the dry down. They both have excellent longevity although both turn to skin scent after 3 hours. But my buck is on Cravache since it's half the price.

I love Lavender because it calms me. Cravache by Robert Piguet does exactly that, calms me. This fragrance is just elegant and not overpowering. It is great for the office. I will be wearing it very often.

Immediately reminded me of Chanel's Pour Monsieur, straight up. Very pleasant, soft, citrusy fragrance appropriate for dates, office, and daily life. Scent: 8/10. Longevity: 6.5/10. Projection: 7/10.

Very solid classic fougere with a lot of spicy citrus, lavender and clarysage, oakmoss. Reminds me of Fiero, Sauvage, Jacomo, Scandal PC.

The afternoon sun casts a golden glow over Longchamp, as the excitement of the horse race fills the air. The atmosphere is charged with an elegant tension, a blend of anticipation and the thrill of competition. The crowd is composed of the city’s finest, and among them, you move effortlessly. A gathering of the bourgeoisie, all here to witness the horses gallop toward their fate while indulging in a little friendly betting and catching up with familiar faces. You are dressed in De Fursac beige chinos, perfectly cut to give you a refined yet comfortable look. They pair seamlessly with a crisp, white Cifonelli shirt, its light fabric catching the breeze while exuding the timeless elegance of Parisian craftsmanship. Over the shirt, a light Kiton linen jacket drapes over your shoulders, providing an air of sophistication and ease. The jacket’s subtle hue reflects the sun’s warmth, perfectly complementing the rest of your attire. A classic Borsalino Panama hat sits atop your head, adding a touch of relaxed refinement, while your J.M. Weston loafers, polished and understated, complete the look. With each step, you glide effortlessly through the crowd, your presence unmistakable yet effortless. The fragrance that accompanies you is Cravache by Robert Piguet, and it perfectly mirrors the day’s energy—elegant, refreshing, and quietly bold. The scent opens with the crisp, citrusy burst of Petitgrain, Lemon, and Mandarin Orange, the bright notes like a breath of fresh air that lifts your spirits as you move through the crowd. These top notes are sharp, invigorating, and uplifting, much like the energy of the racetrack, where the rush of excitement is palpable. As the fragrance settles, the heart of Cravache begins to reveal itself. Lavender and Clary Sage bring a calm, aromatic herbal quality to the composition, adding a sense of balance and smoothness, like the gentle breezes of the afternoon. Nutmeg spices things up with its warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic depth, adding a layer of complexity that feels as rich as the betting wagers and conversations unfolding around you. The fragrance reaches its final form with the grounding notes of Oakmoss, Vetiver, and Patchouli, which provide an earthy, woody depth that anchors the fragrance with quiet strength. The Oakmoss gives the scent a rugged elegance, while the Vetiver adds a touch of earthy sophistication, and the Patchouli brings a smooth, herbal richness that ties everything together. These base notes create a fragrance that lingers softly on your skin, like the memory of a perfect afternoon spent in the company of good friends and thrilling horses. It’s a fragrance for a man who enjoys the finer things in life—sophisticated, subtle, and full of complexity, much like the horse race you watch unfold. It lingers in the air, like the soft murmur of the crowd, a reminder of the quiet power of tradition and luxury. Cravache is the fragrance for the modern bourgeois man, someone who appreciates classic luxury and the thrill of life's finer pleasures. It’s fresh, yet grounded, elegant yet bold, an effortless scent that reflects your place in a world where elegance is not a show but a way of being. Whether placing a bet, sharing a glass with friends, or simply enjoying the rush of the race, Cravache embodies the essence of a well-lived life.

Classic men's barber "freshie" with a "vintage feel". (You will get a hint of vintage Barbasol shaving cream-- which I love) . This was a blind buy and I have an older bottle-- the body and projection is nice. If you are looking for something crazy & adventurous --this is not it. If you're looking for a "nice classic man's dapper" that has GOOD QUALITY and won't cost a fortune you will like this. Old school , but lively enough to get a "you smell nice" from people because of a hint of "sweet" going on. Not too far off from a classic men's Chanel type thing . Very "user friendly".

This is man embodied in a fragrance. I respect Robert Piguet for making very genre specific scents that captures the essence of men and women so elegantly. Cravache is a deep male fragrance that while having citrusy notes never allows itself to be toppled into sweetness and presents a rich powerful body almost bordering the licorice aspects of absinthe. A powerful fragrance for men desiring to make impact.

This is a nice scent that in its original version used to be GREAT. This reformulation will appeal to everybody into Eau De Cologne kind of things. There's plenty of fragrances like this out there. Better and cheaper, or if you prefer better and expensier. You choose. So bad I havent put my hands on the original version. Rating: 6.5/10 (current formulation)

A woody chypre with a citrus burst at the top, a lavender, mint (although not listed...) and green herbs heart. Silage and projection are pretty good and on me has a longevity of over five hours. I haven't tried the vintage version but like this allot. Pleasant to wear and in no way offensive to those around you.