Signature Noir

This is my second wearing of Zaharoff Signature Noir, one of the two recently-released flankers (along with Signature Royale) to the original Signature from 2018. Noir feels much more like a natural variation of the original than Royale does, but Noir certainly deviates in interesting ways, and I love both aspects of it. To the original’s sweet-and-spicy, semi-fresh, modern take on the fougere concept, Noir is denser, dryer, and ever so slightly less sweet. Anchored by a similar group of spices (pepper, ginger) but darkened by anise and a heavier use of oud (to my nose) and sharpened by tonka and resins (fir balsam, frankincense), Noir ends up having vaguely dry leather quality that is not part of the original. The original Signature is very versatile in terms of situation and season, both a nod to classics while having a very modern, somewhat unisex sensibility, but Noir specifically feels like more of a modern nighttime / cold weather-friendly variation, albeit still walking the unisex/masculine tightrope. Overall, Noir is a welcome variation, clearly related to the original but very much with its own character, different utility, but still very impressive. I’ll be happy to have a bottle Like Signature Royale, Signature Noir is priced at $105 for 60ml, very reasonable for an independent offering, just a touch higher than the original at $95 for 60ml or $155 for 120ml. It is sold individually, or part of other package deals, exclusively via the Zaharoff website in the US, to my knowledge. 8 out of 10

Step into the mysterious world of noir fragrances with this captivating blend. The journey begins with the zesty intrigue of mandarin orange and bergamot, layered with the spicy allure of pink pepper, basil, and coriander. These top notes create a sense of anticipation, drawing you into the enigmatic essence that awaits. As the fragrance deepens, the heart reveals an intoxicating blend of cypress and balsam fir, evoking the dark, mysterious atmosphere of a moonlit forest. The delicate freesia and the resinous quality of Virginia cedar add an air of intrigue, while the subtle warmth of ginger and anise weaves an intricate web of complexity. In the base notes, the fragrance takes a darker turn, as the smoky and woody facets of agarwood (oud) and Australian sandalwood take center stage. Olibanum and myrrh contribute to the sense of depth, infusing the scent with an aura of ancient rituals and hidden secrets. This noir masterpiece is a journey through shadows and light, a fragrance that captures the essence of intrigue and seduction, perfect for those who seek to leave a lasting impression of mystery wherever they go.

Been wearing this one for a while now, and it’s grown into a favorite. Imagine the original’s well-mannered, introspective vibe—but now he’s out after dark, wearing a sleek black jacket and probably has a mysterious side hustle. Opens with a sharp, almost metallic lavender that cuts through the air like it means business. Not your cozy barbershop type—this one has an edge. The synthetic oud shows up early, and while I usually side-eye synthetic ouds, this one plays its part well. It’s clean, modern, and adds just enough darkness without turning the whole thing into a smoky mess. Compared to the OG, this flanker is more assertive, a little moodier, and honestly, more fun when the sun goes down. The drydown is smooth woods with a hint of creaminess, but it never loses that sharp backbone. Performance is solid—around 6 hours with a nice little scent bubble for the first few. It won’t blast across the room, but it’ll turn heads if they get close enough. If the original is the thoughtful gentleman sipping tea, this one’s got the same brain—but he’s ordering bourbon neat.

I have had this for a couple of weeks now and is easily my favourate of the 3 in the Zaharoff Signature line. It is closer to the original Signature Pour Homme than Royale. Noir is Parfum strength (22%) and Royale an Eau de Parfum, but Royale is definitely a stronger performer on my skin. Noir has a more classic masculine character that I personally like in a fragrance but it is also modern smelling if that might be a concern to some younger guys. The quality of the ingredients is quite evident. I have had the original Signature Pour Homme for about 5 months now and the fragrance has definitely developed over time (it got better) and it should be the same with this awesome creation. I think that this is a very versatile fragrance, wearable in all seasons, both night and day & both smart and casual. I have a strong feeling that this is a strong contender to become my new signature scent.

This is a Spectacular Fougere with a rich scent. When I spray it on, I'm instantly greeted with the "Pour Homme" DNA, with a woodsy fresh twist. Unfortunately for me, I'm one of those unlucky bastards that smell it for 5-10 minutes tops, and then go Completely noseblind/anosmic. I can't smell it even if I spray it up my nose. Signature Noir is the only Zaharoff I have experience this with, and I've tried all of them, except the Z-Creator's. I Adore the fragrance. But I have no idea what the mid or dry down smells like. I can't pick it up even when I reapply. So I can't really give a real score. But for what little I do get, I'd guess it would be in the 8-9/10 range.