Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche (1982) Review

About Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche (1982)

First ever Advertisement in print (1985)

Drakkar Noir was created by Pierre Wargyne over 34 years ago and is still one of the most popular colognes worn today. Pierre has some other outstanding colognes that are worn today like La Nuit de L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent and Boss #1 by Hugo Boss. Drakkar Noir has won a few different awards like the 1985 FIFA award for “Most successful Men’s Fragrance” and in 2010 it received the Canadian Hall of Fame award for fragrance.

Drakkar Noir continues to be one of the most sold colognes every year and in 1991, it was the best selling men’s prestige fragrance ($20+/bottle)

The New York Times says the name comes from a “flat-bottomed ship”. Others have said the name comes from the word “Dracula” which implies it is a dark, gateway to men’s sexual fantasies, but most people find this theory to be ridiculous.

What does it smell like?

To me, Drakkar Noir immediately takes me back to the 80s. Since I was born in 1985, I don’t have a ton of experience of what it smells like, but I do have an older brother that is 10 years older than me. I can remember seeing this cologne on his dresser and he clung to it like it was the most important thing in his life. To me it smells a little like baby wipes with sophistication. I know this might not sound appealing but I promise it’s better then what I just made it sound like.

Drakkar Noir is a classic barbershop scent. If you can imagine the scent of barbicide, old-school after shave, leathery chairs, and all-around manly, Drakkar Noir is it. To me, Drakkar Noir should be worn only by men with old school haircuts and mustaches.

This type of guy is most likely confident and not concerned about turning on every woman that he walks by, since his mustache does it for him.

What cologne does it smell like?

The Land of Warriors by Vagabond Prince

Dakar – Al Rehab

Tuscany per Uoma Forte – Aramis

Pure Black by Creation Lamis and Pure Black by Oliver Henry

The notes that you will undoubtedly notice from Drakkar Noir are;

As you can see, Oakmoss, leather, and lavender are the most notable notes when using Drakkar Noir.

What does it smell like to a normal person?

This one is a beast.

Who should buy this cologne?

Age Group: 30+

Drakkar Noir should be worn by men and that age is 30+ for me. If you do have an amazing mustache, I will say that 25+ is also acceptable if you truly wish to smell like a manly man.

Season: All year round

Feel free to wear it all year around since it doesn’t necessarily have the winter notes to make it a cold season cologne, or the summer notes to make it a warm season cologne.

Time of day: Day or Night

Pierre sure created a versatile cologne since you can wear it pretty much whenever you want. Make sure you only use 1-2 squirts since it is ridiculously strong.

Occasion: Hanging out with the boys

Drakkar Noir is not a chick magnet by any means and I also feel for work and school there are better colognes that exist. I do agree it is one of the most manly colognes out there so try wearing Drakkar Noir for a night out with the boys but just don’t use too much.

Gift? – No

This cologne is one of those that need to be smelled by the person who is going to wear it before they try it. Although it has a huge following of people that enjoy the scent, there is also a lot of people that dislike it as well. It won’t be a good scent for you to give unless you 100% know they will like it.

Longevity: Amazing

Drakkar Noir will last all day/night and you will smell it on your clothes the next morning. Don’t spray too much or you will stink.

Harmless? – No

If you spray just 1 extra spray of this cologne, you will stink and everyone around you will notice. This cologne is well-liked and popular but is also disliked by many people as well.

Popularity – Very Good

Despite being a cologne made in the early 1980s, it is still one of the most sold colognes today.

How does it make you feel? – Manly

This should make sense. If you picture how you should smell after getting done at the barber shop, this cologne should help you realize that smell.

Price – Good

You can find it for $20-40 dollars a bottle.

Awards – 4

Most popular cologne 2015 (CologneMasters)

Most successful Men’s Fragrance – 1985 FIFA

Canadian Hall of Fame Award – 2010

Top selling men’s cologne award – 1991

Sexy – Not much

There are documented cases where women find this cologne sexy, however, it has never happened to me. I think if you’re looking for a cologne that has a lot of sex appeal, this is not it.

Signature Cologne – Absolutley

One thing Drakkar Noir has going for it, is that it is completely versatile and can be worn everyday, all-day if the person wearing it chooses. If you wish for people think of you when they smell this cologne, the more power to you and use it as your signature cologne.