Basile Uomo (original) (1987)
by Basile

Widespread in the 80's and 90's this was a masculine herbal fragrance with a powerfully citric-astringent opening, an intensely floral middle transition and a woodsy-leathery base. The initial connection of citrus, green notes, cedar and coniferous with the impressingly floral evolution (jasmine and carnation above all) reminds me a bit the classic Chacharel Pour Home with its deep citrusy-herbal-floral whiff while the final outcome is slightly tamed and smoothed by the insertion of amber, olibanum, benzoin and leather that civilize the green-shadowy opening with a soft touch. Juniper and Pine impress a sort of crisp and botanic smell of forest which holds on its influence throughout the evolution being it not overcome by the final silky-leathery addition. Strong  notes of vetiver and patchouli keep high the level of testosterone while an impressive mossy touch enhances the general sensuality of the juice. A pity it has been discontinued even if the current formulation is almost identical. Finally too monolithic for my taste.

20th August, 2011. (Last Edited: 16th October, 2011.)

Here's one I am rather upset knowing it's been discontinued. Unbelievably citric, woody and mossy. A perfect score for this chypre. Not over the top but still plenty strong. Quite wonderful.

13rd December, 2008.

I am filing this review under the ‘original’ category. My recently purchased bottle looks exactly like the one in the basenotes photo except for having white rather than gold print. The scent is definitely 1980’s. Whatever this is, I don’t think this is a new version (i.e., a changed formulation). Basile Uomo is an 80’s scent with an herbal flare. I disagree with the review below – it is both big and long-lasting. The citrus-basil opening is assertive and refreshing. The floral mid softens the deal somewhat. Juniper and pine give a crisp, almost minty edge. Basile is a bigger and less vegetal version of Diptyque’s basil green Virgilio (or Virgilio is a modern, minimalist interpretation of this sort of scent). I enjoy Basile. The usual caution for 80’s scents applies here: don’t over-apply! I really like the basil and pine notes which keep popping up, they are a refreshing aspect to an otherwise big and rich chypre. They make it interesting and distinctive. Basile has a dry-down a bit like Equipage or Chevalier D’Orsay (beautiful leather/amber/musk).

16th October, 2007.

Pleasant enough. An opening salvo of strong herb notes. A slight lemony aspect seems to creep in later. I don't find it particularly strong or long lasting.

23rd November, 2004.