Reviews of Boss Number One (1985)
by Hugo Boss

This is Boss's only really great scent, in my view. There was a time in the late 80s when this was _the_ defining scent in airport duty-free stores -- it is extremely powerful, and there is absolutely no mistaking it for anything else. Yes, it smells ever so slightly urinous, but I put that down to the warm honey note more than anything else; as lagloriacubana so aptly points out, it's the sandlewood and patchouli that really dominates, and it's the latter that makes this so potently "masculine". But unlike something like, say, Givenchy Gentleman, where the patchouli just grabs you by the balls and breathes down your back, here it is wonderfully woven into a cooling, slightly incensy, and ultimately quite unique texture. This won't win any prizes for subtlety, but it has bags of personality, is utterly unmistakeable for anything else, and actually smells really good if you're willing to keep an open mind (i.e., do a brain-wipe of 1) the aquatic olfactory conditioning we've all received over the past decade and 2) the notion that all Boss product sucks). Others must think so as well since it's been continuously in production since its launch.

For what it's worth, I actually think of this as being more 70s than 80s in spirit.

A classic fragrance, having worn it at college in the early 1990s, popular with the ladies.

While this smells a little dated to me, I still seen to be drawn to it. Could that mean I am a bit dated myself? Well, maybe but let's get back on track. This is a very nice mixture of half strong uberman powerhouse; and half sweet guy that appeals to me. Something about a whiff of lavender; mixed with a touch of honey and backed up by pachouli that intrigues me. It's a pretty tasty scent sandwich. I think of Indiana Jones when I smell this-- very masculine and a touch romantic. It would be a very nice place for some guys to start in search of a signature fragrance. For some us, it might be a place to go back to when we feel a little "dated" ourselves. Hurray for yesterday!

Hugo has my fave and most disliked. This, i like. Its nice and musky, on my 2nd bottle already, This along with Gucci envy stand out, in my opinion, a exotic, but not overpowering. Its a scent that women like on men. Id saying charming is the most appropriate word to describe it.

This is your typical 80's powerhouse scent. It is so so potent, so be careful there. It has a sexy yellow smell to it, similar to Caron Third man. These two are not dark, but they are sexy. Easily the best boss scent. High quality, but watch it - easy to overapply.

Brings back fond memories of the late Eighties. This isn't one I clamor for, no, but I certainly fail to understand the acrimony here on this review page.

It's a pleasant fragrance, somewhat strong and powdery -- very masculine. A tad dated, that's all.

Very "80's"? Definitely. In fact, it's the signature scent of a friend of mine who is sort of stuck in that decade. It's also excellent stuff - I picked up a 3.4oz bottle for $20 at a drugstore recently based upon the pleasing sillage and don't regret it a bit. If you like scents like Azzaro PH, you should really like this one which is a bit more luxurious.

The only Boss scent with balls? So it seems. This stuff is VERY potent and masculine; young buyer of fresh scents beware! Patchouli and sandalwood are thrown out in all directions. Many women love it, and it reminds me of my youth. It is a good thing this one is not discontinued yet.

I could understand why this one might not be a popular favorite. All I know is that every 2 out of 3 compliments I get, I'm wearing this scent. I'm always sure to wear it on the first few dates with a woman. They can't seem to help but bury their face into me and breathe deep. Save it for autumn evenings--not for use on a July afternoon (to avoid the aforementioned "urine" quality).

Very good. I love this fragrance. A little bit old fashoned.

Very masculine, in a good way (not a gym locker way). This is definitely one of my favorites.

I am surprised to see so many negative comments. My own experience with this cologne has been far more akin to Konrad's. Admittedly, it is a very (perhaps overbearingly) masculine scent, but that is one of the things I like about it -- far too many fragrances seem like women's perfume packaged in men's cologne bottles. My current girlfriend can't get enough of this scent. She makes a point of burying her face into me and telling me how good I smell every single time I wear it.