Reviews of Drakkar Noir (1982)
by Guy Laroche

This scent is not bad, but something synthetic here, not mineral, not natural.
Is a fresh experience with some bad component inside. Reminds me a little bit of Kouros, I m not sure....
I will give it a neutral because I m with good humou today.....Oldfashioned and something fresh as well. I dont know what to say, but something sure: is not for me.

Strikes me as rather loud, harsh and synthetic. Nothing I would want to wear or smell.

Alright, just took my Noir and had some on my wrist since it was within reach, so im gonig to give as prompt and str8 off the senses take. Ok Starting , its sweet abit sour. but certainly more sweet, a little creamy after a while. The initial note is defnitely similar to the ranks of Sauvage, tho not as refined, but defnitely trying a go at the citrus, Alot of sharpness drys down quite fast but sweetness stay. Its been 15-20min and ive noticed its still sweet but almost more like incense or scented wood kind of sweet. It would pass as dry or crisp. I think it stops at sweet scented wood. Not sure about herbs but may the sweetness came from something i must have missed out on. but yep this was a real time, oh and now it actually feels powdery like the D&G light Blue, tho i prefer this one so much more. light blue tho not a lousy scent, doesnt apeal to me. Its a cheap version of Sauvage tho in my opnion. The Sauvage is just more lively and lasting thanks to the zesty natural citrus scent, very raw. At this price, one should be satisfied with it. Its the no lovers or haters type of classic

Definitely a classic and it still holds up among today's modern scents. This is the first fragrance I ever owned and I still love to wear it occasionally. It is immensely popular with women and my girlfriend still prefers it over my other scents. To hate this just because of its overuse is denying its quality as a fragrance. It smells great and can be worn for any occasion.

Definitely very noticeable and unique - you can always tell when someone is wearing Drakkar, which unfortunately means that someone is usually bathing in it. I was at a will call line to pick up my tickets to a concert when I got an overwhelming downdraft of Drakkar. Someone two lines over was radiating Drakkar and there wasn't anyone in a 20 foot radius who didn't know what it was. As my girlfriend says "It smells like the 80s".

Strong and masculine, pungent and unforgiving. You either like it or you don't. I got a good laugh when the Nordstroms SA put a sample in my bag... I can't believe they actually sell it.

Except for Polo I'm not a fan of any of the 80s macho scents (Kouros, Paco, Azzaro PH, etc.) and this is no exception.

So highschool! And it has a stinkiness to it, like b.o. or stale farts. It's just dirty smelling. It is powerful stuff, but it dries down to a stinky deathlike musk. Kind of earthy like. My husband got a free bottle from a friend and I sighed shaking my head thinking, "I hope he uses it for work and not around the house!" It just doesn't smell right! Cheap smelling.

Awsome smell, is really refreshing and best used when going out at night I think.

One of my favourites, thumbs up.

My old girlfriend bought this for me as my High School Graduation gift. She knew I was into colognes big time, and her choice was great--As long as I a careful applying this (a small amount goes a LONG way) it is fantastic. It was my favorite scent through college.

Very light opening but good drydown, fav of the ladies. Top notes are rosemary, artemisia, lavender, basil, lemon verbena, bergamot and lemon;
middle notes are coriander, carnation, cinnamon, juniper and jasmine;
base notes are leather, sandalwood, fir, amber, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver and cedar.

This review is under revision.

Revisiting Drakkar Noir after several years, I was surprised by its strong resemblance to one of my favourite scents - Geoffrey Beene's Bowling Green. For that reason alone I have to love it. Bowling Green (which stands comparison with Nicolai's much-praised New York) is perhaps more subtle and sophisticated, but the resemblance between them is striking.
Clean, green, sharp, and beautiful. Almost sumptuous at times. The trick with Drakkar Noir seems to be not to over-apply it. Let it whisper, not shout. It is certainly superior to supposed competitors/imitators like the aristocratic Duc de Vervins or the proletarian Caesar's Man. It is possibly the equal of Gucci Nobile.
Come to think of it, I suppose Bowling Green may have been partly influenced by Drakkar Noir. But perhaps that was a case of the pupil surpassing the teacher.

One can immediately tell that this is not a modern scent because the opening is rather uninspired. It is obviously intended for purchasers with a longer than nine second attention span. With many of the “classics” the opening is simply a holding pattern — sometimes attractive, sometimes not — while the newly liberated scent molecules marshal their forces to present their real job and purpose; and that purpose is the presentation of the middle and basenotes, which contain ninety-nine percent of the existence of the fragrance. Drakkar’s opening is a soapy and spongy aromatic / citrus. The citrus plays a very small role in the action, while the aromatics — albeit insecure, unorganized, and a bit unrefined — provide the main force of the initial volley. It’s a tolerable opening but it is far from stellar, and if it had to depend on the typical modern mass- market purchaser, it might be immediately eliminated from his list. The richer, fuller, refined heart is a balanced green / spice accord with emphasis on the coniferous notes of pine and juniper. This is a distinctly wearable accord. The heart notes are not really fresh as “fresh” is presented nowdays, but they are clean, full, and natural. With sensible application, they provide a restrained, dignified sillage that is legendarily attractive to the fairer gender. The base notes add leather, sandalwood, and oakmoss to the note lineup in a skillfully balanced and refined accord — I don’t get the patchouli that is supposed to be there because the leather overrides it to my nose. I often dislike leather in fragrances and the leather in Drakkar Noir is what has kept me from purchasing it in the past. I keep decant of Drakkar Noir and I sniff it once in a while in spite of my dislike of the leather note. I have found it an interesting fragrance in the past, but never intriguing. It is very strong and has to be applied with a good dose of restraint. Too strong and it is a complete turn-off. Excellent longevity.

Classic and timeless. Use sparingly because a little goes a long way. I believe the negative posts are because many people apply it very heavily. Women constantly compliment it and if the user likes it as well, that is all that matters.

This takes me back to junior high where the upcoming jocks would wear, nay, saturate themselves with this. Brings back memories of the high school prom, too close for comfort gym class changing rooms and the one time I went to a high school party.

Aside from the events from my youth, I find it particularly pleasing with its biting lemon and juniper, its mossy lavender and its longevity. You just need to wear it right. You don't need a lot for casual wear.

Rather loud. It does not blend well with skin. Better on clothes. But not my cup of tea.

I find Drakkar to be over-bearing and juvenile. It reminds me of the various axes that people think smell good for some strange reason.

Not a bad scent, per se, but I used to wear it in 6th grade and it reminds me of. . . well, 6th grade. I'd feel like I'm regressing if I wore it

Although its age, Drakkar Noir is still a great fragrance, what classifies it to the hall of Classics! Ok, It's mossy and a bit heavy, but It's nothing that could make you choke. Personally, I think it's Gucci Nobile's older broder, mainly because it shares that herbal greeness (refreshing, for sure). However, it adds an ambery drydown that isn't sweet and reminds me of Cartier Pasha (I don't see it in the olfactive pyramid though).
It's very masculine, long lasting and is the kind of fragrance a few will dislike.

A fragrance I like no closer to my nose than my feet. After showering, apply to well dried feet before putting on socks. Drakkar Noir is a footwear fragrance offering wonderful longevity that suits an active life style involving hiking, strenuous exercise or landscaping but I wouldn't use it otherwise because I find it prosaic.

it is an old juice ,used to be very famous..its a classic,long lasting and smooth but its too late to wear it now a days

Spicy and clean; one of the 'older' fragrances that i can actually stand and might even wearing one day. Thumbs up!

Some call Drakkar Noir "old-fashioned" but I think "timeless" is a better description. It starts out with a simultaneously forest-like and chemical smell, and slowly fades into an earthy and ambery drydown. Fresh and clean in an unexpected way.

My girl does not like this one as well. Good thing because it gives me a headache.

Too dark..to mossy...just as bad as Polo original.

hard to describe, but the smell makes me sick.

I could see it on some people who wear leather ect... but in the 80's..not today. smells kinda "salty" and stale. gross.

If Drakkar were a football player, it would be Payton Manning. Over-exposed, consistent, traditional, with nobody doubting its brilliance. But like Payton, in the end its just BORING.

Why would a person wear Drakkar, when there is so many fragrances out there, and one of which can be your special fragrance that defines you. Drakkar defines millions.

When I am with someone special (romance-wise, business-wise, family-wise), I want to leave a fragrance behind that is only me (a special fragrance that works with my chemistry to create a unique blend). Drakkar dominates any chemistry its mixed with.

1 star
out of 5

This was the first "real" cologne I got, about two months ago when I first started really becoming interested in cologne. My older brother recommended it, saying that it was his favorite, which fits, since that's when he grew up and was still cool. :P
On my skin, it doesn't seem to have much longevity. I have trouble smelling it unless I bring my wrist to my nose, which then tempts me to reapply, and that only brings out worries of overuse. Maybe that's how this scent got it's bad reputation as one that tends to be used to excess. Maybe my nose just becomes desensitized to the scent.
And what of the scent itself? Beautiful, deep, romantic, I love it. No compliments yet, but who cares? I can't be blamed if the world can't recognize how great I smell! The lavender and patchouli are what stand out the most too me, though to be fair, I'm new and have an untrained nose, I don't even really know what oakmoss would smell like!
All in all, I'd say ignore the detractors, this is a wonderful, not-too-expensive, great scent.... that might have longevity problems on some skin-types... a thumbs up despite the one point against it. Good stuff.

It is true that you will get many compliments from the ladies, but i'm a newcomer to basenotes, and I want to try other sexy smelling colognes that are not that well known.

Very hundsome & sexy scent which make someone who wore also hundsome & sexy.

Hand on heart over the years i have spent quite a lot of money trying to find a mens fragrance-that women generally like the smell of.I have bought allsorts from lacoste homme,to minotaure(loads really.Yesterday i took delivery of one bottle of drakkar noir(i had read up on this fragrance supposed effects to intice a woman to compliment the wearer)Well this morning i put some of this drakkar noir on and went around my local town to do the days shop-went into the supermarket(or mall)-and the woman behind the counter said to me"i dont want to be rude but you smelly really gorgeous what do you have on"? I then told her what the scent i had on,she then said to me that she will get her husband some of what i had.The point i am making is that i have been a customer of that supermarket for years and in all the time i have worn my other more expensive fragrances never once has that girl complimented me on how great i smell..it just goes to show that drakkar noir works,women love the smell of it!!

So many make fun of it because it's an easy target -- mass marketed, popular with many across the spectrum, often abused/over-applied, etc.

But really, this fragrance is pretty darn good if applied in moderation. On me, it starts out soapy and almost medicinal, but it soons dries out to a warm and citrus-y scent that stays with me long throughout the day.

Kai hit the nail on the head in his review when he called this one "deservedly popular."

If some two-bit lounge lizard in Atlantic City washes his face with this stuff, or some used car salesman in Tupelo, well, that's his problem. Doesn't change the fact that -- truth be told -- this is a Laroche classic.

this truly is a "classic" i received a sample in the mail with a cologne purchase. i sprayed a bit in the air and i could have sworn my good friend from high school was standing right behind me.

it is a very common cologne, but for good reason, and should not be overlooked. i wouldn't say it is a cologne you would want to wear frequently. the spices make it a good cool autum, early winter fragrance. it does linger into a spicey-clean smell.

Ken Russell has said below “When I first got a bottle of it was so enthusiastic about it and almost instantly I felt much more sensual and attractive than ever before. But I also discovered another quality of Drakkar- for me it worked extremely well as an aid for concentration and intellectual work. Its heavy, smoky tones must have an almost spiritual, mystical aura.”

This immediately struck a chord in me because it expresses my feeling about another Pierre Wargnye creation, Baldarassini by Hugo Boss. I also get it from Contradiction (also by Wargnye). I wonder if this might not be a secret thread running through the perfumer’s work? He manages to create something quite spiritual in his work, something I get from no other cologne.

This might seem a bit of a stretch but the image that Wargnye’s work reminds me most of (and I’m thinking principally of Baldarassini here) is the art of 15th century painters like Fra Angelico. I’d be very interested to see Wargnye interviewed—I’m curious to know his own views on his work.

Aaah! Also, Mmmmmm!

Female feedback rating on this, %100.

I absolutely love this cologne. I used to buy it to my ex-boyfriend all the time because I used to love it on him. Very manly.

I must be the only one who does not like this fragrance at all... It reminds me the scent of old barber shops. An outdated fragrance I would be embarrased to wear or recommend. Too strong for me and sticks to the skin like a sealant.

This is good a fragrance but it is a product of it's time. Can soften down a bit on my skin over time. Could consider using it instead of nicotine patches.............

This is the only frag that has actually given me a stomach ache. I really wish they would discontinue it...

I award a neutral thumb because I used to love and wear this back in the late 80s in junior high and it worked for me then. Now days, I find it ok as it brings fond memories but there are far better choices available on the market. Also, I cannot stand that cheap, plastic cap. I think they need to redesign the bottle at least.

I rewally like this one seems to have an ability to be casual or formal its good for almost any occasion ..... from just relaxing around the house to being at the most formal Shirt and Tie affair. I will say this don't overdo er shes strong and long lasting!!!!

This scent is sooooo dry, whenever I smell it, I need a big glass of water!

Someone gave me a bottle of this stuff for Christmas and I wore it to be polite. There is nothing particularly good or memorable about it, but it's not terrible either. Strikingly so-so.

I wore this back in high school. I'd be embarrased to wear it now, but it does smell good. It's just embarrasing to wear a scent that was popular when you were in high school. Does anyone else feel this way? Sort of smells like 80's gigalo cologne. -- It does smell good, just embarrasing to wear! Needs to be stronger too. I like strong colognes!

Dark and lush like an unexplored exotic territory. I don't know why so many people don't like it, i suppose it's the too heavy tobacco note. Actually it's a quite good scent, it's ingredients being high quality and well combined.
When i first got a bottle of it was so enthusiastic about it and almost instantly i felt much more sensual and attractive than ever before. But i also discovered another quality of Drakkar- for me it worked extremely well as an aid for oncentration and intellectual work. Its heavy, smoky tones must have an almost spiritual, mystical aura. Besides it's not only dark notes- as i smelled more carefully, i discovered a very
subtle, cool and soothing touch of the finest lavender.
Today i'm
still aware of its true value, even if my tastes evolved significantly.

From what I remember, this was a nice scent as long as it was used sparingly. Got good compliments from women. I wore it for years, but changed to Curve since it is milder.

I like it, no complaints from women either. Not a fragrance I would base my collection on, but a nice inexpensive one that gets compliments (use it sparingly) Its shortcoming would probably be that its somewhat generic.

Love this stuff! If you dont want to smell fruity or like a female, then this is the way to go! Only problem is it tends to have a hit of soap after a few hours

Ah drakkar...nothing like capturing the essence of mullets, nascar, corndogs, and wal-mart in one ::ahem:: stylish bottle. Just discontinue it already

This is a great fragrance. I love it for formal and office situations. One of the best aromatic/spicy colognes out there.

A bit dated, like Azzaro or Quorum, but still a classic. Suitable for office use, but better for romantic moments.

*Update* I ws too quick the judge with my first post about Drakkar Noir, visited it again and I have to say I love it now, its soapy and spicy and it never fails to get compliments! specialy from the ladys:)

Today, it may seem simplistic and those who don't like 80s would not like Drakkar Noir either, but no-one should underestimate its influence in the structure of modern men's fragrance of late 20th century. And if imitation is the surest form of flattery, oh boy has THIS been flattered!

Ah Drakkar. makes me remember my prom... but nostalgia only goes so far. it got plenty of compliments at the time, but it is very one dimensional. "sex-in-a-bottle" yes, "babe-magnet" fine, "classic" ok... but it doesnt go anywhere. recommended if you are 16 and seeking to loose your virginity.

Again, this was the staple of an era. It’s a tacky and sleazy fragrance. Even the original Polo is a couple tiers above Drakkar. This should have stayed in the 80’s.

Oakmoss has always been one of my least favoured notes along with vetiver, and Drakkar Noir truly reeks of spices and dry oakmoss. I find it bland, one-dimensional and overtly macho in a very negative way. This is outdated stuff that shouldn't be worn by anyone except maybe bearded bikers (and they probably aren't too keen on fragrance anyway...). Stuffy, inasanely strong and often ridiculously over -applied. YUCK!

Drakkar is, of course, a classic. This scent has been popular for years. And, unlike a lot of its contemporaries, Drakkar has aged well. This fragrance can still compete with a lot of the newer scents and can surpass a lot of them. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is the best out there now, as I feel that there are certainly better ones, but this one won't leave you feeling like an old man or a "has been" (Polo) like some of the scents its age.

I received many mixed reviews when i wear this...but quite honestly i didnt care about the negative ones...that because I LOVE THIS!!! Its the definition of a very masculine and sexy scent...Iss fresh at first and then the warm leathery/juniper drydown comes into play...EXCELLENT STUFF....My Girfriend's favorite amongst the many in my collection.

I tried this at a JCPenny recently and I don't know how this stuff is still selling. Granted it is different from all the light airy mens colognes being release by designers today so for that I give this fragrance a plus but that still isnt enough to save it from a thumbs down. I sprayed one spray on my wrist to try it out and that was too much the cologne quickly became cloying and i had trouble washing it off. Very heavy cologne that desperately tries to suffocate the one wearing it.

This is the ORIGINAL "black"....'nuff said!!

Sorry to be one of the few naysayers; but I had a boyfriend that used to just bathe in this stuff, and I absolutely detest it! Just the thought of it gives me sinuitis.

Straightforward and very effective! An old and reliable friend.

i have seen a lot of imitation colognes on this brand and i can't believe how badly i smelt. So whem i tried to original, it was completely different from what i expected. I can see why there are so many imitations, the smell is hard to describe but i liked it

It rocks, and it smells great on young and old. "Nuff said.

I do not like Drakkar Noir nor have I liked it since it came out in the early eighties. I thought it was crude and the juniper-pine elements loud and obnoxious. I much prefered the original Drakkar which was a very green and classy fragrance. However, since Drakkar Noir has been around for over twenty years and is still popular, I am definitely in the minority.