Reviews of Dunhill for Men (1934)
by Alfred Dunhill

I won't describe the notes and transitions here, because other reviewers have already done that. I just want to add that the perfume is very sharp and strong in the beginning. I did not like these initial moments...I think the trouble was the mixture of citrus and florals. After 20 minutes, the perfume becomes softer, more tamed.

I do like this soapy cologne. I just didn't like the harsh top.

Simply the best of all, most complex, unique and beautiful.

A classic floral fougere from the mid thirties.

Top notes: begamot wih lemon, petitgrain, lavender and clary sage
Mid notes: Rose, Jasmin, Carnation, Orris and Sadalwood
Base Notes: Musk, Tonka, cedar, moss, amber and leather

Too bad there aren't more men who love good classic fragrances; then there would be more buyers of them and they would be discontinued at a much smaller and slower rate.

great scent, fitting to a english bespoke suit and expensive leather shoes. Medium sillage an longetivity on me.

A brilliant subtle leather which remains fresh too. It has the most persistent light presence that I know, this has cologne strength with EDP longevity.

There is a slight metalic note which sits with the leather, like the buckles on the belt a jacket.

Classic.

Now that this is discontinued, I wonder what it was that I was actually smelling at the discount fragrance purveryors over the last few weeks? The bottle is not the attractive clear crystal glass that appears at the head of this review, it was swirled frosted glass, not unlike the one for Edition. It smelled all right, interesting, but not the compelling, ultra-great scent that is the subject of encomia here. And I am a total sap for great traditional fragrances, and would have snapped it up in a second if it had been anywhere near great. I am suspicious and therefore, neutral as to what is now being sold as Dunhill Men.....

Update: April 2008: I found the real Dunhill for Men at the Dunhill in NYC, and have to report it is one of the finest classic mens' fragrances I have ever tried and owned. These are the last bottles (1,000 shipped to the NY Flagship store) that will ever be made, and I bought two. May go back for more. This is a warm, sophisticated, fresh, modern timeless fragrance that is without peer.

Some discount stores sell this, but it is not fresh, and it is IMHO suspect. The real Dunhill for Men is one of the all time greats.

The topnotes are citrus, lavender, warm leather, and a shot of green floral notes that are quite daringly conspicuous in a scent for men. Dunhill's lavender is very soapy at first, so that the initial impression is of a sophisticated barbershop. This is the perfect scent fo Alfred Dunhill: it's solid, impeccably crafted, and (after that initial floral burst,) conservative to the core.

As the citrus and lavender calm down the floral notes meld into a tightly blended accord of vetiver and dry woods. Dunhill's leather is neither the sweet, fruity leather of Royal English Leather, nor the birch tar soaked leather of Creed's Cuir de Russie. Instead it is a very dry, brisk, "sanitized" leather. It's only well into Dunhill's development that it reveals a sweeter, softer aspect. The composition slowly takes on a warmer, almost nutty, character, though plenty of the soapy notes remain in play. Traces of tonka bean and a very gentle almond (heliotrope?) note soften the scent further as it dries down.

Dunhill for Men shares with Blenheim Bouquet and Vintage Tabarome a remarkable ability to project arrogance. There is something in its detached, dry accords that says "You are of no consequence to me." Dunhill for Men is not all that potent, nor does it display any of the brashness common to the 1980s "power scents," but it nonetheless embodies power. Dunhill's power is the power of understatement, the power of the perfectly folded hankerchief, and teh power of aristocratic disdain. It's masculine in that peculiarly sexless manner that's so perfectly depicted in the drawing rooms of 19th century English novels. And why not? It is Dunhill, after all!

I'm a huge fan of Dunhill Edition and got hold of this while I could. I was still surprised, though. Edition is not in the same league as this. Subtle and striking. Simply the best EDC I've ever owned. Highly recommended.

Wow. What else can be said about this fragrance that has not already been said- especially so wonderfully by foetidus and others. Just to add my two cents worth I guess is all I can do. To reiterate- a classic gentlemen's scent if there ever was one. One to wear to the bank. For Dunhill to discontinue this is a travesty. Enjoy while you can.

The best release of 1934 – yes, it outshines the classic Caron pour un homme – and a monument of modern perfumery. Foetidus has said it all – nothing about this fragrance could be improved, not by the million new scent molecules developed in the last decades. And for all the progress in perfume technology, that Dunhill for men has been discontinued speaks volumes about how little such progress means in terms of the aesthetics of scent. Yes, tastes change, of course, but: would anybody consider taking Benny Goodman off the airwaves, just because Amy Winehouse is more popular these days? Yes, it’s about profits, of course, but we are talking here about a cultural treasure, a fascinating conception of masculinity that intelligently challenges its contemporary incarnations (FDR vs. W, Duke Ellington vs. 50 Cent), and an aesthetic triumph. The persistence of subtlety, the refinement of true luxury, which is never ostentatious, the harmony of perfect chords rather than the deafening blare of tin fanfares. Nostalgia for the 1930s is certainly inapposite, but those things that were indeed good about them are captured in this fragrance. It still satisfies today - immensely.

The Baron de Charlus once told me: "It was in a Hampshire churchyard that I first encountered the original Dunhill for Men (1934). It emanated from an elderly and aristocratic-looking clergyman, complete with tweeds and pipe, who was busy poking his walking stick at dandelions among the tombstones.
Drawing rather too close for his comfort, I proceeded to sniff at him prodigiously. 'A somewhat timid tincture,' I pronounced, 'but nonetheless perfectly balanced in its reticence: a conservative combination that manages to be quietly ecstatic in its progressive fusions of citrus, florals and restrained leather. As the admirable Foetidus has remarked, it demands superlatives, although personally I would prefer just a touch more strength and duration.'
'Excellent, my dear fellow,' replied the reverend gentleman rather nervously, somewhat disconcerted by my close proximity, 'jolly good show and all that. But perhaps you and the admirable Foetidus should go back to from where you came, lest, God forbid, something unseemly should chance to happen.'"

This is a scent that demands superlatives. It is the epitome of refinement; the paragon of masterly blending of quality ingredients; it is masculine elegance personified. It captivates from its polished citrus / herbal / lavender opening through its rich and masculine floral heart to its unforgettable leather and cedar drydown. Great longevity even though it is an EDC. It’s as smooth and rich as a fragrance can be imagined to be. It is the perfect example of “classic” and has been since its 1934 creation. It’s impossible to praise this one too much: Distinguished, sophisticated, manly, compelling, discontinued. Get it while it is still available.

This is still available in limited quantities on Amazon.com and sometimes on ebay.com

This fragance is amazing...very manly..smells clean. You have to be driving a Mercedes Sports Car then spray this!!!

I'll recommend that to anyone who wears this.. This is not recommended to anybody.. but to a Wealthy Man

Masculine as hell and not ashamed of it. Still, this is no growling beast on the prowl. This is English gentleman personified -- class all the way.

What amazes me about this frag is its versatility, in that I feel just as comfortable wearing it with khakis and a sweater as I do wearing it with black tie.

Easily one of the best uses of a carnation heart note in any frag out there.

One of the finest fragrances I have ever worn, the true embodiement of the word timeless...and I can't get my hands on it anymore for love or money! Anyone know of anywhere it still retails from?

My wedding fragrance, and a perennial in my top 5.
I find the lemon, carnation and leather to be the dominant notes, integrated so well to give a very smooth effect from start to finish. In the age of oceanics and gourmands, it could be accused of being a little "simple", but often the simple things in life are the best. Unique, hard to find, classy, its longevity belies its EDC label, and often will last 12 hours on me with generous (6 spray) application.

The EDC lasts all day and still available from UK. My daughter says it smells like clean man. I can't better that description!

A friend of mine wore this and he smelled terrific. It is classy and understated yet warm - a lovely scent, and one I love to smell on a man.

excellent scent. flowery yet very manly, and very, very subtle.

Ian Fleming, they say, chose this as James Bond's signature; I must disagree: This isn't a scent for rakes, whatever their talents be.
Who is it for then?
Are you a man whose taste and opinions are informed by history, classicism and mature reflection, rather than by passing trends?
Do you project class by conduct, detesting pretension?
Would you rather prove a point by example rather than by loud, fractious debate?
The original Dunhill was made for you.
A scent for the true Sophisticate.
Before we move on, let's not forget to leave poor Bond with a scent; something that, though just a little less sober and smooth, is irredeemably less classy: Dunhill Edition perhaps?

A classic case of many apparent contradictions that actually balance each other out perfectly.

Bright yet warm, flowery yet masculine, leathery yet subtle - take your pick as to which one is the most intriguing. Or better yet, buy a bottle and come up with your own.

History and attention to detail have served the original Dunhill very well. I'm crossing my fingers that they don't scrap this one.

Very distinguished leather with subtle floral (rose and carnation) notes. This is an EDC but lasts with the best of them, though it is subtle and doesn't scream for attention. Nothing like what Dunhill, now owned by P&G, is producing these days. If you are looking for a sophisticated scent not likely to be worn by anyone else, seek this one out.

Quite simply, Dunhill's best. Masculine and distinct. It has the power of the great fragrances of the 30's without the musty or oily overtones. Hard to name a warmer, more refined scent.

This may be a very old fragrance...but the fact that it's still around, made me curious. It's a wonderful, original scent. It's not an oceanic type non scent cologne. This is a very warm, masculine, and classy fragrance. And you'll be the only one wearing it. The After Shave is also very, very good. Try this one...you just may like it.
6-20-04