Reviews of Eau du Coq (1894)
by Guerlain

I don’t always agree with perfume critic Luca Turin’s assessment of a scent, or even his account of what a given fragrance smells like, but for accuracy and concision it’s hard to improve on his description of Eau de Cologne du Coq as “A good cologne with a drop of Jicky in it.” I’m inclined to go one step further and call it a great eau de Cologne with a drop of Jicky in it. It’s not only my favorite of the Guerlain citruses I’ve tried to date, but by dint of composition the most characteristic of the house as well.

Eau de Cologne du Coq opens on a flourish of brilliantly realistic citrus seasoned with a bouquet of savory herbs that seems to include basil or tarragon, along with lemon thyme. A bit of indolic orange blossom rounds out the eau de Cologne formula, while a gentle, sweet lavender, a dab of vanilla, and just the barest hint of civet apply the Guerlain stamp – and incidentally conjure Jicky in the process. There’s even something resembling a drydown, with vanilla and that bit of civet hanging on after the rest is gone. It’s all over in an hour or so, but it does say “Eau de Cologne” right on the label, and I’d be churlish to expect more. With its aromatic flavor and animalic warmth, Eau de Cologne du Coq is less of a traditional cologne formula than Imperial or Eau de Guerlain. It’s also far less floral in content than the beautiful Eau de Fleurs de Cédrat. I recommend it with enthusiasm to anyone who seeks a citrus with distinct personality, provided the limited longevity is not a problem.

Eau de Coq opens with a blast of rosemary, debonair citrus, and bitterness. The bitterness gives way to an herbal heart that is fresh and refreshing. Like an Italian herb garden with the brightness of wonderfully tended citrus fruits as well as their blossoms. Compared to the other traditional Guerlain eaus, this has the most lasting power (except for Eau de Guerlain, but that has musk, moss, and amber though). Very dry and similar to Roger & Gallet Extra Vieille. This is a scent with which Victorian gentlemen may have doused themselves with reckless abandonment. Guerlain eaus are always a good value as well. I'm not wowed, but that's not what Coq was designed to do.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this Guerlain offering! Tart citrus in the opening, followed by herbs dominate this exhilarating, upbeat classic. An ideal scent for summer for those that prefer lighter fragrances. I prefer it to Guerlain’s earlier classic Eau de Cologne Imperiale, because it lasts longer and has greater complexity. I will definitely consider getting a bottle for myself.

Quality all the way in this EDC. This cologne is different from the more traditional colognes I’ve used. – I own a couple of the classic ones and I appreciate that Eau de Cologne Du Coq’s combination of notes and accords reflect its age and character without being the same as the others. This one seems to have more substance going on… more breadth and variety, and yet it is undoubtedly of its age. The citrus opening is bright, clean, and refreshing, and it lasts quite well into the middle level. I love the middle because it the jasmine is warm, light and simply direct. The patchouli is beautifully proportioned to the jasmine, and the lavender stays in the background, which is usually where I like lavender. Don’t blink or you’ll miss the drydown of discreet moss and sandalwood. Du Coq has the typical limited longevity of colognes, but longevity is not the reason to own and wear a fragrance like this and its lasting ability isn’t an issue for me. Eau de Cologne Du Coq is an unique variation on the traditional cologne and is a worthy example of the fact that quality and refinement always have their place in the scheme of things.

True to its name and one of the best genuine colognes that money can but. Orange blossom, bergamot and petitgrain. Elegant and uncomplicated, simplicity at its best.

Crisp and dry citrus fragrance that reminds us all of an era in which the bourgeoisie would douse or spritz themselves liberally with concoctions such as this throughout the day.

It's charming stuff, but the quintessence of eau de cologne if ever I encountered it. (Put another way, expect a refreshing splash or spray, but nothing much more than that, as Eau du Coq's about as ephemeral a frag as you'll encounter.)

Dry and elegant? Yes. Charmingly bottled? You bet. A safe bet for anyone expecting longevity and/or sillage? Uh, no. No. And by the way -- no.

Thumbs up? Yes, but only with the comments above to serve as a proviso.

Eau du Coq is a true cologne : it's not long lasting. It's just a fresh citrus water for a summer morning, a perfect perfume for a very hot day in Italy or in Provence. The opening is already different from the classical Eau de Cologne (the best and true original is from Farina Genenüber), with lavender and rosemary notes which quite immediately balence the citrus and bergamote top notes to an aromatic citrus blend, lighly enhanced by a neroli note, then enriched by the light woody and tonka bean base (guerlain signature). It's much more suitable for men than 'Eau Impériale', which is also very good and refresching, but without these woody aromatic notes. Eau du Coq is ever smart in its freshness, never common.

Eau du Coq is a light refreshing cologne. The bergamot and citrus notes are fairly dominant – my boyfriend very accurately says it smells like Earl Grey tea! Comparing it with Eau Imperiale, its much "rounder" thanks to the tonka (which I prefer). I especially like it layered with Guerlain florals from the Aqua Allegoria series.

Another beautiful and superb Eau from guerlain. It has survived over a hundred years because of its simple, elegant excellent quality. It has the classic combination of bright, light, dry, crisp top/middle notes of lemon, bergamot, a little lavender and rosemary over a gentle and very subtle tonka.

Uplifting, airy and always appropriate.

A very nice, comfortable smell that I feel really takes you back in time. Longevity is poor, but it is an Eau de Cologne so you have been warned.

I really like this! Its top notes are very citrus and fresh. As it settles the rosemary and bergamot come to the fore. A light subtle easy to wear fragrance that's not over-powering. Has that clean "freshly showered" scent that's suitable for everyone.