Fahrenheit (1988)
by Christian Dior

The petroleum oil note in Fahrenheit makes it intolerable for me to wear. It’s a shame because it's, apparently, a compliment getter.

[Original submission date: 30 October 2006]

Is it honeysuckle or did the " Check Engine " warning light just lit up on the dashboard of my car?
Well, it was innovative for its time I guess.

I've received the most scathing of remarks wearing this, one of which was that it smelled of "Industrial tyre". This however still remains one of my favorites from Christian Dior. A very full-bodied herbal scent that has great longevity and projection. A classic in my standards.

Ahhh, Fahrenheit! Famous and infamous. That strange motor oil overlay to the topnotes? Intriguing! Citrus and motor oil: who would have thought that citrus and motor oil would work? The top notes are almost surreal. In fact, the first time I smelled it, years ago, I though it was completely synthetic. Little did I know then that the next decade would bring scores and scores of REAL synthetic fragrances. Comparatively, smelling Fahrenheit now, I find it so natural—so real, motor oil and all. I think the violet leaves are the key to this fragrance—they form that potent note that is carried all the way through to the end. They unify and center the fragrance—pull all the edgy notes together into a coherent whole. (The violet leaf, unfortunately, is what keeps me from buying and wearing the fragrance anymore – just don’t like violet leaf.) The base is excellent: It is subtle and sensual with musk, leather and a minimum of sweetness from amber and tonka. Fahrenheit is a excellent fragrance. Its unusual motor oil accords project beautifully and have incredible staying power. Like Kouros and Polo and Azzaro, Fahrenheit has managed to stay on the best selling lists for two decades. I can understand why. (Edit of 08 April 2006 review.)

A burned tire on me. Or a warm asphalt. I can understand that some people love this. But I just can't stand it!

No matter what we think of it today, this was a major hit in the 80s and early 90s and remains one of the best selling male fragrances of all time. Don't get me wrong - I would never wear it these days unless I only spray a tiny whiff because it is considered a bit overbearing in today's world, but I sure do remember how much I loved this cologne growing up. It is quite rough and somber, lacking almost completely in softness and smoothness - no vanilla here, no tobacco, no fresia.. nothing cozy. Nevertheless, there has been nothing like it. It truly stands alone as a classic.