Habit Rouge (1965)
by Guerlain

There are several fragrance masterpieces which I can appreciate, but don't enjoy wearing (Kouros being one of them). Yet Habit Rouge is masterpiece which is highly wearable in all it's phases of development. This is one of my all-time favorite scents. I'd want it packed in my bags if I were on the proverbial desert island. This should be required sniffing for every young man to teach him what a balanced fragrance smells like. From its citrus blast opening through its floral woody heart all the way down to the sensual vanilla, resinous and slightly animalic base, Habit Rouge is seamless. It is a testament to divine artistry in perfume, and best of all, it smells divine! And yes, I do smell lavender in the opening and heart notes of this composition. It's very discrete, but definitely in there, I don't care what any of the pyramids say.

Vintage EDC: Wow. Believe the hype that this is the version to be reckoned with. Powerful, era-defining and most of all, simply pleasurable. Extremely citrus-y opening, with a succulent tank full of florals, herbs and spices. This esteemed creation then settles into a lush and generous ambery, powdery base. This is everything I want and expect of an Eau De Cologne. They definitely didn't scrimp on anything creating this one.

A sweet (not cloying), semi-spicy, sexy scent. I love it. First out it's spicy with a hint of vanilla. After it starts to settle down the vanilla and the earthiness start to mingle and it's great. One of the few vanilla scents I don't think is too sweet. Great longevity and sillage. Go easy on the sprayer lest you announce your presence to everybody within a 50 ft radius.

*******************************************************

The combination of resinous and citrus top notes that introduces Habit Rouge always strikes me as “boozy,” like some kind of sweet, old-fashioned cocktail. A touch of smoke that follows resolves the liquor into whiskey, which floats over a base of sweet vanillic powder. There really is something laid back and sleepy about Habit Rouge: its overall effect is plush and comfortably reassuring, much like a pair of fuzzy slippers or a favorite upholstered chair. It’s on a par in quality with Derby and Héritage, and of the three it is the sweetest, softest, and the most easily approachable. Like Héritage, Habit Rouge projects well from the skin and leaves a conspicuous trail of sillage, so while it’s gentle in manner, it is not a weak or shy scent. Enjoy it with a good book, a glass of scotch, and a cozy fire. And if none of these are handy, you can rest easy - Habit Rouge will conjure them up for you anyway.

Being a fan of the much esteemed Housed of Guerlain I thought I would like Habit Rouge; however, I found it far too heavy, cloying, sweet, and powdery to be wearable. Rouge opens with a blast of orange and bergamot with the dirty leather, musk, and musty flowers already beginning to become evident. It progresses to rose and geranium balanced with a sickly sweet vanilla with patchouli and possibly a touch of the classic Guerlain civet...