JHL (1982)
by Aramis

JHL!

My mother's Cinnabar of years gone by, but with a macho twist. This scent has gravitas. Certainly not for boys, but for the confident gentleman.

It starts off very strong (i like that) and would definitely overwhelm if not applied prudently. Like the ratings here indicate, this is a scent that will polarize opinions, depending on the demographic band the reviewer belongs to.

From my wearings to date, JHL is about cinammon and not too much else. The florals, patchouli and vanilla come to play later on when my nose has recovered from the cinnamon punch it most happily received on application. Fortunately, i have plenty of time to enjoy the latter phases of JHL because its longevity is pretty impressive. Living in the tropics i notice that slight perspiration (more like increased ambient temperature) turns up the aroma volume noticeably.

JHL is a sophisticated powerhouse which needs to be used with some respect. It is not for everyone, but i feel privileged to fall into the group who love it. Those who prefer scents that remain olfactorily invisible or silent need not apply.

Thumbs UP!

Understandably considered a classic. Opens strong, with a peppery lavender/bergamot accord that quickly settles down to reveal a mélange of carnation and spices, all so well-blended that it's difficult to distinguish the individual notes. I pick up some conifer resin (spruce? fir?) and a very smooth rose in the mix as well.

JHL dries down very slowly to reveal a leathery base of labdanum and patchouli, with a hint of sweet tonka or vanilla peeking out here and there.

JHL is dignified, but not at all pompous, distinguished, but never stilted. In fact, it has the kind of assertive and sophisticated presence I'd hoped for from Creed's Bois du Portugal. But where Bois du Portugal's drydown is very stuffy on me, JHL retains a faint animal undercurrent that keeps me from feeling overly "mature." Definitely not for little boys, but great for the man who wants to project confidence without appearing brash. JHL is very potent, with lots of sillage and great lasting power, so it should be applied with a light hand.

Thank God they're bringing this one back. BTW, wasn't it studied that cinnamon is THE most sexy scent (not musk...not juniper berries)? The fact that it smells similar to a woman's formulation...Old Spice...Aramis...and all you out there who love Oriental fragrances most of all? A good time to also do some teaching: no need to overapply, a light application. This isn't an Axe spray or an aquatic.

This stuff is brilliant not simply in design but in execution and quality...thank you Estee Lauder!

Amazingly rich warm scent.I agree not for hot weather but I have just picked up a half bottle off e bay for a song.
Remember this over 20yrs ago when I couldnt afford a bottle and I used to go in the department stores and have a test.
Lasts an incredibly long time without being sickly like Bijan or Jacomo de Jacomo.
I get the cinnamon but there is a gingerish vanilla like drydown on my skin.
Cant wait to wear this in publc to see what the reaction is...

JHL: JHL lives in my FRAGRANCES I'VE WORN AND LIVED TO REGRET file. When JHL was introduced in 1982, my mother and I were in Sak's—and she bought it for me. As a gesture, it was lovely—as a scent, it was horrendous, though I persisted in wearing it, primarily because my mother chose it for me. I kept trying to tell myself that I enjoyed its heavy, cloying, clingy qualities—until one morning a student of mine where I was teaching prep school came into my classroom, sniffed the air with a sneer and queried, "Is that you?" Not after that, it wasn't.

JHL to me has always smelled like Estee Lauder Youth Dew for women. This stuff is very, very strong but not completely "manly". Yes, it is spicy but in a very feminine way. If a guy had this on he would smell very "obtrusive". It reminds me of YSL's Opium and Estee Lauder's Cinnibar. If a guy would have this on, he is struggling to be noticed and to get ATTENTION. Too, too "womanly".