Raw Vanilla (1996)
by Coty

The "raw" in this one is pretty much its status as an ingredient, not in terms of strength or character. Sure, there's "something going on here" but the cast of characters that make this one slightly different seem fewer than those listed in the credits. Still, smooth enough to blend in whether solo or layering.

Raw Vanilla is just that, vanilla (amongst other things). This is more of a musky vanilla. I find this to be a nice "bosster" for other fragrances that need something extra added or just fun to experiment with layering. For instance, toning down the powderiness of Armand Basi Homme or making a hip sweet drydown for Cool Water or make it tangy with a shot of ck One. Otherwise, Raw Vanilla by itself is very linear, plain, boring, yawn-inducing, you name it.

A lovely, inexpensive vanilla scent. Proof that you can find some worthwhile scents at the drug store. It's marketed as a men's scent but would also be lovely on women. Woodsy, balsamic, not-too-sweet vanilla that most people will find pleasant. I like the simple packaging, too, as it conjures some old classics like Caswell-Massey and Crabtree and Evelyn.

I really wanted to like this is as I purchased it without smelling it first. I had been on a quest for a cologne that my girlfriend likes and she loves Vanilla so...
I will not and can not wear this cologne ever again. It gives me a horendous headache.

The Biagiotti Roma reference is spot on. I´d also add Paloma Picasso´s Minotaur as it shares the sweet, sticky vanilla base. Of the 3 Raw Vanilla is unfortunately the worst. Too linear and boring and ultimately cloying as well with it´s thick, sugary take on vanilla. Might attract the Pi-crowd though.

Someone once described this as essence of 50 year old male barfly.
Snobbish and untrue! It's essence of 50 year old country and western male barfly.

(Teenage boys whose mothers force them to buy flannel shirts at discount stores must also be taken into account)

I find the comment about it being hard to find rather odd: Go to your local Sears, and chances are it'll be on a shelf next to Stetson and other Coty masterpieces.

Linear and ultimately boring.

However, If you are a vanillaholic but can't stomach PI, or any of the more popular offerings, may I humbly suggest you move up a notch: Search the net and get the el puro premium drug bold vanilla with whipped cream:
Lomani's Ignition.