Red for Men (1991)
by Giorgio Beverly Hills

Retro and glamorous. I find it odd that it was released in 1991, as it’s strikes me as a power fragrance from the previous decade. But more than that, it has the ambience of what I imagine the late 50s were like… white dinner jackets in a paneled country club bar, Sinatra, scotch and soda, babes in fur wraps. It’s mélange of notes is rather dense; I’d call it a chypre… Hollywood style.

I can't comment on the alleged reformulation of Red for men but like Foetidus below I don't understand the sky high prices this juice used to command when it was discontinued (I assume its back in stock for a more reasonable $30). It certainly doesn't deserve the Beverly Hills level price tag of $300, but it is a solid working class fragrance.

Red is a woody-chypre which opens with juicy bergamot conjoined with a green floral-spicy basil note and a host of other notes resulting in a perfumey aftershave-like opening burst reminiscent of Old Spice. The dry and herbal heart evaporate any semblance of citrus softness from the top notes with the (red) thyme and juniper lending a dry, aromatic aroma to the accord. The wormwood note in Red is very anaemic - its certainly doesn't exhibit any of the rich dry and boozy aroma as in Ungaro I. The base adds more character - dry (that word again!) bitter leather with a woody slightly animalic cedar (of the atlas variety) and hints of moss.

So there it is ... Red for mens' essential characteristics are: aftershave-y, dry-herbal, with bitter woody leather. Make of that what you will. Is it worth $300? Your money might be better spent on simmering a bottle of Old Spice, some chinese herbs, and your dads old leather belt in a pot at 300F ... nah thats too much work, I though will take a bottle at $30 please.

Rating: 7.25/10.0

I had a travel bottle of this stuff. I loved it. Anything Giorgio touches turns to magic. If you like this stuff buy it should you find a bottle. Reminds me a bit of joop but not as sweet.

Manly, in a man's man kind of way. I like to think this is what Robert Redford and Tom Selek wear. Exelent longevity if worn with after shave balm. Best in cool weather, I find the animalic notes overpowering in the heat.

One touch of RED and you have it all -
the spirited elegance of Beverly Hills. Rich. Refined. A bit unpredictable and completely irresistible.

RED. Nothing so invisible was ever so exciting. Only Giorigio Beverly Hills could have created it.

Red is Back!! I bought 6 bottles, new, sealed, with Elizabeth Arden Dist. Inc. labled under the bottle. This well kept secret re-launch had everyone guessing...is it old stock resurrected? I say No! Some friends I have who are in the "know: and "nose", say the demand over the years has lead to the redefined, relaunch. You won't find it in any major department store..especially since EA is slowly releasing the "new stuff" throughout the internet fragrance stores. It has always been a "hot-seductive" scent, and the formula has not changed. I'm glad I have some stock in it, and I will contnue to buy a few bottles every now and then...just in case they "kill it off". Those in the know pay homage to such a fine and distinguished fragrance.
I love Red..and always will!
~vialman~