Sagamore (1985)
by Lancôme

There are two movements going on concurrently in the opening that make the opening quite an elegant and complex presentation: first the lavender / citrus combination which has been fairly typical of many fragrances; second, the nutmeg / sage combination whose juxtaposition with the lavender / citrus accord deeply enriches the total impact of the opening – it’s remarkably rich… and long lasting. The flow to the middle accord is so smooth that it’s hard pinpointing the transition. I know that I reach the middle accord when I realize I’m smelling florals – soft florals where the usual flowery emanations have been refined to a masculine floral texture. It’s sensual and elegant at the same time, and it, too, lasts. The base is a multi-noted accord typical of the times, but done even better than most. It is a well-refined amber, wood, musk and styrax accord… balanced, masculine, and as rich as the accords in the previous levels of the fragrance.

Sagamore is beautiful. It is one of the most tasteful and elegant of the deep, rich, woody masculine amber Orientals of its time. It is soft enough for it to be easily be worn today if applied lightly: A great one from the past that works in the present.

1985 Amber Oriental that's downright righteous. "Classy" in the sense that others consider Tiffany for Men to be a classy scent. I believe this is better than Tiffany in every way.

I immediately sensed LOTV spiced up by clary sage and ginger. There is a phantom lime that may be caused by the bergamot, lemon and petitgrain. I'm not sure, but it smells so good...who the hell cares?

Fairly smooth and typical oriental base holding the fort. The unfolding of the accords in their entirety are done so in a restrained and subtle fashion....but not so much that the scent is unnoticeable. This is flat out good with just the right amount of sillage and longevity.

I dare you to find a modern frag in this genre that can stack up to Sagamore.

Lancome Sagamore(Vintage version): My First impression of wearing this scent was that of wearing a talcum powder, which wasn’t very sweet. The only hint of sweetness are in it's opening notes where soft notes of lime peel and herbs peek thru the dense, powdery accords of Lavender..a lavender so rich, one could feel it's grittiness, feel it sway, almost taste it. there is a very raw use of Civet here which cuts of any hint of freshness in the scent. kinda gives it a very masculine accord.
As the lavender tones down a bit, the notes of lime are much more clearer, although, it's not bright, or sparkling, it smells like dried lemon peel. the framework of this scent is quite obviouly like Chanel Pour Monsieur, which makes me think of the Impact Chanel PM had on the perfumery. Sagamore continues to be a green, citrus based chypre in it’s heart notes reminding one of Chanel PM, the only difference, it's not as bright and fresh if you may. Sagamore settles down to a much more relaxed note of vetiver with hints of patchouli and lovely accord of sandalwood...oh how i miss such accords in basenotes..especially the use of sandalwood.
This could very easily be a daily wear and is not as gothic as one would imagine. it;s a gritty, citrus base scent which is dirtied up a bit yet, Smells a million bucks or more. People who like Chanel Pour Monsieur type of scents should definitely put this one on their wishlist.

I used it around 1996, wonderful memories. Glad it's back.

this is a fresh,clean, light citrus scent.Well balanced,good start and nice drydown.In comparison to pour monsieur of chanel it is not so warm, sensual and smooth.Eau sauvage by christian dior is more intense and harsh- to much lemon.Sagamore is decent and pleasant eau de toilette.On the other hand it is simple ( what you may love).If you look for an outstanding scent,you want to inhale all the time, you want to become obsessed with, a scent that inspires you and makes you dream etc. then sagamore is definitely not the right choice.There are other perfumes that smell unique and very special-you will have to look at the old perfumes of guerlain, caron and chanel.

I love the smokiness and piquancy of Sagamore, and was SO glad to hear that Lancôme has (however briefly) brought this puppy back from the dead.

I've always thought of this cologne (along with its distant cousin, Leonard Pour Homme) as something to wear to events filled with gravitas -- "Happy for Men" it ain't. Simply put, Antaeus for weddings; Leonard and Sagamore for funerals and poetry readings. (And that's not necessarily a bad thing -- provided that the service is somber and the poetry not execrable.)