Tabac Original (1959)
by Mäurer & Wirtz

As I now give the appearance of being quite grown up, I decided to upgrade my old splash After Shave bottle to a nice gleaming EDT version, complete with atomizer. I really do not find Tabac in any form that overpowering, even the EDT merely adds a slight boost to an already acceptable manly bouquet. The opening few hours provide the powdery assurance that an aromatic fougere with this pedigree should do. It can hold its own with fragrances such as Worth Pour Homme, Paco Rabanne and Quorum, all of which share that powdery freshness so sought after in products of this type.

Where I think Tabac steals a slight march on its competitors is in the dry down, the last few hours are delightful. A slightly baked, sweet and woody twilight period is more than I could have wished for. The only slight disappointment that I had was in the longevity, even in EDT form, five hours was all I could coax out of it. However,I do love the way it promises you very little, and then delivers a lot.

This manly classic is my all-time favorite. This is regularly available for less than twenty dollars and is among the best bargains out there. Starts out strong, then mellows into a powdery floral but absolutely masculine scent that lasts all day. Definitely of the old school but unlike, say, Zizanie, this one hasn't dated a bit. Highly recommended.

This fragrance is difficult to use. It can be overapplied very easily. The point is that the scent does not appear very strong to the person who wears it but to everyone else around. It must somehow anaesthetise the olfaction.

I think it was introduced obviously before the use of synthetics became common in the perfume industry, at least it gives me the impression that it is still all natural. Extremely good, especially considered that low price!

They offer a wide range of products in that line and for a more discreet scent, even the pre-shave is sufficient.

This is some kind of a joke here in Finland. You know, Tabac Original is a sort of synonym for the cologne in general, if you know what I mean….
It has been very popular here through all the years, and it has become famous particularly in use of older men plus some very tacky guys who drench their selves into the juice when going out to some barn dance or activities of that kind.


This status here is a bit of a shame in a way, because you what…This is actually a great scent.


Fresh balsamic scent with prominent carnation-lavender note. Very masculine floral and to me not dated as a scent in a slightest bit. This one is a timeless creation.

Smooth but also complex scent especially for the part of wonderfully blended basenotes.

In my opinion this basically could be released today by some quality niche house. I’m not kidding at all.

If you forget about the price and all the (reputation ruining) history and focus completely to the smell, you can probably see it is a unique scent with flawless balance to it and natural ingredient feel.
It really does smell like a high quality scent with just a right amount of edge.

Just use it very moderately.

And hey, this would work on a woman, too.

Wonderful. Just wonderful. I associate this cologne with the image projected by Liam Neeson in the Schindler´s list. Subtle and classic. Smells like a refined barber shop.

My father used to use TABAC, back in the days it was considered lux to have a "western product" in communistic countries. I bought it for the sake of following my father's steps in style. The smell does invoke memories of that manliness.

The scent at first is of a strong barber shop, shave disinfectant, and soap. After 30 minutes it descents into a clean classic manly smell. Read classic as that 1920's kind of classic, when style was simple, and simple was considered Good. Think of classical minimalistic dial watches, two button suit black suit, white shirt, tie, and TABAC original.

In today's complex world, however, this scent is too minimalistic and even foolishly simple.

From the back of the bottle's box: "TABAC ORIGNAL After Shave Lotion gives a bracing finish for a demanding shave. Stimulates, cools and refreshes razor-burned normal skin. The TABAC ORIGNAL fragrance underlines your personal style well-groomed elegance."

So, it goes well with a certain original, classical style that dates back to the 20's of the earlier century. A true smell for being out during the day, caring about nothing, no worries on your shoulder and a twinkle in the eye.

That concludes my review.