Tabac Original (1959)
by Mäurer & Wirtz

I just picked up the 300 ml (10.1 fl. oz. for those on the left side of the Atlantic) size of Tabac Original for $25.00. I love this stuff. It's one part Clubman barber shop talc, one part medicated bubble gum, and one part very elusive mystery spice that I can't quite nail down. It's the kind of a smell that makes you nostalgic even if you've never smelled it before. I think it smells great (did I already say that?) and has great sillage and staying power for an E de C. There are many more expensive fragrances out there that wished they smelled this good. Tabac is a terrific fragrance bargain.

This is an inexpensive classic - the top note is the best - SOAPY - THE best mid price men's scent - the EDT is not as good as the aftershave - one of the best bottles around too - lovely "sprinkler" The drydown goes a bit powdery though - when I run out of this guess what I'll do......................................

To me this is 4711 with a dash of powder. Light, inoffensive (to me, more later...), certainly not at all loud, I don't know what could have happened to bottles that smell loud! (This review is for the EDC, though, perhaps the after shave lotion is different?) I would buy this if it were even cheaper, as a curiosity for when I'd like to smell barber shop-y. However: my boyfriend, who never has strong opinions on perfume, absolutely HATED this, on me and on himself. He mentioned 'wet ass' and 'horrible flatness'. He recoiled, in fact! I think the lemon makes him think of toilet bowl cleaners or something, but I can't understand his violent reaction! He's not biased against cheap or anything. Anyway, I like this, I like that it's still around, and I'd sniff a guy or girl who smelled like this. But try before you buy! Apparently some people have connotations with this smell.

When I first bought Tabac I hated it. The initial splash smells like cat piss for a few seconds till it settles down. Then the aldehydes kick in and it smells a little like ozone. What saves Tabac is that the second you add some sweat and body heat, the chemical smell of the aldehydes goes away and it smells like clean laundry coming out of the dryer. You begin to respect Tabac once you realize that the stuff was designed in an age absent of deodorants and air conditioning - It smells fresh no matter how hot and ugly it is outside.

Price: Cheap
Packaging: Nice milk glass bowling pin like bottle.
Complexity: It smells like clothes out of a dryer. I don't know where people smell leather from.

I first wore Tabac in the late 60s, and after all these years, I am still impressed by its several qualities — its freshness, its classic structure, and its ability to satisfy. Those aldehydes at the top do it—along with the citrus and lavender, they announce in unmistakable terms, the liveliness and effervescence that is Tabac Original. Citrus, lavender, and aldehydes; it doesn’t sound so exotic or special, but its smoothness and freshness are so rewarding. Then come the mid level florals led by the carnation, which is strongly supported by the iris. The spiciness of the carnation flower and the powder of the iris give a very traditional — some might say the old school flavor, and I agree, but I like the effect — it’s a clean and fresh that never goes out of date as far as I’m concerned. The base is quiet and reserved traditional sandalwood / musk / vanilla with a complement of tobacco. This would be my nomination for THE barber shop fragrance: Very old school, it keeps a low profile and lasts and lasts. This is a safe fragrance: Fresh yet classic, not fussy in application, never a synthetic aura about it, and it does not offend. Tabac puts so many expensive fragrances to shame.

This is a
classic! Subtle after dry-down, but longer lasting that most appreciate, just close to the skin. It's "aura" adds to it's sexiness, but this is an unobtrusive cologne, which never has left a bad impression when worn. Good for interviews and daily executive wear. Buy it.