John Varvatos (2004)
by John Varvatos

Nothing stupendous, but quite nice. Won't offend anyone. Very good longevity. Some faint fruitiness, spicy wood, and leather.

Wow! I remember purchasing this within a week of its release in 2004, and as a summation of this scent, I will say that it is completely innovative and unique! Furthermore, unlike most mainstream releases in the 21st century, a lot of thought and careful attention to detail was put into the development of this fragrance, and this shows in the creative character of the fragrance itself. Approximately 80% of the notes used in this fragrance have never been used before in perfumery; this may seem dissonant to some. However, it really strikes a chord when you first apply the fragrance and especially if you begin an analysis of it. You begin to realize that many of these notes are unfamiliar to you, and that you have never come in contact with their aromas before, which is a wonderful feeling to have when smelling a fragrance. The fragrance is fairly heady, and could get cloying or overbearing if one overapplies, but in just the right amount, it is very seductive and alluring. It is unabashedly masculine, but remarkably sweet for a male fragrance. I can handle the sweetness though, because it is tempered by the black leather notes and auramber and eaglewood in the base. Longevity is fairly strong; 2 sprays (not to be overdone) will last around 8 hours, or possibly more. A new classic for the 21st century...I cannot help but wish that more new fragrances being released now were as well thought out and innovative as John Varvatos!

having liked it, loved it and hated it as some others have stated is true for me also. maybe too many notes, too much expiermental expiermenting. has a bit in common with black walnut by banana republic also. both are subtle with jv being more fruity.i made the mistake of buying the 4.2 oz bottle and winding up giving it to my brother. too short on lasting power but a decent scent to say the least.

This fragrance is strong and lasts a long time. The dry down in definitely better than the initial spray but it's still a bit overpowering in my tastes. I can see this fragrance making some people nauseous because of its overpowering vanilla smell in the drydown. If you're going to buy this, please don't overspray. A few sprays is definitely enough for this fragrance. I was going to buy this fragrance blindly but I am now glad that I was able to test this one before buying. This one is not for me but I can see many people liking it. There are times that I like the smell but then it turns me off at the same time. Again, do not overspray this one. People will smell you even after the first spray.

It is very unique. This means that it takes getting used to.

Once you've got used to it, of course, it smells wonderful. At first whiff there's an interestingly exotic melange of sweet fruity notes--many of which are derived from elements unused in perfumery.
After a while it becomes less pronounced, leaving behind a warm and sweet (and refreshingly familiar) smell that, though still faintly reminiscent of its bizarre opening, is very inoffensive.

Once you've gotten used to it (and once it dries a bit), you'll love it.

My problem with this, however, is that, if it takes getting used to, how could it possibly attract someone of the same/opposite sex? I mean, it's downright offensive until you warm up to it, so it's really not much of a compliment-getter until it dries down to its warm vanilla base.

So, for your own pleasure, spray this well before you leave the house, and, for the pleasure of others, leave once it's had some serious time to dry.

It looks like, that trying to compose an acceptable review for a fragrance,is always a hard effort.
Some say that it smells like this and that.Others exemplify by ditching a product and vice versa.
Still others 'try"to identify the elements and the combinations that emerge by the chemical or natural reaction that takes place in the fragrance.Most of them if not all ,are exercises in vain.

For example:

My first and the subsequent smells of John Varvatos EDT.,has nothing in common with any of the 58 or so "reviews " .
Where is the sickening sweetness,of the opening,cake fruitiness,etc,etc.?

For me, the smell , leaps out and grabs you by whatever is nearer to reach. It dark, ominous, and hints occult .
Fruits , vanilla , leather and whatever, ( rhymes right), form a powerhouse that takes no prisoners.It is like attending a
free, hard rock concert,verging on heavy metal. No holds barred.

My opinion, since I must write one opinion, is , that to me , it is one of the perfectly balanced blends of known and unknown essences.

Softy,it is not. Forget middle of the road scents.It is a highly opinionated composition,

But it is my opinion,only,nothing more nothing less.
Go somewhere and try it.