Cologne Intense (2015)
by Houbigant

A most interesting fougere that delivers.

The citrus (lemon, neroli) and herbal notes (lavender, tarragon) are beautifully balanced with the jasmine heart and the earthy frankincense base, for once not over-emphasized.

In the world of fougeres, this is a "new" take on the genre, all too rare these days, and quite welcome.

A very dry scent, full of nuances and interest, and all so well balanced that nothing screeches at you. All is in harmony.

I am impressed. I may just invest in a bottle. Quiet and unassuming, assuredly masculine and wears close to the skin, invitiing others to get closer.

Off the previous reviews I would say the first 15 to 30 minutes of this scent is a CHALLENGE. I wouldn't say it smells of BO or vomit... more fecal IMO. After the 30 minutes is up... Jack Hunter's description is dead on. It's herbal, citrus and floral. This is not for the faint of heart in the least. It is a dense green herbal with hints of citrus and floral's, with my experience. This for sure is a TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! I will say one hour in and it's not bad just don't think it is my cup of tea.

Unfortunately I must agree with cpp214 that it smells strongly of vomit on my skin. What a pity. I love Fougere Royale.

The opening greets you with the smell of dried sweat, body odor, and vomit. Those are the only "intense" part of the journey. If you can get past those first 30 minutes, you'll be treated to an under performing, underwhelming fragrance that is a mockery to the otherwise sterling reputation of the house of Houbigant. Do NOT blind buy this fragrance expecting a traditional Eau de Cologne on steroids, or a fragrance on par with Fougere Royale, because this is neither of those. There is a reason it's selling for $58 shipped on eBay...

Off the top I can smell lemon citrus with lavender mixed in with a strong earthy spice/herb. This herbal element really does ground the scent from becoming too citrusy. It's a little astringent in a earthy leafy way and contrasts well with the citrus and lavender. I think this note must be the Tarragon.

Behind these notes I can pick up a soft floral note which just shows itself every so often behind the dominating herbal accord. It does get stronger and I'm sure it's neroli or Jasmine maybe both.

The scent is very well blended and crafted and quite complex. If you like green citrus herbal earthy fragrances that is gently softened by a floral & neroli accords then you will like this. Thumbs up from me, I like it.