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Similarities between Ungaro I & Drakkar Noir?

post #1 of 9
Thread Starter 
Ok folks, help me out here.

I blind bought Ungaro I because it sounded like something I'd love. I received the bottle and DO like the scent, but the scent strongly reminds me of the smell of my father (not a smell I want to be reminded of for various reasons!). My father always wore Drakkar Noir.

Now, it's been a long time since I've smelled Drakkar Noir, but something in Ungaro I really smells like my father and that was pretty much the only scent he wore (m,any years later he wore Passion for Men I think).

Anyhow, does anyone pick up similarities between the two fragrances? Due to bad associations I really have no inkling to go out and smell Drakkar (and there's no stores within 30 miles that even have it available to test) - so please help me out here!
post #2 of 9
Musky lavender?
post #3 of 9
Thread Starter 
That might be it. I hate to say this, having been in the fragrance game so long, but I get this "old man" accord in each. It's quite distinct. I really don't recall that particular accord in many fragrances (even those typically called old man scents), but I remember it ruining Divine's L'Homme Sage, too. They all have oakmoss, it may be the way that is handled.

Hmm, looking at the notes for Drakkar and Ungaro I there are actually more similarities than I would have guessed:

Drakkar:
Top notes are rosemary, artemisia, lavender, basil, lemon verbena, bergamot and lemon;
middle notes are coriander, carnation, cinnamon, juniper and jasmine;
base notes are leather, sandalwood, fir, amber, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver and cedar.

Ungaro I
Top notes: Lavender, Pine, Bergamot
Heart: Patchouli, Wormwood, Precious Wood, Jasmine, Geranium
Base: Sandalwood, Tonka, Honey, Amber

alternate notes list:
Top notes are lavender, green notes, petit grain, bergamot and lemon;
middle notes are carnation, clary sage, jasmine, rose and geranium;
base notes are tonka bean, amber, musk and oakmoss.
post #4 of 9
I only speak for myself. Have both (Ungaro I - the original release from decades back) and Drakkar Noir and they smell different to me.
post #5 of 9
Thread Starter 
Oh, I know they smell different, but I was just curious if anyone else gets this thick, musky, 'old man' accord running through them both. Like I said, I hate to say old man accord, but I'm having a hard time pinpointing what it is. I'm going to revisit Ungaro I and see if I can pin the details of this accord down with any more clarity.
post #6 of 9
They both have bright bitter herbs, a conifer accord, and dark patchouli and oakmoss for sure.

I can't stand Drakkar's dihydromyrcenol overdose or birch tar, while I love Ungaro I's thick animalic honey. They are definitely both old school.

Since you don't like these, I'd recommend avoiding Giorgio for Men too. It's similar to Ungaro I but with orange instead of herbs, and adding a touch of birch tar and vanilla.
post #7 of 9
Thread Starter 
Thanks MonkeyBars.

Well, I like Ungaro I much more than Drakkar, that much I am sure of. I think I would genuinely like Ungaro I if it wasn't for the memories it is drudging up.

Olfactory associations can be such a PITA sometimes!
post #8 of 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Thanks MonkeyBars.

Well, I like Ungaro I much more than Drakkar, that much I am sure of. I think I would genuinely like Ungaro I if it wasn't for the memories it is drudging up.

Olfactory associations can be such a PITA sometimes!

I'm very thankful my dad hardly ever wore cologne. When he did, it was the one giant 8oz bottle of Dana Canoƫ he still owns. That juice is too boring too hate.
post #9 of 9
I don't get any similarities myself and much prefer DN.
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