Derrick by Orlane

Picked it up on Carlos Rubio’s recommendation, paid 16 euros, and after just one spray, I know it’s not for me. I’m going to try layering to see if I can lighten up those intense, potent resin notes, since I’m not a fan of such heavy scents. If I can’t soften it down, I’ll swap it out or gift it.

There are days when, if you’re feeling down or in a bad mood, it’s good to pair your gloom with a dark perfume to add a touch of caricature and take the edge off. Derrick by Orlane is anything but bright, yet it ends up being endearing like a lovable pessimist. Created in 1978, it’s clearly a child of its time: green and mossy notes with lavender, pine, and rosemary, plus some soapy floral touches. The best part is its potent woody and spicy base. The initial green darkens with patchouli, nutmeg, and pepper. It’s packed with spices that shift its spectrum so it’s not just another earthy green, but unique, threatening, yet affectionate. It’s a humble cologne, sold cheaply, so don’t expect much complexity beyond the excellent concept that makes it up. It’s exactly what it is, and I’m thrilled. It could be my signature scent, made to be loved and worn every day, nothing for special occasions. Moderate projection and good longevity to smell like a sympathetic anti-hero.

A fragrance from the 70s at prices from that decade. Its olfactive family is very distinct: woods and spices take up almost the entire palette. It’s very masculine, pleasant, and adapts well to a man’s skin, yielding different results for each person with their own style. It stands out for not being very well-known or available everywhere, usable in both cold and heat (with fewer applications in summer). Its scent is very familiar; in the bathroom, it leaves a trail that makes you feel good and comfortable. I highlight that within its dark and strong composition, you can detect sweet tones, with a certain oriental side from the cinnamon, patchouli, and sandalwood. The spicy part is good and slightly peppery from the black pepper. It’s a perfume with a clear authentic vintage tendency that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent, its presence is noticeable, it’s not annoying, and it has good fixity and projection. Quality and price have never been better matched, especially being a very masculine perfume that wouldn’t leave any doubt about a possible unisex appeal. Today, at least in Spain, it has a minority use that adds an extra advantage of exclusivity.