Drakkar Intense by Guy Laroche

Starts with a freshly shaven grandfather scent, with barber soap that over time becomes sweeter and more modern, though the barber note always remains. I use it right after a shower and it lasts about 4 or 5 hours, very well for the price. You put it on and suddenly feel like your chest hair has grown.

I bought it online for about 20€. The scent is the classic barbershop smell but 20-30% more modern, creamier, and closer than Drakkar Noir, which is more explosive and classic. Depending on the season or time of day, you can use it from 4 to 12 sprays. On my dry skin, it lasts about 4-5 hours, much better with oxidation. If you apply more, it lasts longer. On clothes, it lasted a day, not bad. It’s for men, recommended for over 40. I use it for everything: casual if you have a collection, or as a signature if you don’t want to spend much. Surprisingly, I’ve had compliments, but don’t buy it thinking about that; perfume depends on the person and many factors.

I’ve had several chances, but I couldn’t make it. I tried to find a liking for it; you smell the cap and it’s the Noir but more concentrated. You spray it and it looks good, but after a second, that super heavy suede kicks in, reminding me of those old excursion bus seats that make you dizzy. At the same time, it tries to be sweet with all those herbs, turning it into a tipsy, heavy liquor. Well, it’s not entirely bad; it has some nice creaminess at the base. You pass your hand over it and get a masculine, bitter burst that many might like. Like all of them, it has its particular charm… but it’s not for me. Scent: 0.8, Projection/Longevity: 6.7, Longevity: 6.3. Final Rating: 4/10. ***46% perfection***

The first thing I thought when I smelled it was Dandy Man. Then it settles a bit, but between the sweetness, the talcum powder, and the barbershop smell, it’s 3/4 of Dandy Man. I stick with the original.

Modernized Fougere OG. Spectacular for summer nights and everyday wear in winter, extremely masculine. As one review says, a must-buy for anyone with 90s-level testosterone. Warning: it won’t suit everyone; it mixes herbal with sweet, and some will say you smell like Dandy Man (as if that’s a bad thing). In my case, I’m under 25 and it might be weird, but I encourage everyone who doesn’t want to walk down the street smelling like lemon pie to buy it.

A flanker that keeps the 80s soul of the classic Drakkar Noir. It’s an aromatic fougère with a masculine character, where lavender and green notes blend with a slightly sweet and warm base without losing that ‘old school’ presence. Ideal for autumn and winter. I especially recommend it for men over 35 or 40 who are looking for traditional, personality-filled scents with a modern touch that doesn’t overpower. Longevity is good, around 6 to 8 hours; the last 3 are skin scent, leaving a moderate trail that generates compliments at gatherings, work, or night outs. I recommend keeping it in your collection.

Exquisite and very versatile. It’s true that the performance is poor, however you can apply more than 10 sprays, even below the clothes, and it will accompany you for 8 hours without problems. It has little projection but is persistent at about 50 cm. If you want more projection, don’t be afraid to reapply a couple of sprays every 3 hours; for the price, it’s worth it.

After years of being into perfumery, I started giving way to fougères and every day I like them a little more. For very little money I bought Drakkar Intense blind; although the first impression wasn’t good, I gave it a couple of uses and ended up liking it more than expected. I interpret this formula in a very simple way: a modern take on the classic fougère. They added an ambered sweetness to the base of classic green and lavender, turning it into a very pleasant version. With very modest performance, you can spray without fear, and if possible, carry it in your bag or backpack to enjoy a boost as the hours pass. Harmless, good for daily use almost all year round or summer nights.

I agree with those opinions that find 30% of Drakkar Noir in this fragrance. Of course, there are barber shop notes, it’s almost a mandatory requirement in this gem. At first, its herbal phase is very pleasant, that’s where it reminds me of its sister. To me, that aldehydic note and that suede base have me hooked. It won’t project, but its scent is very rich. Highly recommended, in my opinion BBB. From 25 until you can take it. Very versatile in cool climates. Ideal for night.

I have both Drakkar Noir and this Intense. Which one do I like more? Hard choice. This Intense is a bit formal, there’s no declared rum note, but of course it’s felt. It’s more serious, but fun. It’s for daily use in temperate climates. The lavender is very present. The opening can be strong for some, but it’s not. The suede feels delicious along with the patchouli. It’s the contemporary version of the classic, I don’t see the Intense version. Price/quality 9/10. It reminds me of Sunday outings with my dad.

Surprisingly pleasant… I really expected less based on the comments I’d read. I used Drakkar Noir back in the 90s and still have some. I think it’s a great option for mature men, but if you’re young and like it, go for it.

This is my favorite cologne for now, I’d be smelling it all the time. An old school cologne but at the same time wearable. I see it for mature people with their own personality. I love putting it on and smelling it on my wrists every moment. It brightens my day. It smells very good, in my opinion it’s different from the others nowadays. For its price, it’s worth having it in the collection. Drakkar Noir is too vintage for my taste, however I love this one because it carries its DNA but more modern and domesticated… It lasts longer than it seems because that scent is different and you start noticing it without realizing it.

Soapy with a licorish twist… it’s a classic barbershop scent with modern touches. Weak projection and skin-only longevity. Worth it for the price: I grabbed 100ml for $10. Yes, I’d buy it again.

At first, I thought it was great. You can perfectly spot the Drakkar signature with that heart of juniper berry and rosemary. But in the Intense version, there are more balsamic notes and a touch of liquorish sweetness that makes it a proper barbershop. Very pleasant and with a certain originality. However, the projection is limited and the longevity isn’t exactly world-class. Maybe it improves if you’re generous with the spray. Anyway, it’s quite affordable, and I don’t rule out buying it. (In the end, I bought a bottle and I’m satisfied. I think it’s a steal for the price: about €25 for the 100ml bottle).

What a relief that they’re still making the Designer Barbershop today. It’s a fougère very similar to the original 1982 version, but with a liquorish twist that clearly marks it as a flanker, and that’s a plus. I picked up the 50ml bottle for €15, and I was beaming from ear to ear at that price.