Macassar by Rochas

I’ve read hundreds of reviews and learned a lot, but I’m surprised someone would call Macassar de Rochas a ‘macarra’. To each their own, but calling it bad is unfair. It’s 100% addictive and seductive without parallel. I look for perfumes with personality to enjoy myself, not to please anyone. This one is fascinating, and while it’s not the most subtle, elegance isn’t vulgarity. Sometimes it’s better to be a ‘macarra’ than to lack character. I still have a bottle of Eau Sauvage from the 70s, but Macassar, in its vintage version, remains hypnotic, niche-worthy, and the best of the best. I wish they’d bring it back, even though an original vintage costs a kidney.

“Hypnotic. I recently acquired a bottle of Macassar from the early 80s; this is major hunting: very hard to find and expensive, but the effort was worth it. As I said at the beginning, there’s no better word than hypnotic; I could say seductive or addictive, but hypnosis has a deeper connotation for me. This fragrance is a transition between the musky and woody scents of the 70s and the tough beasts of the 80s. It begins with a potent green forest accord, with pine in the forefront and oakmoss in the background, with slight citrus reminiscences. Then it becomes warmer and spicier with the era’s typical accord: clove, geranium, and woods (cedar and vetiver). Finally comes the hypnotic, divine, or dreamlike part: the final accord. A very soft leather, a warm amber that’s not sweet, a sensual musk, and an always-present oakmoss that provides a spectacular base. This accord, combined with the heart notes, is truly hypnotic. It has nothing to do with what’s trendy, which is why it stands out for being different; I relate it to men over 35-40. It has very good longevity, over 12 hours; it’s one of those you wear at night, go out to a party, sleep, and wake up wearing it. Its projection is also outstanding, and it’s best used in fresh or cold weather, i.e., autumn, winter, and cool spring nights. One of the best perfumes in my collection, without a doubt.”””

I agree with everyone: it’s the best perfume I’ve ever encountered, and like everything lost, it’s desired more. I’ve looked for alternatives, and the closest is Quorum by Antonio Banderas. Has anyone found something that replaces it? Thanks.

It’s sad that they discontinued it, and even worse that it’s now under Procter & Gamble with no intention of relaunching it. Macassar de Rochas is, without a doubt, the best fragrance I’ve ever known.

The name says it all: ebony. Macassar is an intense woody scent, with an opening like an old study and herbal breezes. It belongs to 1980, when men wanted perfumes with body, dark, and sophisticated, like Borsalino or Antaeus. It has less leather and a tobacco touch. It’s pretty, with character and good performance, though it doesn’t reach the heights of other beasts of its era. I love the wood scent, sustained by pine, soapy geranium, and oakmoss. Sometimes it reminds me of Azzaro or Aramis Tuscany, but dirtier and more skull-like. Its earthiness recalls Davidoff Classic. It’s elegant but ‘macarrilla’, the ultimate scent for a ‘discontinued alpha male’.

“One of the great woody fragrances from the 80s—super retro and very masculine. It’s one of the most sought-after discontinued scents, and what’s available on eBay or similar sites is ridiculously expensive. I had trouble finding some 5ml miniatures, but it smells incredible. It’s a curious fragrance, well-structured with a good composition; semi-linear with nuances. The herbal opening and rosemary already bring that 80s character, while the pine, vetiver, and cedar, noticeable almost from the start, give it that dry, carpentry-like woody touch. In short, it smells like a cognac barrel but of dry wood with a slight sweet hint, as if a touch of liquor was added, and it doesn’t resemble anything I’ve smelled before. I highlight the leather that gives it depth; it’s soft and lingers in the background with an aroma similar to Russian leather, and the oakmoss note, which I love so much, adds texture and complexity to Macassar. The longevity is excellent and the trail is very good; without a doubt, it’s an 80s fragrance. One of the best I’ve ever smelled from Rochas. Rating: 8.5″””

“This amazing scent was my dad’s, especially for weddings or 15th birthdays. I know countless fragrances, so I can assure you this is the best perfume I’ve ever tried in my life. For everything: elegance, longevity, and quality. I don’t understand why Rochas stopped making it; it’s a shame. The few bottles available online don’t go below $200.”””

“One of the best I’ve used. I think they’ve stopped making it. It smells super masculine and elegant.”””