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Tabac Original by Tabac

Men 1959

Brand
Tabac

Description

Tabac Original by Tabac is an aromatic woody fragrance for men. Launched in 1959, this composition features petit grain, bergamot, pepper, lemon, and neroli in the top notes. The heart is built with chamomile, lavender, geranium, and oak, while the base reveals a dry-down of sandalwood, carnation, musk, vetiver, and amber.

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Quick summary

When to wear it (votes)

  • Winter 26%
  • Spring 27%
  • Summer 15%
  • Autumn 32%
  • Day 68%
  • Night 32%

Key notes

Community

970 votes

  • Positive 80%
  • Negative 10%
  • Neutral 9.5%
positive reviews 970 community votes
LongevityModerate SillageModerate Best momentAutumn CharacterMasculine

The olfactory pyramid

A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.

The community speaks

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In the collection

Leading answer I own it

2,612 votes

Season

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Leading answer Autumn

1,411 votes

Time of day

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Leading answer Day

659 votes

Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.

Fragrance profile

About Tabac Original

Main accord aromatic Year 1959 Gender Men

Tabac Original by Tabac is an aromatic woody fragrance for men. Launched in 1959, this composition features petit grain, bergamot, pepper, lemon, and neroli in the top notes. The heart is built with chamomile, lavender, geranium, and oak, while the base reveals a dry-down of sandalwood, carnation, musk, vetiver, and amber.

Spices Flowers Woods and mosses Musk, amber and animalic

How it wears

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Longevity

Leading answer Moderate

551 votes

Sillage

Leading answer Moderate

586 votes

Character

Leading answer Traditionally masculine

461 votes

Value perception

Leading answer Excellent value

428 votes

Community reviews

28 reviews

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  1. MarianoMalbec

    Watch out: the title is misleading. Tabac is by the German house Maurer & Wirtz, not any other brand.

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  2. Alejandro Luis

    It’s a gift in itself, a jewel at an absurd price. It smells like soap, fresh, the kind that leaves you feeling great. Longevity is more than decent; it lasts all day on clothes. The trail is contained at first, then becomes bubbly but remains present.

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  3. If you like researching perfumes, you’ll end up with classics. That’s how I discovered Drakkar Noir, Jacq’s, and now this Tabac. It’s got me hooked. Fresh, clean, powdery, very pleasant. After leaving the barber, I can’t distinguish the notes, just feel a great soapy accord. The ceramic bottle is a masterpiece. It’s been worn quite a bit, soft, and lasts about 3 effective hours, a performance that doesn’t envy Aqua di Gio Elixir. Here, we like to have perfumes for everything: if you’re out for a couple of hours, Tabac delivers. Everything has its moment, and this cologne deserves it.

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  4. A cologne for grandpa; it has freshness and good longevity. I recommend it only after a shower to go to bed, because for any other use, I don’t see the point. Given its decades of age, I think it should be left in the past.

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  5. A cologne for grandpa; it has some freshness and quite good longevity. I recommend using it only after a shower and going to bed because I can’t see any other use for it. Given the decades it’s been around, I think it should already be left in the past.

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  6. Tabac Eau de Cologne is a classic since 1959, recognizable by its bottle and timeless scent. It’s versatile, for daily wear or special occasions. It has fresh and spicy notes: top of bergamot, lemon, and lavender; heart of jasmine, rose, and spices; base of tobacco, honey, cedar, and musk. It’s an elegant balance between fresh and warm. The citrus notes are vibrant for the day, then settle into florals and spices, while the tobacco base adds sophistication. Longevity is moderate, about 2 to 4 hours on the skin, typical for an eau de cologne. Projection is also moderate, good at first but then closer to the skin, ideal for not being invasive. I recommend 5 to 10 sprays on wrists, behind the ears, and the chest. I use it perfectly after a bath before sleeping. It’s incredibly versatile: perfect for work, ideal for informal BBQs or family gatherings thanks to its clean character. It shines in warm and temperate climates, especially in spring and summer. In cold weather, the tobacco base may feel less, but it adds warmth. It’s a solid option for those seeking something classic and versatile. Although longevity and projection are moderate, its quality and sillage make it recommendable. If you want elegance without being overwhelming, it’s an excellent choice.

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  7. This eau de cologne is formidable right after a shower; it gives a sensation of freshness, cleanliness, energy, and good vibes. Plus, the drip dispenser is key: since it drips a decent amount, it refreshes more. The effect is lost with a spray nozzle.

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  8. Albertini79

    Another classic in popular perfumery (in Spain, it sold a lot in the 90s). It has a powerful opening, with a hit of geranium and lavender. There are also balsamic notes, which is why it’s called a barber shop or barbershop scent. At times it can seem feminine, but due to the concentration and the punch of lavender and geranium, it adds that final masculine touch. It’s more winter than summer, a somewhat rough scent that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. The packaging is correct, with the classic retro bottle that looks great on any shelf. Finally, it’s an eau de cologne, so don’t come expecting miracles in performance: 1-2 hours at a good level and then very close to the skin. One more thing: personally, it slightly irritates my skin, giving a warm sensation, something that happens to me with some fragrances.

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  9. Monty Phyton

    Powerful scent, too powdery for my taste, but fresh and evoking cleanliness, ideal after a shower. Lemon and pepper are barely noticeable; yes, sandalwood, musk, and vetiver are there. It’s very linear, with little evolution, where the base is everything and can be overwhelming, suitable for a specific audience. No differences from the vintage; it persists. 🕯️ 5.5/10.🔥

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  10. Tabac Original: Citrus and clean opening. Heart: mutates into slightly woody lavender and chamomile. Dry down: woody lavender where vetiver stands out. The musk makes the vetiver and lavender slightly soapy, resulting in a clean and aromatic aroma. Projection and longevity: about 3-4 hours of projection and 7-8 hours of longevity. Conclusion: A classic of German perfumery (also very popular in Spain). It’s a 2014 version whose formula differs from the original 1959 one; it’s totally worth it because it keeps the original DNA but makes it more wearable for daily life (especially for work in enclosed spaces), thanks to its musky dry-down.

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  11. Tabac Original: Citrus and clean opening. The middle mutates to slightly woody lavender and chamomile. The dry down is defined by woody lavender where vetiver stands out. The musk makes the vetiver and lavender soapy, resulting in a clean and aromatic finish. Projection and longevity: about 3-4 hours of projection and 7-8 hours of longevity. Conclusion: A classic of German perfumery (very popular in Spain). It’s a 2014 version whose formula differs from the original 1959, not in vain, it’s worth it since it maintains the original DNA but makes it more wearable for daily life (especially in enclosed workplaces), thanks to its musky trend as it dries.

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  12. Oh Tabac, oh Tabac of my heart. It’s hard to talk about this genius. Is it possible to be masculine with such a floral perfume? Yes. What they did here is amazing. Majestic. Come on, many will say. Yes, of course. It could be strictly feminine, but it’s not. On the contrary, it has undeniable masculinity. And anyway, who cares. I imagine a very sophisticated dandy bathed in Tabac, or a strong worker with mace-like arms full of hair and a huge smile that makes you trust him. Tabac is everything. Sweetness, hardness, sophistication, humility, simplicity, the category of impeccable work. It’s really a great perfume.

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  13. Magnificent, a true old-school gem. It goes perfectly with shaving soap and aftershave. I detect rich, fresh citrus notes in the opening, with a slight sharp edge, perhaps from pepper, giving way to 100% unisex white florals and a very well-crafted woody base. It’s a straightforward cologne to classify; others don’t evolve, but this one does, delivering exactly what it promises. One downside: it’s a bit sillage-heavy. Still, it’s an essential purchase for cold weather and autumn, its perfect season, and for casual occasions. I’d even dare to wear it to semi-formal events; it’s elegant. In my opinion, of course!

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  14. An old-school gem, perfect to pair with the shaving soap and aftershave. It opens with rich, fresh citrus, a tiny sharp kick from pepper, then transitions into 100% unisex white flowers resting on a luxurious woody base. It evolves clearly and simply, delivering exactly what it promises. The only downside is it’s a bit volatile, but it remains a must-buy for fall and winter. I even wear it to semi-formal events; it’s super elegant. In my opinion, of course 😀

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  15. Smells like a 70-year-old person. I don’t know why they deleted my previous review, but this is my honest perception.

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  16. The sillage is weak; the cologne has character and I love it when I wear it, but it vanishes in a breath. Use it almost like a body lotion after a shower; bathing in Tabac is a genuine treat. Don’t expect longevity, and it won’t bother those around you. It’s priced like an affordable cologne at any major chain or online. It smells clean and neat, without that sour note in old scents that turns many people off (not my case). A classic that’s gone downhill but still smells good. I’m talking about the Eau de Cologne in splash format, with a plastic cap and a very nice amphora-style bottle, cardboard box. The dispenser saves product, but you have to apply generously to feel the scent for a few minutes. I’m not great with notes, but it highlights a soapy sensation, non-invasive with light floral touches and a traditional barbershop fragrance base.

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  17. When it dries, it’s like giving talcum powder superpowers to make it smell better than it already does. It’s a cuddly, clean scent; the opening is strong and impressive, very different from what’s out there now, which is where some might not get it. This opening is short, full of floral nuances with a very soft lemon. Longevity and projection, for the current price, are decent. It’s not as masculine as I imagined; it reads as sweet, but it’s a sweet, floral, soapy scent that never gets old. I was surprised that this German water still grabs attention, to the point of people asking what ‘clean’ smell it is, even contradicting me by calling it old-fashioned. That said, test before you buy because it’s not ordinary.

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  18. When it dries down, it’s like giving talcum powder superpowers to smell better than it already does. It’s a cuddly, clean scent; the opening is strong, impressive, and very different from today’s trends, which is where some might not get it. This opening is short, filled with floral nuances and a very soft lemon. Longevity and projection are decent for the current price. It’s not as masculine as I imagined; it sounds sweet, but it’s a sweet, floral, soapy scent that’s very formal and never gets old. I was surprised that this German water still grabs attention, to the point where people ask what clean scent it is and then contradict themselves by saying it smells old. Try it before buying, because it’s not average.

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  19. Simply magnificent, an aroma that doesn’t change over time. I’m referring to the EDC (the EDT is nothing like it). A very soapy, total old-school scent, pure barbershop, with a spicy opening, soap, and some florals that settle over time as woody and amber notes emerge. Clean and very masculine. Suitable for all seasons (dose lightly in heat), but it shows its true splendor in cool weather. One of my all-time favorites, a must-have.

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  20. I don’t see myself wearing it. Too “old-lady”; the spicy note makes it too overpowering. It’s so vintage that the bottle doesn’t have a spray, you have to drip it like in the old days. I should add that over time the pepper note fades and the scent becomes softer and more talcum-like, improving on my skin.

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  21. I don’t see myself in this. Too ‘old-fashioned’; the spicy touch makes it too heavy for my taste. It’s so vintage that the bottle I bought doesn’t even have a spray nozzle, so you have to apply a few drops like in the old days. I add that after some time the pepper note fades and the scent becomes softer and more talcum-like, which makes it improve on my skin.

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  22. Mr.Cedramber

    Very masculine EDC, with good trail and longevity that reminds me of classic barbershops in downtown Madrid. On my skin, it starts as pure musk with flowers, not very versatile and for a very specific audience; I’d say men over 40. In short, it’s not for me.

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  23. I don’t know what to say, but this sample didn’t last long and offered little to my nose, feeling like something common with nothing to offer.

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  24. I don’t know what’s up, but this example didn’t last on me at all and didn’t offer much to my nose, being something common with nothing to offer.

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  25. wildkatzen

    You really have to try it if you like 80s-style fragrances: talcum-like, clean, powerful, and very masculine. What does it smell like? A mix of Halston 1-12, Cigar Remy Latour, and split between Drakkar and Aramis for Men. It carries a seal of authenticity on the white cap, like Jour d’Hermès. It says Maurer & Wirtz Germany, and the bottle is very beautiful, an all-white Egyptian amphora style. I ordered it from abroad with doubts; it’s an EDT, powerful from the start. Chamomile, carnation, and sandalwood-lavender are the stars, a relaxed vibe like a masterful post-shower feeling, incredible for lovers of soapy, clean barbershop scents. Fixation is about 6 hours on clothes and skin, depending on pH. Some hit me strong, others don’t. Maurer & Wirtz has ties to 4711 and is now a separate subsidiary creating excellent fragrances; Tabac Original is very famous in Germany, Benelux, Austria, and Switzerland, exported to 135 countries. A 100% German old-school article with original touches; I’m very satisfied. It has nothing to do with Old Spice or Quorum.

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  26. wildkatzen

    If you love 80s fragrances that are powdery and potent, you have to try this. It’s a blend of Halston 1-12, Cigar Remy Latour, and parts of Drakkar and Aramis. It has that authentic seal with the white Hermès-style cap and a beautiful amphora-shaped white bottle. I ordered it from abroad with some hesitation; it’s an EDT but smells powerful from the very first moment. The stars are chamomile, carnation, and sandalwood with lavender; it smells like a masterful post-shower fresh scent, incredible for lovers of barbershop and soapy notes. The longevity is about 6 hours on clothes and skin, depending on pH. Maurer & Wirtz has ties to 4711, and now they are two separate companies creating top-tier fragrances like the famous Tabac Original, exported to 135 countries. It’s a 100% German old-school item with original touches; I’m very satisfied. Nothing like Old Spice or Quorum.

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  27. juancar677

    I don’t find many differences between this 2014 edition of Tabac Original and the 1959 version, except for the box, bottle, and cap color; there might be subtle differences, but they aren’t noticeably perceptible. What stands out is the price; switching from a metal box to cardboard makes the second one cheaper, with a 40% discount on 100ml and 300ml bottles. With all that and being an EDC, I prefer it much more for fall and winter than now that it’s getting warmer. On my skin, it lasts a full 8-hour day without issues, and its notes are lovely. As long as it’s on the market, it will remain the queen of EDCs to me, though there are other very good ones too.

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  28. Merlin_1144

    It’s a cologne inherited from my father, perfect for daytime or casual occasions. I love it because it instantly evokes memories of cleanliness and freshness. The notes are a soft, well-blended mix of citrus, lavender, florals, and spices—very smooth and orderly. To me, it’s timeless, though almost no one uses it in Argentina. I managed to get it back after years and I’m thrilled to have it again. It’s ideal for men over 35, and its greatest virtue is immediately conjuring something clean and fresh.

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