Fragrances

7 Fragrances Similar to Drakkar Noir

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Guy Laroche’s Drakkar Noir, was an absolute powerhouse and best seller, back in the 1980s. It was, in many ways, a game changer in the world of men’s fragrances. Today, it can be easy to not recognize that fact, as its popularity also became a curse in many ways.

Nonetheless, it remains a very popular cologne, that men want to smell like. This naturally leads to guys looking for alternatives, clones, or just other fragrances which smell similar to Drakkar Noir. In this post, I am going to explore some of these scents.

Which Colognes are Alternatives or Clones of Drakkar Noir?

Similar with Spice

Rasasi Royale EDP – 75 ml (For Men)– Royale has a lot of similarities to Drakkar, mainly with the lavender and oakmoss, being prominent. This one has a more powerful sillage, more spice, but none of the leather.

As it dries down, more patchouli is present, with a fresh cedar note.  Has enough in common with Drakkar Noir, but has its own personality, which makes it distinct.

 

Barbershop Option

At the Barber by Maison Margiela– This is similar in some ways, but definitely takes a different route from the Guy Laroche scent.

At the Barber is spicier with more citrus influence. However, the moss and woods here aren’t nearly as impactful. But, that spice is great in this one. It features pepper and basil up top, with a rosemary note coming through in the heart.

Yet, we also still get the great lavender note, which is bumped up here and a lot of the woodiness of Drakkar is substituted by the geranium in the Margiela scent. More of an herbal feeling versus pure woods.

Nothing too crazy here, but I like this Replica perfume. A bit unique, a bit like Drakkar, and maybe some Egoiste Platinum thrown in for good measure.

A Closely Related Throwback

Caesars Cologne Spray For Men, 4 Fluid Ounce– Another 80s fragrance, that overlaps with Drakkar, but with more of a green/woodsy finish.

Caesars has a slightly soapy finish, less spice, and is another without the leather note. Very inexpensive option, with a smooth aroma, and a very nice fir note. Masculine.

Dirt Cheap Clone

Classic Match, version of Drakkar Noir for men Eau de Toilette Spray– This is a classic sort of cheapie duplicate. It’s designed to be a clone of the original Drakkar and is available for under $10.

It’s pretty close, in terms of smell, and the performance is respectable for the low price.  Not the best, but a very nice impersonation. Don’t expect a complete recreation of the original, but if you’re on a strict budget, it can be worthwhile. 

The Closest to the Original

Dakar – Al-Rehab Eau De Natural Perfume Spray – 50 ml (1.65 fl. oz)– I wasn’t around for the 1980s original version of Noir, but from what I’ve read, this is the closest thing around to recreating its magic.

It does smell different, from the current formulations of Drakkar Noir, to be sure. It gives you the full range of aromas, from woody to soapy to herbal, with a great depth and very good performance. Oh, did I mention it is available for super cheap?

A Cheaper and More Citrus Option

Lomani Pour Homme 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for men by Lomani– Fresh, citrusy, and cleaner version of Drakkar. Doesn’t have the same level of spice and feels less ‘dark’ than our target scent.

A good blend of lavender/moss and bright citrus notes. Close relative of Drakkar, but not exactly the same.

 

 

Close but a Distinct Experience

Ralph Lauren Safari Eau de Toilette Spray, 4.2 fl oz– I’m putting this one on the list, because it is an alternative to Drakkar, not because it is a clone. Safari inhabits the same sort of niche, but can be a great option for guys who want to try something different.

The main thrust of it is an outdoorsy, green herbal plant and woods mixture. However, that’s only the beginning as Safari is a complex, and unique aroma. It’s masculine but tempered by citrus and floral notes.

6 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Nautica Voyage

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Nautica Voyage may already be the all-time cheapie best seller. Though, there could be some older scents that are still flying off the shelves, this scent has been the front runner for more than a decade now. People really seem drawn to Voyage.

Yet, you can grow tired of a cologne and might want to try something different, but close enough to the Nautica. In this post, I want to present alternative colognes which fit the bill as being similar to or near matches (if possible) of Voyage.

What Colognes Smell Comparable to Nautica Voyage?

Original Inspiration

Ocean Mist Men by Dua– Dua is a brand that not only has its own unique fragrances they create, they also create their own inspired takes on designer scents. Ocean Mist Men, is there take on the original Voyage formulation.

Now, this is going to be somewhat more expensive than the modern Nautica Voyage sold in stores. However, it is also an extrait de parfum concentration (higher percentage of fragrance oils), which will lead to a more potent perfume.

Clean, aquatic, with that apple and mimosa combination really coming through. Worth a try, if you want a potentially higher quality version of the Voyage note structure.

Spicier Blue Mix

Polo Blue Gold Blend– The Polo Blue line is mostly only tangentially related to our targeted cologne, but Gold Blend does show some noticeable similarities to Voyage.

Still very much a version of Polo Blue, but with nods to Voyage, and a greater use of herbal spice and ambroxan than either.  The opening of this features that crisp melon note with a nice use of citrus and the spice blend.

Sage and incense play a big role here, so expect some smoky spiciness in this mix. Nautica Voyage isn’t an exact overlap here, but the DNA is closely related, particularly the use of apple. Gold Blend Review

gold blend review

Great Newer Flanker

Nautica Midnight Voyage– Voyage was such a monster hit for Nautica, that they keep reusing the name to release flanker fragrances. Most of them aren’t that great, but Midnight Voyage actually brings the same value with the familiar yet distinct aroma.

Amber, mint, and pink peppercorn blend with seemingly a bit of the original Voyage DNA. It has that amber/ambroxan sort of aroma, like found in the popular Dior Sauvage. It’s not the same, but you get that kind of vibe.

Midnight Voyage is a bit spicy, but in a fresh and cooling way, while retaining its nautical and summery mystique. I’m almost positive that there’s an unlisted citrus accord in here. This has gone to the discounter’s recently and is a nice pickup if you liked the original.

High End Cold Gin

Roses on Ice by Kilian– Roses on Ice is a part of Kilian’s Liquors collection. I got a sample of this stuff a month or so ago and it does have a similar structure to Voyage. Which is surprising, as this costs about 10x as much. So, I don’t expect many to go for this option.

Basically it’s ice cold gin, cucumber, and a pinkish rose with a greenish aroma. It has the same ozonic/aquatic feeling as our target with the cucumber playing the role of apple. That floral heart and a musky/woody base.

Are they exactly the same? No, Roses on Ice isn’t trying to be, it just has that similar style and approximates what it’s like to wear Voyage. But, at around $200, I don’t find it to be worthwhile.

Crisp Fruits, Less Florals

Kenneth Cole Reaction Connected Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Reaction Connected is another close cousin of Voyage. It has a crisp juicy melon opening act, with the aquatic sea notes also playing a role.

However, as it dries down, you still get the fruits but also plenty of violet leaf and wood. The middle is more herbal and the end is more earthy/woody. Connected has a really nice sweet and juicy fruit profile, but with more depth than other similar fragrances, on the market.

Reaction Connected is a lot like Nautica Voyage, but with less of the green-ish smell, and the floral notes. Melon with a ‘blue’ impression and some earthier qualities in the dry down. Kind of splitting the difference between Voyage and Polo Blue.

Drier but Fresh

Tommy Bahama Maritime Journey for Him, 4.2 Fl Oz–  Maritime Journey has a similar style to Nautica Voyage, but is closer in smell to Eternity Air. To me, it is definitely better than that Calvin Klein cologne.

There was an older cologne that was more like Voyage, but Tommy Bahama no longer produces it. But, this is a good replacement.

It opens up fresher than the Nautica. Coriander and the same kind of apple note. This goes along with lavender and violet. It will eventually dry down into a greener fragrance with a base of moss, cardamom, and cedar.

Martime Journey is a drier aromatic when compared to Voyage. It still has the floral notes and that apple sweetness. Not totally akin to the other, but if you liked Voyage, you will probably enjoy this. Maritime Journey Review

Nautica Voyage vs Acqua di Gio Cologne Comparison

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In this edition of our head to head men’s cologne match ups, we have two best-selling entries: Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani vs. Nautica Voyage. Which of these two fragrances smells the best? Which has the better performance? Ultimately, which is the better deal? I will break down several deciding factors and as always, have linked to my original reviews on both, below.

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Voyage

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Opening

Voyage opens up with a crisp, chilled, and water opening; it’s sort of like a cucumber aroma. This stems from the blend of apple, musk, and mimosa. It’s quite musky and has a green floral vibe sitting underneath that crisp apple top note.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is flanked by a wonderful sea breeze-like accord with soft jasmine only beginning to peak through. With newer bottles, the jasmine does seem a bit stronger than it once was, but I like it.

The citrus is juicy enough up top and the mix of the marine notes with the floral highlights is still awesome, after all of these years.

Which is better? I’ll go with AdG. The start of Nautica Voyage is my least favorite part of that fragrance. It’s kind of messy and the musk overwhelms. The Armani cologne, on the other hand, has a really great citrus aquatic start that is both fresh and captivating.

Edge: AdG

Projection

Both fragrances are pretty moderate in their sillage. The projection of either isn’t going to be huge, but is solid throughout the wear.

However, Acqua is slightly more powerful than is Voyage, and the original bottles were quite a bit stronger. It used to be more in the upper moderate range of projection, while not being a heavy fragrance, now it’s on that lower end of moderate for most of the wear.

Edge: ADG

Longevity

Acqua di Gio and Voyage are pretty consistent with what they get me, in terms of how long they last on my skin. Voyage is 5-7 hours of wear. AdG is 6-7 hours. There’s no real clear advantage here.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Voyage has several strong points, for a cologne in the price range. One of which, is its versatility. It can be worn casually or at school or even at a job. Best fits in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well.

Acqua di Gio, can do all of that, and more. It has a more substantial and even somewhat of a more mature smell (though, neither is overly serious). AdG can be worn on a date or for other evening events, while Voyage doesn’t fit that mold.

Edge: ADG

Overall Scent

My clear winner in this match up is Acqua di Gio. The Armani fragrance is better smelling and the performance is fairly equal. I’ve owned both and I would pick AdG over Nautica almost every time.

Voyage is a great cheapie, though. The dry down period is nice and it does have its own vibe and popularity within this space…it just doesn’t out do Acqua. The Nautica is one of the better options at its level, though, it doesn’t compete too well with other designer scents.

If you’re going based off pure smell, go with Acqua di Gio. If price is the biggest factor, then, obviously Nautica Voyage is going to be the best bet. For me, I’d pick Profondo or Profumo ahead of either, but they’re generally more expensive.

It’s a solid enough cologne, but its popularity is based off of how it covers so many bases for so cheap. AdG, has a reputation built on its great smell, and has been a best-seller for decades now.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Very Cool by Tommy Bahama

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I have already reviewed two Tommy Bahama colognes for men on this site and since I have a bottle of a third, Very Cool, I thought that I would do another for this post. I am updating this post in 2019, to further expand upon, my experiences with my bottle of this cologne. I’ve worn it enough times, to have a great feel, as to what it’s all about.

How does Very Cool measure up? Is it worth a purchase? How well does Very Cool perform? Read below, as I take a closer look at this cologne and see where it ranks among the pack.

What does Very Cool for Men Smell Like?

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Notes include: nutmeg, ginger, vetiver, bergamot, paprika, and mandarin orange

Click here to try: Very Cool by Tommy Bahama for Men Eau De Cologne Spray 3.4 FL. OZ./100 ML

My Full Review

During the opening of Very Cool, I definitely detect the ginger note in it. This fragrance has a spicy warmth to it that is mostly woodsy/outdoorsy fresh in its presentation. Though, I do detect a slight bitterness (perhaps the orange mixing with nutmeg?).

Also, there is a very faint similarity with Set Sail St. Barts, that emerges and I think that it is a bergamot note because I compared the two side by side and noticed a distinct scent in both.

The initial spray, really doesn’t have too much citrus to my nose. The orange and bergamot really sit underneath the surface, while the spiciness at the top develops.

Paprika, ginger, and nutmeg are the stars of the front end of this Tommy Bahama fragrance. This is the warmer part of Very Cool.

After about 15-20 minutes, this fragrance does become noticeably more of a citrus scent. Though, the citrus doesn’t seem to fully take over, it’s more of a 50/50 split with the woodsy/spiciness of the ginger and nutmeg notes.

This is also at the point where Very Cool, indeed lives up to its moniker, and becomes a cooler and more refreshing scent.

It is an interesting development for a summery type of fragrance. The use of spice here is much different from something like, Light Blue, which utilizes much more citrus with the pepper. This goes heavier on the freshness and spiciness and uses the citrus as sort of a dressing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, Very Cool would rank as poor to moderate. It doesn’t disappear completely, but it really isn’t an all day affair either. I tend to use my small 0.5 ounce bottle to freshen up before going to the gym. I can get 3-5 hours from it, of decent wear.

It also seems to project well at first, but then definitely dies down, and is ultimately a fairly light and airy fragrance.

The sillage goes from pretty strong to skin scent. It isn’t the worst longevity/projection scent that I’ve ever come across but it isn’t anywhere near where I would want it to be.

This is more of a casual daily wear. Spring and summer mostly. You can wear it in plenty of situations, but Very Cool isn’t much of a formal wear fragrance or one for romantic wear or nightlife.

It’s an easy to wear cologne, that’s going to be one you can have in your rotation for days you just want something refreshing and don’t need to think very much about it.

Overall Impressions of Very Cool

Would I recommend Very Cool? For the price, it’s a nice smelling cologne (it’s been discontinued, so, if you can even find a discounted bottle anymore. But, I wouldn’t spend more than $30, if you do come across it.).

Update: It looks like it’s back here in 2024. I’m seeing it on Amazon again. Though, selling for $65 per bottle, which is a reach.

This Tommy Bahama fragrance isn’t my favorite of all-time or anything, but I could definitely wear it on certain occasions.

My only real issue with this scent is the longevity, which could easily be fixed with some reapplication, which isn’t a bad idea because it is so inexpensive.

It is a really fresh casual scent that offers something different from the usual summertime fare.  Very Cool is a good smelling and safe scent, just know up front it isn’t a longevity beast.

Versace Eros vs D&G The One Cologne Comparison

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I don’t know why I haven’t already done a comparison between these two insanely popular fragrance on the site already. However, I guess it’s better late than never. So today, we have a head to head matchup between Versace Eros and The One EDP by Dolce & Gabbana.

I’ve replace the EDT version of The One on here, since it’s got such poor performance, and the eau de parfum is basically the same.

Which of these men’s best sellers smells the best? Gives the best performance? Is a better option to buy?

Tale of the Tape: The One vs. Eros

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Dolce & Gabbana The One

Notes of The One: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One

My Full Review: The One EDP

Opening

Depending on what bottle batch of The One you get nowadays, you might get more of a spice to the opening, but what remains the same is the beautiful blend of citrus, tobacco, and amber. It’s so absolutely smooth.

I have to admit, The One is near the top of my all-time favorite smells. The aroma is just outstanding, but as a fragrance it ultimately fails. I’ll get into that later, though.

Eros, by contrast, is a bold cologne right from the start. It’s sweet with a blend of fruit, a chocolate-like blend of vanilla/tonka bean, and a crisp mint note.

Update: Newer batches of Eros seem to have more of a lemon opening than it used to. It doesn’t have the same appeal to me, that it did.

While I really like the way Versace Eros smells…the opening of The One is utterly fantastic, in my mind. It sort of has everything that I want in a fragrance, which is why it gets the edge in this aspect.

Edge: The One

Projection

This category isn’t even close. Eros is a sillage monster. It is loud and makes a statement wherever you go. The One, is moderate at its absolute peak, and fairly light thereafter.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

With The One EDP, I get six-plus hours of wear, if I spray heavily. 4-5 hours, if I don’t It is much improved over the EDT which can disappear in an hour or two. Still, not on the level of the Versace cologne provides.

Whichever camp one falls into, Eros has the performance aspect on lockdown. It’s going to hit double digit hours in terms of longevity and seems to do so for almost everyone.

Update: I don’t get this same level anymore with newer bottles, but it still eclipses The One. Now, Eros EDT seems to be in the 8 hour range.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Both of these colognes are cold weather scents. Both don’t hold up well in the heat. I’ll give The One the nod, as if it actually lasts on your skin, it is safer for work or casual wear.

Eros can be extremely loud and I liked to reserve it for the nighttime mostly. I think both work best at night, but The One has a versatile ability that Eros doesn’t.

Edge: The One

Overall Scent

If you’re asking me purely which one smells better, I’d go with The One by D&G. Eros smells great, but I just think that The One is near perfect…and no, Villain is not a proper substitute.

However, on balance? I used to say that, Versace Eros was the winner. It did smell great and has amazing performance capability. It is fresh, bold, and sexy.

I still think it’s a fine cologne to wear, at times. But, I’ve really lost interest in Eros over the years. It just doesn’t do it for me anymore.

The One. I adore it’s smell. It just doesn’t last that well, on my skin. The Eau de Parfum is passable, which is why I have a full bottle of it. The EDT version, isn’t worthwhile.

I like its refinement and depth versus what I get now from Eros. It smells better and the performance is good enough versus what newer batches of Eros offer. As such, I’m changing the winner on this page to The One.

Winner: The One