7 Fragrances Similar to Drakkar Noir

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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?

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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.

 

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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.