John Varvatos John Varvatos for men

This is a very sophisticated and sexy scent. This is a very deep,sensual scent that I think is best served for a night out with a lovely lady. Woodsy with just the right amount of spice and sweetness.I would definitely say this is for the 30+ crowd.

If this is hard to find or you are on a budget you can get C.O. Bigelow Elixir Black from Bath & Body Works for $20. They are virtually identical.

A sexy scent for men! Alluring without being overwhelming.

Big fan of this scent. At first I thought it was a bit too syrupy sweet, but once the leather comes in it is very nice. Average sillage/projection. I don't see what people are saying about lack of longevity, I can still smell it on my forearm 18 hrs since I applied.

This is a dead ringer for DKNY's FUEL FOR MEN (the leaded version) from the 1990's. Really, it is an amazing match to my nose.

i like this. but doesnt last at all.

There is a lot of hype in the fragrance community for some fragrances that they dont even come close to this amazing scent. I recently bought Amouage's Reflection and even though is a good fragrance is definetely not worth the money. Not that it really matters but nobody and i mean nobody noticed it. But thats not the case with JV. A big compliment getter for sure! As for the longevity, it works great on me. 7 plus hours and for sure its a fragrance that is made to stay close to the skin. Elegant, warm and sexy. Women adore this one and i do enjoy wearing it a lot. Even summer nights!!!
Also, the drydown is soooooo beautiful that makes people wanna be really next to you!

It smells sexy!!! I like it!

Suitable for autumn and winter nights. Soft but noticeable, warm and leathery.

7/10

if you like this try bath and body works elixir black ..smells the same

I did a skin test of this one in a major department store and was pretty close to buying it, but a couple of things held me back. First, during its middle phase, there is a strong scent of mint. It is very surprising that this scent is not listed among the notes because it was very clearly there. Amidst the mix of rich fruits, spices and wood, the mint comes off as rather jarring and out of the character of the rest of the fragrance. It wasn't a bad mint, but it didn't make sense in terms of the composition,,

The second issue was longevity. About 45 minutes after application, the fragrance faded to a skin scent. Throughout, it didn't project much either. It is really too bad because the other qualities of the scent are first rate. The fruit at the opening is lively and interesting. The transitions from fruit to spiced leather with some dirty patchouli thrown in is equally delightful and unexpected. But the end comes far too quickly and the random elements occurring during the transition are just too jarring. This one is a pass for me.

There is really no excuse for the lack of longevity at the price point of this fragrance. I suppose it might be good in an office setting where stealth is required. Otherwise, it's a huge disappointment for me. This fragrance has so much going for it. It is a shame that it cannot close the deal in all this promise.

I held back on this due to it's well publicized lack of longevity and since I've basically gotten to my 31 scent threshold (a different scent a day for a month) I decided it was time to visit the dark side. This is dark and a bit brooding, a no nonsense smell that is strictly business. It opens with a lot of depth and slowly reveals its divine layering. Thank goodness I get 6 plus hours out of it. I love the dark leather and plum which seems to be a mainstay throughout. All in all I have to say that I'm quite pleased with this.

Figs, plums, cedar and sandalwood, delicious! I get no spices in this one, but it is a warm mysterious sexual scent. It warmed up pretty quick in my area, and warmer weather really makes scents like this POP! Body heat plus weather heat really does many fragrances justice by letting all the notes come out. It has so much more depth now I AM IN LOVE! It is so masculine and yummy, and very well blended! The fig was there and the vanilla which turned this scent from boring to biker chic. I just wanted to sniff his neck the whole day. Great stuff! Highly recommended. This stuff is very masculine sexy, and mysterious! YUM

I've smelt it before and I think I'd underestimated it; yet I can't tell this one and Vintage apart precisely. But I get more powdery, more serious, more sexy, more leafy/fruity theme which makes me insane!
This is one of the best ever that proves Varvatos' interest with few but premium releases.
It's neat and casual and a bit formal but not for ceremonies, I prefer, especially if you be more than 30. You need a mellow weather, not so hot sunshine, a casual suit, an outdoor small party and a really beautiful blond and thin girlfriend with hazel eyes to wear it on its right condition. I tested it on my wrist and I think it bring you lots of complements on the skin.
Preferably spring/early summer day casual fragrance.

I have to give it a full wearing but it seems like the idea was to avoid floral notes, even lavender (which is so common in "men's" fragrances it's sometimes not even listed in note pyramids, despite it obviously being present!), and for that I am grateful. Even the old "80s power" fragrances like this had a floral element of some kind (all the ones I've sampled) if we include lavender. The dried fruit and spice notes dominate, with just enough sweetness to enhance richness (without getting cloying). There's a nice dry wood note here but I don't get the leather. It's not complex but it doesn't get boring, and it's reasonably natural smelling. If longevity isn't good, I suggest spraying on fabric rather than skin. I have no longevity issues, however, and projection ("sillage") is at least good (I used 2 sprays to the chest). I'll likely wear Michael for Men (Kors) more often, because I like the tobacco and incense, but this one is good for when I want to focus on dried fruit and spice.

absolute classic simply one of the best mens colognes and the vanilla, woodsy notes and fig really blend well and give a great smell

I love this. Smells sweet, warm and very sexy! I'd use this when I'm going on a date during winter or a summer night. Longevity, I get around 6 hours on this. Smells very classy and manly, definitely recommend this one!

Good scent for everyday use, I wouldn't use it for date nights because (while it's noticeable and nice, women would like it) it isn't very seducing. It is what it is. That being said, it's got a very well made scent to it, definitely my favorite of the john varvatos collection for men. Leather, Plum, etc. all very well balanced and noticeable... I don't really know how to describe how I feel about it though. I would wear this as an ocasional fragrance in the everyday routine to break the norm (so I don't get sick of my every day smells) but I feel like if I used it more than once or twice a week, I'd get sick of it really fast. It's amazing after it's calmed down for a few seconds and dried, but it's strong - I would say DEFINITELY beware of over-spraying this one. And it's much more pleasant if you spray it, so if you happen to get a splash bottle, just transfer it into a small atomizing spray canister -- they're cheap, it'll conserve the cologne, it'll smell better and it will be well worth it.

Fantastic. Let it settle in for five minutes and reap the reward of glorious sweet,dark plum - mature goodness! Longevity is my only issue - 2.5 hours - don't expect anymore. Otherwise, this is unfreakinbelievably good.

This is THE date night scent. I'm not even sure how to describe it. Definitely masculine and provocative. I don't get crazy longevity on this guy, but for it's purpose, longevity doesn't matter. If you are going out to a nice supper with a lady-friend this is the fragrance to wear.

the drydown of this fragrance is similar to the drydown of Dolce and Gabbana's The One. Soft, Sweet, Fruity, Vanilla etc...

The fragrances are different, but the drydowns are similar.

Smells like a very syrupy sweet scent with a almost bubble gum dry down at the end. To compare it to another scent that has some similiarities. This to me smells like a more mature version on Paco Robbane's 1 Million. If 1 Million was for a club craized teen or early 20'S guy. Then John Varvatos is for a more mature and "chivalrous" man with a girlfriend. Thats about as close as I can get to describing it.

I'd say 8.5/10

Woody, Oriental, Mysterious.
suites for nights. great for dates.
at first it may smell a bit "regular" but you have to smell it for quite a few minutes before you feel it's unique smell. thumbs up!

Lovely, plummy and figgy initial blast that settles down into leather and tonka bean. Absolutely beautiful and masculine opening. The only problem is the miserable longevity, which is really a crime, since this fragrance is so good. After two hours, this fragrance completely disappears. Otherwise, this is a great fall and winter scent. So romantic, warm, and sensual.

I like it, but for my taste, it goes only in falls and winters.
یک عطر گرم و خوش بو.میگویند بوی آن حتی مرده را هم زنده میکند.من که خیلی باهاش حال میکنم و تاکنون 3 شیشه از آن را خریداری کرده ام.اما حیف که دیگر به سختی پیدا می شود.

What a really beautiful sexy scent.

It's probably in my Top3 of all time.

It's only (kinda) weakness:
longevity (something between 4 and 6 hours) and sillage ("romantic" sillage).

9.5 / 10

After hunting for 1.5 years in Singapore, I finally found it!

John Varvatos is the perfect blend of woody and spicy! And that tone of leather just adds to the whole picture! Like most other comments, I'd say dat d longetivity is an issue, but this is an out and out evening fragrance and shud b avoided in the day.

Its underrated, subtle yet intense and impactful at d same time!

I'm glad I did not waste my 1.5 years hunting for it!

Overall: 3.3

5 Nose-gasm
4 Awsome sauce!
3 Good but not exciting enough
2 Meh!
1 Hell to the no!

On to my next review! I wanted to review the signature fragrance because I can see why a lot of people like it, but also explain why it's not best suited for me. It has amazing sillage and is very sophisticated, spicy, and a tad musky. I can see why this is the signature Cologne from John Varvatos, because once you smell that you will never forget it whether you like it or not. When I was a little kid it reminded me of my uncle who used to wear Arimas bath soap, shaving lotion, and cologne! Anybody in the same room as you, possibly the same building is going to get a whiff of this juice. The bottle just like the fragrance and would not necessarily described as classy, but rather sophisticated. I'm 35 years old and I have a hard time seeing myself wearing this except for only on a very cold winter night when there is a formal engagement and I'm going to be in a crowd such as a wedding reception or Christmas party. The leather, cedar, and pepper are definitely the most pronounced notes at the beginning. I had a very hard time smelling any kind of fruit, but maybe after a few hours they may come out a little bit. If you want to add some sophistication and professionalism to your image, besides a wonderful suit and tie (double-breasted) this is the fragrance to match. This is not a kids toy though.

Sillage 10/10
Longevity 8/10
Notes 8.5/10

This is a great smell but it's not for a young crowd

I love this smell: leathery, a little smoky, sweet, with a black cherry note perhaps. Longevity is so bad on me however, pretty much completely gone after 30 min and I have tried it around 10 times in different seasons. But one of the best scents out there for a romantic night, and I love the bottle.

I like it, but for my taste, it goes only in falls and winters

Owned one. Nice to add to the collection. It smells great. But longevity is poor after 30 minutes. May be here it is summer here of 45 degree!!!

I really like this fragrance, smells wonderful and works very well with my chemistry. Longevity on me is great and the dry down is top notch, If you haven't tried this yet I suggest you do so or you might be missing out.

An amazing scent, lasts all day and projects well. One of my new favorites. A must own!

I completely agree with Aeternitas about this one.
I would want to get closer to a man who smelled of this sexy stuff~ I want a bottle for myself, it's that good and it's unique..Usually all mens perfume smells the same to me.

I tested this one on the paper card yesterday. It smells kind of like a Dr. Pepper soda tastes. Very interesting. I'm going to try this one on my skin a couple of times. I like it so far. It is still going strong on the card today. This just might be a future purchase.

I sampled this one again, it's not Dr. Pepper. The scent reminds me instantly of the taste of a Mr. Pibb soda. Smooth and sweet. This will work great for late Fall evenings and during Winter. I LIKE it!

Yes, a very masculine, sweet scent.
Two types of fig is an awesome plus, then added the plum!
The spices, the sage, leather! This isn't the first time I've smelt a scent like this, but it's the better of the two, that for sure ( the other I don't remember what it was).
My only down is the silage.
If only for better silage I'd probably own this by now. Guys really must try this scent, but on your skin please

After reading all these reviews I must agree this is a very attractive smell. For those who have been to South America and haven't tried this, this scent is exactly like warm dulce de leche (a variant of caramel with more milk and a bit of vanilla, the translation being milk jam).
It's very sexy, for coldish days, BUT although I adore the smell and would die if I smelled it around (it's a plus for me this is not sold where I live so NO ONE has it, which is great mainly because it is too distinctive so if 2 people had it... boring!)I cannot accept this lasts half an hour and then fades away as if it NEVER existed.
I read some reviewer said: "the drydown is to die for" and I couldn't agree more but it comes after 15 minutes and says goodbye in minutes. The basenotes are unexisting which makes me wonder how come Rodrigo Flores Roux didn't manage to keep this great smell on or at least put something to guarantee a longer drydown.
This is 100% a gourmand scent for me (I haven't read anyone saying it but if you smelled dulce de leche you wouldn't have a doubt, perhaps you can relate it too to Bayleys smell)and I appreciate Rodrigo uses strange or never used before ingredients, but although I am not over demanding when it comes to sillage or longevity, this is clearly not a piece of art to smell it a second and remember it for eternity. This is clearly a fragrance made for massive wear and selling, and meant for parties and so, so it just can't wear off after half an hour 'cause it loses its aim I think... you get to the party and no one knows you ever put it on you.
I think of Lolita Lempicka au masc or Rochas Man and both are gourmands lasting till next day.
Finally: it's not my skin, I've tested on several friends (lol) and no single evidence after (at most) 40 min. Reading that Artisan has so many bad reviews based on longevity... perhaps this is a must revise for John&co.
What a pity for such great concoction.

impression of this perfume is unique, the top note brings me to my childhood, it reminds me much of caramel candy my dad used to make. Such an intimate smell, and then the smell like coconut remains and blending with my body odor. I know that coconut is not written in the notes list, but somehow the drydown on me really reminds me of that. Kinda like this fragrance!

The overall smell of this fragrances is great. It smells better than the majority of designer fragrances out there. The only problem I have of this is its longevity and projection. I only get around 3 hours of solid projection and after that, it fades and it fades quickly. After the 3 hour mark, it begins to smell like gum that has been stuck to the bottom of a school desk for...you know, that stale-sweet smelling scent of old gum.

Longevity:C
Projection:c
Uniqueness:B
Versatility:B
OVERALL: B-

This is my favourite for the last 5 years. The vanilla and tobacco are well blended that it makes it hard to resist. A truly unique perfume. Love the bottle too!!!

I got this perfume because i heard a lot of good reviews about it and it's very rare here in the UK. I have to say this is truly a unique perfume, easily one of the legendary perfumes. However, it didn't really suit a young adult like me (I'm 21), it is more for adults around the age of 28-39 .

That said there are certain occassions where a young adult like me can use it , like formal events when you're dressed up sharp and serious. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT A PERFUME LIKE ANY OTHER WHICH YOU CAN SMELL ON ANY GUYS AROUND.
No regrets buying it.

9/10

I had a student tell me that I smelled like maple syrup. Not sure if that is a compliment or not. I really like this fragrance. I only wish it would last a little longer on my skin.

7/10

I had a student tell me that I smelled like maple syrup. Not sure if that is a compliment or not. I really like this fragrance. I only wish it would last a little longer on my skin.

7/10

My brother gave me his bottle. I LOVE this cologne. It makes a great women's fragrance too, if you are the kind of woman who is into woods and spices...because it's a gentle fragrance, not overwhelming by any means. It reminds me of Bvlgari Omnia (which is for women), but it's a class above Omnia. I think Omnia suits a man better than a woman. This cologne does start off smelling like Christmas, with sweet cinnamon and spices, but the drydown is more like pepper and warm woods and reminds me of a cozy fireplace. Such a sexy scent!

JV is a soft spoken fragrance. One that knows his value, but stays humble and reserved in most of his ways. Never offensive. I'd say this scent works best for 20-35yr old guys. This is def an underrated fragrance which makes it better that I know about it! Longevity is about 4hrs, projection is relatively low but the smell is amazing and worth it. Def a fragrance you want to be in close quarters with, not smell it 4ft away.

Of all the items which using leather and spices in perfumery this is the best by far. You can smell the leather which is obviously sensuous and yet very relaxed and totally fits all seasons not only Winter. I was taken by a surprise of its longevity actually, as I heard it wouldn't last that much and It surprised me as it lasted on my skin for more than 8 hours in a hyperactive day I spent, despite the fact that I have a very dry skin.
This one was given to me by one of the most excellent noses known in my country and I should always trust his taste in colognes.
It is manly, playful and you can easily make it your odor signature.

One of the very best fragrances I have ever smelt. Sexy, sexy, sexy.

For me, any guy from 18 to 40 will make a huge success.

I'm 23, and I get compliments all the time.

=)

When I got the bottle I thought "Not this one smell again"... It smelled so similar to other scents that I almost got rid of it. But experience has shown me that it may take some time to fully appreciate a scent, so I gave it another try. Surprisingly, this scent has become a very active part of my collection. I really enjoy it now. It's very masculine and yet fresh and light. It lasts a good while on my skin and has a fair price. Not to mention the beautiful bottle. Now, I wanna try the other Varvatos scents.

At first i didn't like it, but it grew on me then, I like such wintry colognes where you still feel the scent during a hectic work day though it is known for not lasting to much. I got this on my birthday and I would want to have it again and again and again.

amazing manly scent for fall/winter! not too harsh or aggressive though but still enjoyable...not sure of the longevity tho...

The notes listed above are ,for the most part correct , yet according to the PR it also contains: medjool date fruit, tamarind tree leaves, Indian ajowan and auramber also in the mix is vanilla CO2, balsam resins and eaglewood.

Some of these ingredients, used by Rodrigo Flores-Roux (nose who created this beauty) for the first time, make the frag deeply earthy and manly while introducing these new natural components and giving it a unique and smooth construction. Very classic smelling but just a little different than typical heavy "manly" colognes...

when i first smell this fragrance i absolutely fell in love with..its manly and woodsy notes and lil bit of sweetness on the side..dark syrupy feeling..this fragrance is good for special occassion and dates, women love this stuff..i actually wore this at work one time and one of my coworkers sniffing the hell of out of me which is a good thing. though i dont like very long in my skin after 5 hours on my skin maybe 6 hours depend where i wear it..after 5 to 6 hours nobody will smell you, unless they get real close to you..i really love woodsy lil sweet type of fragrance and this is one of them..overall this is great fragrance.

also this reminds me of aigner black for men.

Hi.

I am seductive.i am romantic.i am elegant.i am JOHN VERVATOS!Yes this scent is a beautiful modern scent for men 25/35 years old.

The EDP version is slightly different to the EDT but both are really nice.when i wear it in intimate occasions i always get compliments of my friends regarding my perfume!

Middle/base notes in nice harmony.The longevity and sillage is very good for me.i often wear in the autumn time because i think it is perfect in rainy weather.

Anyway if you are looking for a modern oriental woody you are exactly at the right place.

7/10

What a Sexy Scent.The leather and woody notes are fantastic.Elegant,discrete,not very common. For me it has some similar smell to Magnetism by Escada.

A superb elegant fragrance. A class !!!
But it lasts for few hours.

Mmm, what a sexy scent.

The coriander in the top notes was a bit ticklish for my nose, but fortunately that note was fleeting. The top and middle notes on my skin were predominantly plum and fig--almost a boozy fruity scent--blended with leather, which made the scent warm and comforting.

The dry down's herbs and woods feel both warm AND dry, and there's a peppery flair that adds interest. Leather traces are blended in lightly, and for me, the leather adds a sensuality to the dry down.

John Varvatos is a gorgeous fragrance- it's well blended and alluring. I love smelling this on my husband as much as I love wearing it myself.

I'm so curious about this...

Wish it would last longer. I get more citrus than woodsy. Warm and upscale.
I agree that it's best for the 30+ guy.
Go for it, the ladies appear to love it!

I like the fig-leathery-tobacco stuff in this one. Unfortunately it's too commercial. It reminds me Boss by Hogo Boss. The vanilla base with food stuff...

Great scent BUT I don't think I'll buy it because too many guys wears it...

8,0 / 10

king of the woodies its the richest woodsy drydwon i have EVER smelled and it does not need to be sweet to smell appealing becasue this cologne has the BEST woodsy notes and every one perfectly compliments the other and it becomes a unique smell with the fignuton and vanilla thing goin

My boyfriend used to own this scent and while it's true that it's pleasant enough; I didn't find it to be anything special. It starts out a little strong and the pepper in the top notes usually made me sneeze or at least made my nose tingle in the mornings after he applied it. After the top notes dissipated, the scent warmed up a lot and the woodiness and spices came through, which was, again, pleasant, but nothing extraordinary. The dry herbs in this fragrance tend to dominate the whole compostion for the first few hours, and while it starts out warm and full of depth, it ends up drying down to a very dry, soapy scent on the skin. Which isn't to say that's a bad thing; a lot of men like this type of scent and I know a lot of women are fans of this one, as well. It's one of the few scents I can remember my boyfriend getting excited about (before he learned a bit more about fragrances and starting looking at scents from a different point of view). So, my point is, that for most people this will be an enjoyable scent. If, however, you have a sensitive nose, the top notes or the dry-down may lend you a sneeze or two...

Very sexy, in that I've had women stopping me to ask what fragrance I am using. Very masculine.

J.V. smells nice, really nice,,, but for me it s cross between santana for men and paul smith london for men...its minus is very, very low longevity,,, what a shame

a nice addition to my wardrobe.This is very UPPER CLASS in my opinion.manly, but not in that overpowering WOODY way

I really like this fragrance, smells wonderful and works very well with my chemistry. Longevity on me is great and the dry down is top notch, If you haven't tried this yet I suggest you do so or you might be missing out.

a friend of mine just bought this one based on reviews and he is not disapointed..i smelled it also..i was ssooo curious..DAMN..it is sooo sexy..not quite everyday to wear..i think is powerful masculine and yet sweet..like a man should be:)

I really like this one. I received this when my only other scent was Curve and my initial reaction was "not all fragrances smell the same?!". Anyhow, it's nice, sweet, leathery and sexy and my bottle's almost finished! It's been a nice run John..

Well I will recommend it to wear it in winters. The smell does not last for more than an hour or two. If you want to turn your partner on, then its good to wear it in the night.

good addition to a coat and tie but for an older crowd maybe 30+

bottom line: luxurious, sophisticated and very masculine without the citrus fresh wimpy scent many adolescents bathe in

Very, very spicy, peppery and powerful beginning. The dry down is really nice, the spiciness practically fades away. A good winter cologne.

I like this one. It's actually a rather unique fragrance. Although they fluff up their notes to make it sound more exotic than it really is, it has a nice top note of dates which blends nicely with the spices and the coriander to give it some pop. On dry down it has a slight vanilla/amber combination that sits calmly radiating a warmth and sweetness that I find to be very alluring.

This is sex appeal in a bottle for a certain 30+ type of man -- smart, sophisticated, worldly,a touch intellectual, urban, well-dressed.

NOT a "college-age" scent or a "sporty"- type scent.

Do you wanna smell HANDSOME? you have to wear it... Powerful and enigmatic. Believe me that dark smell makes people to turn around just to smell again...

A wooden-acid-leather notes will define you as something undecipherable!

Wow! What an interesting scent! I put it on my wrist and for the first 10 minutes, I thought, "No way can I wear this. It is totally masculine." But after the alcohol blew off, I was left with this scent that reminds me of incense. The kind that my dad used to burn when monks came to our house. Or the kind that Catholic priests wave around in those incense carriers, on Good Friday, as they walk up the aisle. Incense is not shown above (on this website, anyway) as one of the notes, so I'm guessing what I'm smelling is the cedar mixed with something. Just as Aeternitas does, I get a lot of lime from it as well, but it's the incense smell that intrigues me. I think this would be a great scent for a priest.

It's all leather to me... Very warm, sort of like a favourite warn in leather jacket. Reminds me of DK fuel in a simpler, less bitter version.

Ridiculously sexy men's fragrance if you're into spice or woods and deep, dark notes! This is one men's fragrances that can turn a woman on. I want this for myself, even though it's too masculine for me to pull off. I love it. I think I would drool if a man walked by me wearing this, haha. I get the most from the lime note in the beginning and a little in the dry down with cedar, fig, and pepper. There's just a hint of leather. It's a very well-mixed combination. Manly and delectable.