by Cerruti
Cerruti 1881 Men is a classic aromatic fougère that captures the essence of vintage masculine elegance. The opening is sharp and assertive—dominated by citrus (bergamot), sharp herbal notes (lavender, juniper, cypress), and a prominent woody structure—with a surprisingly clean and soapy character that evokes a barbershop experience. Over time, it evolves into a more refined and balanced composition where soft floral notes (lily-of-the-valley, rose, ylang-ylang) interplay with a dry, musky, and earthy base of oakmoss, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, and sandalwood. The fragrance is linear and well-blended, with a consistent progression that feels timeless and mature. Despite some reports of diluted longevity in modern versions, it holds strong for moderate to long durations on most skin types, lasting up to 8 hours with moderate sillage. Its strength lies in its ability to feel both fresh and deeply masculine—undaunted by age or trend, with a quiet confidence that works perfectly in spring, summer, and warmer months. It's unmistakably a man’s scent, not for the young, timid, or overly sensitive to clean, soapy, or slightly green aromas. A long-standing favorite among discerning men, it succeeds as an affordable yet luxurious benchmark for classic masculine fragrances.