Reviews of Burberrys for Men (Original) by Burberry
In 1981, society was much different in a clear positive way. Men were men and there was a new fragrance launched from a popular British house known more for clothing. However, a masculine fragrance called Burberrys for Men came into the scene and it simply was a masterpiece that wasn't too loud and not brutish at all. The fragrance I think lasted until 1991 when another scent, for whatever reason, replaced it.
Burberrys for men (1981) was/is a stunningly high quality fougere that surrounded the wearer with high quality through and through. It's not a powerhouse, strangely enough, but it's a steady performing classic that sadly is very hard to find, but I was determined to have it so I searched and searched and finally located a seller that had an 8oz brand new bottle in the original box for just north of $100.00!! I couldn't believe my luck so I quickly pulled the trigger and within a week it was MINE.
This was the very first fragrance launched exclusively for men so to me that's something special and I wear it very sparingly in the fall/winter and with each sniff I'm sadly reminded that these types of fragrances are no longer made. No perfume house even comes close but at least I have it in my possession.
One final note... If you look into the history of Burberry fragrances you will NOT find any mention or information in this classic pilot fragrance. Why is that? Lord only knows but it's simply unfortunate because out of all of the masculine offerings from Burberry, THIS one is EASILY the best one that contains the highest quality.
10/10
Burberrys for men (1981) was/is a stunningly high quality fougere that surrounded the wearer with high quality through and through. It's not a powerhouse, strangely enough, but it's a steady performing classic that sadly is very hard to find, but I was determined to have it so I searched and searched and finally located a seller that had an 8oz brand new bottle in the original box for just north of $100.00!! I couldn't believe my luck so I quickly pulled the trigger and within a week it was MINE.
This was the very first fragrance launched exclusively for men so to me that's something special and I wear it very sparingly in the fall/winter and with each sniff I'm sadly reminded that these types of fragrances are no longer made. No perfume house even comes close but at least I have it in my possession.
One final note... If you look into the history of Burberry fragrances you will NOT find any mention or information in this classic pilot fragrance. Why is that? Lord only knows but it's simply unfortunate because out of all of the masculine offerings from Burberry, THIS one is EASILY the best one that contains the highest quality.
10/10
Was it Keat's "soft-dying day" or Yeat's "October twilight" that was preferred by this man in his walks in the Autumn sunset? Did he wear an Ivy cap to really warm his head or to appear well-read? Is he always cultural and clean or secretly damaged and sometimes mean? So many questions, so few answers at the "other end of the telescope" as Elvis Costello sang.
He wore Burberrys for Men, redolent with marjoram, that one herb that is the question mark among exclamation points. Mild and sweet, much like his demeanor, like spearmint-scented oak wood, more intensified when the herb is dry, much like his sense of humor. Its smell reminds me of a walk in the Vermont woods, when you can almost smell the fauna among the flora, the smell of warm sheep's pelt, and then tang of juniper berries can be made out among the lash of mugwort bushes.
It simmers down to a soft round patchouli awash in musk, firmly planted in the twilight comfort of a leather base. It is a welcome relief from the strain of dialectics, as this man takes off his cap and undoes a couple buttons of his Oxford shirt to just feel comfortable in his own human vulnerability for a while.
This gem was only on the market for about ten years, subsequently replaced by an entirely different Burberrys for Men in 1991. Sadly, it's become quite scarce and is therefore a treasure in my collection. For those who may want to seek a similar sensibility, there is also the lovely original (not new) version of Perry Ellis for Men cologne, which lies in the same vicinity.
He wore Burberrys for Men, redolent with marjoram, that one herb that is the question mark among exclamation points. Mild and sweet, much like his demeanor, like spearmint-scented oak wood, more intensified when the herb is dry, much like his sense of humor. Its smell reminds me of a walk in the Vermont woods, when you can almost smell the fauna among the flora, the smell of warm sheep's pelt, and then tang of juniper berries can be made out among the lash of mugwort bushes.
It simmers down to a soft round patchouli awash in musk, firmly planted in the twilight comfort of a leather base. It is a welcome relief from the strain of dialectics, as this man takes off his cap and undoes a couple buttons of his Oxford shirt to just feel comfortable in his own human vulnerability for a while.
This gem was only on the market for about ten years, subsequently replaced by an entirely different Burberrys for Men in 1991. Sadly, it's become quite scarce and is therefore a treasure in my collection. For those who may want to seek a similar sensibility, there is also the lovely original (not new) version of Perry Ellis for Men cologne, which lies in the same vicinity.
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A classic, refined and gentlemanly leather scent, perhaps the best Burberry has ever made for men.
Moderate projection and reasonable silage for a few hours (in both the after shave and the cologne), after which this stays close to the skin.
The opening reminds me of Bogart Pour Homme (1975) but this lacks the green and smoky power of Bogart's first opus as it is ultimately a classical leather scent, undoubted manly but without loudly proclaiming its virility in the same way as Knize 10 or Moschino Pour Homme do.
I pick up very little in the way of floral notes in this, although I acknowledge that my 30 year old bottles may have deteriorated over time, but the earthy moss, subtle musk and irresistible leather base are still very pronounced and the combination equates to a nigh on 40 year old composition which is as well blended a leather scent as I have come across in 3 decades of olfactory exploration, this is wonderful stuff.
Moderate projection and reasonable silage for a few hours (in both the after shave and the cologne), after which this stays close to the skin.
The opening reminds me of Bogart Pour Homme (1975) but this lacks the green and smoky power of Bogart's first opus as it is ultimately a classical leather scent, undoubted manly but without loudly proclaiming its virility in the same way as Knize 10 or Moschino Pour Homme do.
I pick up very little in the way of floral notes in this, although I acknowledge that my 30 year old bottles may have deteriorated over time, but the earthy moss, subtle musk and irresistible leather base are still very pronounced and the combination equates to a nigh on 40 year old composition which is as well blended a leather scent as I have come across in 3 decades of olfactory exploration, this is wonderful stuff.
The opening displays a traditional mix of bergamot, artemisia and juniper - with the latter in the background on me. Delightful
The drydown develops themes of a rather soft patchouli - no harsh edges here - together with a jasmin that is integrated seamlessly into this mix. A leather impression evolves and gradually takes Centre stage: a slightly dark leather, which is not sharp and only has a minimum of smoky characteristics.
The base develops the leather theme further, and touches of amber are present. A whiff of oak moss is traceable, but it is very much an afterthought and never in the foreground. Moments of nonspecific woodsy components enrich the leather towards the end.
I get moderate sillage, very good projection and six hours of longevity on my skin.
This is a beautiful classic autumn scent for daytime as well as evenings, which is beautifully blended form high-quality ingredients. It is not really very strong, but definitely refined. One of Burberry's finest. 3.75/5.
The drydown develops themes of a rather soft patchouli - no harsh edges here - together with a jasmin that is integrated seamlessly into this mix. A leather impression evolves and gradually takes Centre stage: a slightly dark leather, which is not sharp and only has a minimum of smoky characteristics.
The base develops the leather theme further, and touches of amber are present. A whiff of oak moss is traceable, but it is very much an afterthought and never in the foreground. Moments of nonspecific woodsy components enrich the leather towards the end.
I get moderate sillage, very good projection and six hours of longevity on my skin.
This is a beautiful classic autumn scent for daytime as well as evenings, which is beautifully blended form high-quality ingredients. It is not really very strong, but definitely refined. One of Burberry's finest. 3.75/5.
I am a fan of men's fragrances from circa 1981 based on the several I have tried, and Burberrys for Men is further confirmation that something was going right back then. I think it has to do with moss adding a dimension and making the fragrance develop into something even better than the initial half hour. From the other notes listed here on Basenotes, amber is one that sounds right to me, adding a sweetness to the base. A full bottle would be tempting.
A pure leather. Plain and simple. A card carrying leather fan must have it in his collection.
I personally prefer my leather with some other stuff thrown in like Moschino (herbal leather) and probably will not go for FB.
I dont get much juniper or citrus but only leather. Possibly lost the top in my sample (but doubt it as source is impeccable)
I personally prefer my leather with some other stuff thrown in like Moschino (herbal leather) and probably will not go for FB.
I dont get much juniper or citrus but only leather. Possibly lost the top in my sample (but doubt it as source is impeccable)
It would be a rather glib statement to declare that Burberry's For Men is the finest fragrance I have ever encountered, but I can be confident in stating that I have never been bedecked by anything finer. It belongs with other fragrant luminaries such as Derby and Patou Pour Homme in that it exudes a certain lustre, a golden hue that is almost beyond words.
There is little in the listed constituent ingredients to suggest anything other than an eighties chypre-class dreadnought, with a standard spec opening. At its heart it feels peppery, boozy with a palpable garnish of juniper. There are shades of Yatagan,Phileas, and even a schmeer of Revillon Pour Homme, but Burberry's, even when pitched against these estimable compositions, remains outstanding.
It is of little consequence that both the eau de toilette and the cologne versions are blighted by a lack of stamina and projection. There is just so much beauty and elegance being exuded that almost anything can be forgiven.
There is little in the listed constituent ingredients to suggest anything other than an eighties chypre-class dreadnought, with a standard spec opening. At its heart it feels peppery, boozy with a palpable garnish of juniper. There are shades of Yatagan,Phileas, and even a schmeer of Revillon Pour Homme, but Burberry's, even when pitched against these estimable compositions, remains outstanding.
It is of little consequence that both the eau de toilette and the cologne versions are blighted by a lack of stamina and projection. There is just so much beauty and elegance being exuded that almost anything can be forgiven.
A noble and comfy sweet aromatic fougere that feels like a mix of De Viris, Antaeus and Revillon pour Homme. The best of the Burberries in my book.
Great stuff! This was my first "high end" cologne and was purchased when it just came out- eighth grade I believe. It's nice to see the TRUE original bottle pictured here. I saw another site that has a picture of the incorrect bottle. I laugh about this one because I have girls that come up to me to this day that remember me wearing it LOL! I take it there's not even a modern reformulation of it? It's no longer made in any form?
I'm no expert on fragrances. I buy what I like and own around 20 colognes today at age 50. When I was a teenager in 1980-82 I used to enjoy testing the available scents at the nearby department store and getting samples. In 1982 I finally broke down and bought my first bottle of men's cologne, the original Burberry. I loved it and it lasted for about 10 years. In the meantime I bought Aramis when I was around 21 and got Drakkar as a gift when I was 23/24 followed by the original Fahrenheit (I don't like the new Fahrenheit). I reminisced about having Burberry again some 8 years ago only to find that it was long discontinued. On occasion I've searched online for it with no luck or on the very rare occasion I found it, it was a lot more than I was prepared to spend. A few weeks ago I got the urge to check again and found it at auction on eBay and I won a new, full bottle for $52 with shipping. Heck, it's work 3-4x that and was cheaper than many of my newer colognes. I'll be sure to make this bottle last!
I did buy the new Burberry London about 6 weeks ago after testing it and finding that it was the closest to the original. This will be a regular and the original will be saved for special occasions.
I did buy the new Burberry London about 6 weeks ago after testing it and finding that it was the closest to the original. This will be a regular and the original will be saved for special occasions.
For ages I have wanted to try this fragrance because of my love for the few iterations that came afterward with a similar name. It became sort of a 'bucket list' item for me. When I first sniffed the sample I finally wrangled I was utterly dismayed that it smelled like Burberrys #2; I love that fragrance but was immediately convinced the vendor giving me said sample had also been confused by the London-Not-London name game Burberry had created. I noticed a marked decrease, however, in the 'citronella' aspect of #2 which is among its most prominent features.
I remembered it said that the very first Burberry smelled something like what is now called London, and I can now attest this is true - with all the confusion that brings with it.
Here now I will provide a quick guide to help anyone confused as I was for the purpose of navigating this series of scents.
#1 - Much like Guerlain's Derby without the smoky intensity, sort of like Hugh Grant trying to be Clint Eastwood. An herbal, mossy leather which stays close but is quite strong for a couple hours. Despite the pyramid above, a beautifully authentic-smelling sandalwood base which reminds me of Jaguar Mark II without the overbearing patchouli. Contains a flowery, plantlike bitterness which will later be over-accentuated, using tagete, in the mid-90's incarnation. Just beautiful.
#2 - Citronella and spearmint over vanillic wax and woods, like an upscale Pleasures for Men. Endlessly enjoyable.
Burberry for Men ('95) - Very bitter opening, full of marigold and sunflower laid over a then popular vanilla and lavender duo. Well constructed and well dressed but a bit wearisome. The cedar and moss drydown hearkens to the first Burberry, an attempt at recreation following current guidelines and lowered cost. This was obviously an attempt to revive the brand using the early to mid 90's guidelines of floral-fresh. Thank the powers that be they stuck with floral-herbal instead of jumping ship for Calone.
Burberry London - Once again donning the now confusing 'London' moniker we see a boozy port and fir creation which seems like the first one on holiday, like a resinous extract of the original - eschewing dryness for a winey saturation. It is still very similar in structure, (especially the delicious use of pepper) but another attempt at reinvention of the Self, much like a Madonna album.
I was for years confused by the Burberrys series, thinking of each successor as its own entirely different fragrance, but once I finally realized the house was simply tweaking and reissuing its flagship to meet modern standards it suddenly made so much sense and I could see all the dotted lines joining them. I do not like these offerings any less for being rehashes because I feel they were tweaked with a beautiful nuance to fit their respective times. I am, however, confident that any of us who have worn the first two know there is just something special about their make which has largely eluded mainstream perfumers since.
Burberry can churn out all the flankers they want but they are going to need a serious overhaul if they ever wish to return to this level of quality. Burberrys (#1) smells like a personally tailored suit feels, while their new sport juice feels a bit more Old Navy.
Long rant short, five blooming stars for one of the most perfectly proportioned and utterly beautiful creations I've ever sniffed.
I remembered it said that the very first Burberry smelled something like what is now called London, and I can now attest this is true - with all the confusion that brings with it.
Here now I will provide a quick guide to help anyone confused as I was for the purpose of navigating this series of scents.
#1 - Much like Guerlain's Derby without the smoky intensity, sort of like Hugh Grant trying to be Clint Eastwood. An herbal, mossy leather which stays close but is quite strong for a couple hours. Despite the pyramid above, a beautifully authentic-smelling sandalwood base which reminds me of Jaguar Mark II without the overbearing patchouli. Contains a flowery, plantlike bitterness which will later be over-accentuated, using tagete, in the mid-90's incarnation. Just beautiful.
#2 - Citronella and spearmint over vanillic wax and woods, like an upscale Pleasures for Men. Endlessly enjoyable.
Burberry for Men ('95) - Very bitter opening, full of marigold and sunflower laid over a then popular vanilla and lavender duo. Well constructed and well dressed but a bit wearisome. The cedar and moss drydown hearkens to the first Burberry, an attempt at recreation following current guidelines and lowered cost. This was obviously an attempt to revive the brand using the early to mid 90's guidelines of floral-fresh. Thank the powers that be they stuck with floral-herbal instead of jumping ship for Calone.
Burberry London - Once again donning the now confusing 'London' moniker we see a boozy port and fir creation which seems like the first one on holiday, like a resinous extract of the original - eschewing dryness for a winey saturation. It is still very similar in structure, (especially the delicious use of pepper) but another attempt at reinvention of the Self, much like a Madonna album.
I was for years confused by the Burberrys series, thinking of each successor as its own entirely different fragrance, but once I finally realized the house was simply tweaking and reissuing its flagship to meet modern standards it suddenly made so much sense and I could see all the dotted lines joining them. I do not like these offerings any less for being rehashes because I feel they were tweaked with a beautiful nuance to fit their respective times. I am, however, confident that any of us who have worn the first two know there is just something special about their make which has largely eluded mainstream perfumers since.
Burberry can churn out all the flankers they want but they are going to need a serious overhaul if they ever wish to return to this level of quality. Burberrys (#1) smells like a personally tailored suit feels, while their new sport juice feels a bit more Old Navy.
Long rant short, five blooming stars for one of the most perfectly proportioned and utterly beautiful creations I've ever sniffed.
Hi. I am confused.
Here's the backdrop: I recently got this cologne on ebay by mistake; that is to say, the seller shipped me the wrong one. It's called Burberrys of London For Men. Well, the other buyer (wth my cologne I actually won) never responded, so I just decided to keep this and I even told the seller not to worry about giving me a partial refund (which she offered me to keep it).
Here's the story: I never smelled it nor sprayed it until it was officially mine, and whenI did, WOW!!!!! It is classy and awesome and just plain delicious! I think I may have an original, but I am not sure. The bottle has "Burberrys" in big letters, then "OF LONDON" underneath. Then, a little below that, "FOR MEN", and down near the base it says "EAU DE TOILETTE". Do I have a real gem or just a cZ? Either way, this smells GREAT!!
Here's the backdrop: I recently got this cologne on ebay by mistake; that is to say, the seller shipped me the wrong one. It's called Burberrys of London For Men. Well, the other buyer (wth my cologne I actually won) never responded, so I just decided to keep this and I even told the seller not to worry about giving me a partial refund (which she offered me to keep it).
Here's the story: I never smelled it nor sprayed it until it was officially mine, and whenI did, WOW!!!!! It is classy and awesome and just plain delicious! I think I may have an original, but I am not sure. The bottle has "Burberrys" in big letters, then "OF LONDON" underneath. Then, a little below that, "FOR MEN", and down near the base it says "EAU DE TOILETTE". Do I have a real gem or just a cZ? Either way, this smells GREAT!!
Another great one from the past, and now nearly impossible to find. A truly well made and wonderful fragrance.
And take a look at the pramid. Here's nostalgia for you! All the notes listed are things you can actually smell and identify. Every one of them actually occurs in nature.
People are always complaining that they don't make them like this anymore... and maybe that's true because without 'Mystic Woods' or 'Hypnotic Ocean Accord' no one thinks they can sell it.
Per Basenotes, there were a total of 53 fragrances for men AND women launched in 1981, and many were outstanding. This was one of them.
And take a look at the pramid. Here's nostalgia for you! All the notes listed are things you can actually smell and identify. Every one of them actually occurs in nature.
People are always complaining that they don't make them like this anymore... and maybe that's true because without 'Mystic Woods' or 'Hypnotic Ocean Accord' no one thinks they can sell it.
Per Basenotes, there were a total of 53 fragrances for men AND women launched in 1981, and many were outstanding. This was one of them.
Got this as part of a deal with a bunch of frags on ebay. Had never heard of it but, since it cost essentially zero, I figured it was worth a try. Anyway, the bergamot in the open is awesome. Great projection and longevity. Lovely rich scent. Definitely worth acquiring if you run across it.
What a crying shame that Burberry's would discontinue this gem and then release the swill they now sell (Brit aside). One of my three all time favorites, this one. Again, what a pity.
The original Burberrys for Men (Original) was just as good as was said here by JOHN. Now Burberry has the new Brit fragrance which smells like either the original Burberrys for Men (Original) or like Derby by Guerlain - I cannot remember but it is almost exactly like one of them!