Reviews of Francesco Smalto pour Homme by Francesco Smalto

Nice green late 80's classic masculine with decent wear time and a nice looking eye catching bottle. The scent is kinda obvious to other juices. To me this is a little similar to Drakkar Noir but not identical. This is a non invasive non intrusive scent that can easily be worn at work, in an elevator or on a date. This works well in many a casual situation so buy it and apply it. You won't be disappointed

8/10

Wanted to scent this some time ago as it was recommended by a few of my Basenoter friends.
What do you know, a Decant came with a recent purchase of Vintage stuff.
Here's a very nice Cologne that offers the Citrus Lavender start of many Fougeres of the 80's. Do I sense a little Cuminy background or is it the Tarragon led Herbal bouquet adding a little Spiciness. I recognize the Sweet freshness of the Cyclamen which adds a Freshness. Thank goodness the Ozonic Cucumber Sea Breeze missed this scent thing.
The light Tobacco Tonka does it's task admirably and sets the Smalto squarely in the Fougere camp for me. Passes through a period of light Leather reminiscent of Equipage.
Very enjoyable ride to an aura of a Well Dressed Groomed Masculine Gentleman.
Nice.

Herbal, dry, smoky, leathery, aldehydic, mossy—dreamy masculinity bottled.

Unlike some of the 80s fougeres that arguably come off as somewhat strident, Francesco Smalto Pour Homme is a smooth operator, with an understated naturalness that sets it apart for its genre.

Be sure to pick up a bottle with the ridges in the gold collar of the cap.

Vintage Francesco Smalto Pour Homme (Purple box / Made in France)

Francesco Smalto smells exactly like what you would expect a masculine fougere from 1987 to smell like - spicy, rich, mossy, smokey and generally BOSS.

Fans of this decade will revel in Smalto, especially the vintage, which has the mossy punch and lasting power many crave. To me, this one smells like a blend of VC & Arpels Tsar and Gucci Nobile with a pinch of Jacomo.

4 stars

I am so glad that I got a bottle of this...

Smalto you make my week....

Masterpiece

A bit ‘Lectric Shave, a bit Gucci Nobile. A nice scent, bold and billowy.

Nice powerhouse. Longevity is good. Buy it now before it get expensive.
As for the review, read Checkmate's. Spot on and I can't do better than that.

Francesco Smalto was a pleasant surprise: I expected a very dark and smoky fragrance (flerting with extravagance) and I got a casual, although distinctive, green fougere, just a bit dark and slightly smoky, great to be worn in a daily basis as an alternative to more powerful dark green scents as Tsar and Caesars Man. But don't let me be misunderstood: It's formal and follows 80s green fougere trend, which means It can be considered dated/old school nowadays. I don't think It is at all! Another fragrance that resembles its green side is Lacoste original(84).

A plain, testosterone-prominent, aromatic fougere with a bitter / smoky character. It opens with the most typical fougerey accord to then become starker and darker during the middle-phase / dry down. By all means masculine, by all means a fougere. Not much too add…

Smalto pour Homme is a great powerhouse, much more peculiar and original than it may seem (or well, than it seemed to me). Basically it opens with a balsamic-citrus accord on a gloomy base of smoke, bold tan leather, oak moss, woods (vetiver, perhaps sandalwood), with a peculiar sort of "outdoors" herbal-anisic-tea breeze going around (I guess due to fennel and tarragon), together with other unusual and really well-played notes: I get something boozy, licorice, a colorful blend of spices and herbs. Somehow it's a conventional “dark smoky fougère”, but it does just a step further, showing quite an interesting set of unique features: it does not have all the raw, austere, dry shadiness of many leathers like Knize, it's not a skanky animalic scent like Ungaro II, not an oak moss beast like Quorum, and not only a herbal-aromatic fougère like Tsar... yet it has something of all of these, reshuffled in a an interesting, pleasant and recognizable way. It has something raw and playful, but at the same time it show a manly dark sophistication, really classy in its own way. It's a powerhouse fougère, but it's not similar to any other in particular, except for the names I mentioned above (Smalto basically smells like their hippie homeless cousin). And actually, for as much weird it may sound, it reminds me also of some contemporary niche scents, mostly for the unusual contrasts, the creativity, and the fact that it manages to smell not outdated at all. It's much bold though, and after a while it may start to smell a bit boring (also because of the load of harsh spices you get on the drydown, similar as Jacomo de Jacomo for instance). As many powerhouses, it projects like a devil and lasts for ages. To rediscover!

7,5/10

Francesco Smalto comes on as a truckload of soapy lavender, eventually underpinned by cedar, anise, and bergamot. The note pyramid claims leather in the base, but it must be deeply buried under the heap of moss, residual lavender, and coumarin that leaves Smalto smelling like a classic, padded shoulders 1980s fougère. The coumarin note expands over time, so that Francesco Smalto sweetens substantially as it ages. (Unlike the reviewer.) The drydown of moss, amber, and woods is notable for not smelling as cheap or aggressively chemical as that of many recent fougère scents.

While it smells convincingly “natural,” Francesco Smalto is a loud scent, and a bit crude as well. I can't deny that it makes an impact, but I don't think it smells terribly original in comparison to the many other rugged fougères of its decade. I certainly won't put myself through contortions to obtain it now that it's discontinued. If you like this sort of fragrance, I think Azzaro pour Homme and Lauder for Men perform the same act with more flair and finesse, and both have the advantage of being in production and available for relatively little money.

80's powerhouse that is laced with smoke and the feel of great outdoors.I just received my bottle of Smalto PH by Francesco Smalto and let me tell you, it's pretty incredible! This fragrance has been covered in great detail by a number of formidable BN members, but I'll give you all my take. Imagine it's 1988, you're sitting in front of a fireplace in your log cabin, the snow is falling and you're nursing a snifter of your favorite scotch. You're wearing your favorite flannel shirt and happen to be wearing Drakkar Noir. You're just about ready to crack open that book that you've been eagerly looking to dive into. The wood is ablaze and the aroma of smoke that is present is gently seeping into the fibers of your clothing an ever so gently finding its way onto your skin. Your Drakkar Noir and the smoke begin to blend, and in time, your scent becomes an amalgamation of both Guy Laroche and the charred wood that is bringing you comfort both through scent and warmth. I have found that this fragrance is Drakkar Noir that has been surrounded by smoke and drizzled with Montana Red Box. I would never say that this scent is "fresh." In fact, I'd say that this one is the antithesis of fresh! This scent is deep, smokey, woody with that undeniable "green" quality that pokes its head when attempting to come up for air. As others have said, it's undeniably "macho" and suits those who are wearing a tattered leather jacket as opposed to those in a Canali suit. This fragrance represents rough-edged masculinity at its finest and is absolutely intended for use by those who are secure with their masculinity. Those who wear this fragrance are ultimately looking to readily display this confidence via the assistance of olfaction. What I also find interesting is the way this scent evolves. The smokey quality remains front and center on my skin for a good 1-2 hours and then it begins to soften ever so slightly. At this point, it becomes much more of a leather/patchouli/organic juice that lasts and lasts and lasts... The evolution of this scent is amazing... I can't begin to describe it only because I truly believe this one will wear and evolve so differently on different people... I am happy to have added this one to my collection and look forward to wearing this winter and fall. I give this fragrance a solid B+ bordering A-. It's not for everyone, but for those who are looking for a rugged, smokey, semi-green, outdoorsy, powerhouse, this one may be your ticket. Enjoy! Pros: Unique, evolving, masculine and uncommonly smelled on othersCons: The dry-down is where it's at... It just takes time!"

A Confident Fougere Bergamot, neroli and lavender make a fresh and strong start. The drydown adds classic fern, carnation and geranium, giving it a green/flowery character than very nicely develops over time. The base notes are dominated by a strong but balanced patchouli, with a light musk, leather, and, above all, a classic oak moss. Here the moss is quite paradigmatic but not on the harsh side. A very typical 1970/1980s fougere, with high quality components and very well blended. Strong, good silage and projection, and very good longevity of seven hours on me. Strong but not too overwhelming on my skin.

very strong. not for the timid and weak. powerhouse of the 80's. no elegance, just a bunch of mixed up notes with really no direction. i gave it to my dad as he will wear anything.

This is great, it get complements, it smells mature but awesome, it last and it projects. And the best: it is exclusive, not everybody own this so this is great for signature scent.

I bought two 100ml bottles like 1.5 year ago of this old 80's powerhouse due to all reviews I read, not being able to test it.
It was not in vain as I really love the stuff! Ubermasculanity in a bottle! This juice really rocks and contains all powerhouse qualities! It's macho, dark, smokey, leathery, ubermasculine, strong, lasting and projecting! Most powerhouses don't have all these qualities as Shamu points out correctly as they are mostly not smokey and this dark! (assuming the brilliant Tsar is no powerhouse)
The opening is a mix of lavender, flowers and leather mixed with anise. The anise seems odd but makes this dry fragrance smell pretty different than any other powerhouse I can think of. The anise complements the other masculine notes during opening and smokey heart stage and disappears when the drydown sets in. The drydown which is pretty soft compared to the first 1.5 hour of the opening and heart goes on for many hours lingering around and never seem to leave you which makes it a pretty long lasting fragrance. The drydown is also still a little smokey with some masculine stuff going on. lots of patchouli, leather and oakmoss are the key players there which keep it dark. As ericrico pointed out there is no freshness at all in this scent but just brilliant boldness in a bottle! To be used in fall/winter only! Longevity is 8+ hrs and sillage above average first two hours and average to close last 6-8 hrs of its long life time. Thumbs way up! Rated: 9/10

I was a little hesitant at first to buy this - although I am a powerhouse and aromatic fougere lover, I was worried it would be overly-done or perhaps a shadow of another scent. I was also concerned if the bottle I got was a good one as there are threads on other forums of cheap (possible immitation) bottles. I got the real juice from a reliable source and have very serious affection for this fragrance - excellent & MACHO!

Shamu nails this - I got hit with the smoky opening full of rich artemisia and florals (similar to a Drakkar Noir base but with added smoke), which sort of floored me...in a good way. It is not as tarry as Jacomo de Jacomo (which can be over the top for me) as the smoke blends very nicely into this - it is not over-the-top, but well-integrated. I would have to say that it is an Aromatic Fougere with a lot of leather, lavender, moss, patchouli, musk and other green/floral scents. The citrus is minimal - this is a rugged scent, not "fresh" - but in your face macho. It is not the tough guy at the bar - it is the bouncer who will throw him out!

I recently have reviewed the reformulation of Drakkar Noir and feel it is very good (lighter than before). Ironically, this is like Drakkar Noir "Black" - ;-) ! The notes are very well-blended here...impressively so. The smoke stays, but other florals come forward and the fresh top green artemisia (which is a key ingredient in DN as well) keeps this from becoming dank or musty. This is the perfect smoker's fragrance...and yet there is no tobacco note. Apart from Drakkar Noir, I would have to say that this is actually fairly unique. It doesn't remind me of Azzaro Pour Homme (neither vintage or current formulation) - as I don't get a strong anise note from this (although it is mentioned). It is far too green and floral - I do get a hint of tarragon and some nice rosemary, so herbal indeed. I have a large collection of Aromatic Fougeres and this one just found a home in my rotation! Excellent.

Throw my hat into the ring of really, really like - damn near love. I am curious for a full-wearing of this, but I can tell it is a powerhouse. For now, I give it a solid and respectable 8+/10 and a recommendation to buy (I have worn the latest Drakkar Noir several times lately and increased my rating to 7.5+/10 - I would say they are very close, but slight nod to Francesco Smalto Pour Homme for the depth and not reformulated that I can tell). I would reach for DN to be less-offensive/daytime scent. This bottle to hang out, evenings and just to feel I got a bigger pair. Great bottle of juice and only to be worn by men, not boys.

This late-eighties gem stands out from the powerhouse crowd with its smoky, oily quality which underpins the fragrance from the breathtaking first blast to the smooth, mellow drydown. The strong, herbal opening is very pleasing with a prominent lavender accord which balances out the smokiness. In time the floral heart shines through and the fragrance becomes deeper, fuller and the leather moves to the front, albeit a rougher, oilier leather than found in the likes of Trussardi or Aramis, and the patchouli emerges also. The drydown is lovely, mossy-leather with the ever present smokiness now much subdued. There's plenty going on here - this is not a one-dimensional beast. Sure, it is a heavy-hitter and lasts 12hrs+ with ease but it's a shapeshifter and there are suprises in every sniff. Absolutely wonderful - a firm favourite.

Powerful soapy lavender and a "meaty," leathery quality to begin with, but it doesn't really go anywhere special, and there are so many others I'd rather wear instead. One that is still reasonably priced is Montana Parfum d'Homme (in the red box), which I find far superior in every way. I had an old bottle that lost it's top notes, so beware of this possibility, though it's more wearable that way. It is natural smelling and I could almost imagine this one being worn by those who use it as a kind of aromatherapy treatment, perhaps if one is getting ready for an "ultimate fighting" match. Clearly, it's the antithesis of the fresh/aquatic type of fragrance.

Francesco Smalto pour Homme is a fantastic 1980's powerhouse fougere. It is almost as dry as Yatagan, although it smells nothing like Yatagan whatsoever. The opening is strong - a spicy, smokey lavender/leather combination with a touch of anise (the only seemingly "sweet note" during the entire development). This becomes a very nicely balanced fragrance once the initial olfactory onslaught mellows. After about an hour, the anise seems to be gone but the smokey leather is still there with the lavender coming through more distinctly, along with only a hint of some very dry florals. By the four hour plus mark, the lavender is at its finest (really nice!), the smokiness has faded, and I detect predominantly leather with some oakmoss in the basenotes. This is a wonderfully masculine fragrance, and anyone that enjoys Quorum and Azzaro pour Homme is sure to enjoy Francesco Smalto pour Homme! This is without a doubt one of my all-time personal favorite fragrances.

I love this fragrance ..........I only discovered it about six months ago as a blind purchase on shopping TV of all places and have to say I was plesantly surprised ....................it has a lovely fresh opening which turns to a very plesant green fragrance ......not to strong but with great staying power ........ highly recomended buy if you can find it as it is unfortunatly discontinued

Decent woody fougere. It's a little more "fresh" and green than a typical fougere and it's also quite potent. Pleasant scent.

Smalto, you still make me weak! (sigh!)Discontinued - but fortunately it is still obtainable on eBay.

Insidious chimney smoke and sweet herbal combo which bears the unmistakable hallmarks of a kitchen fire.