Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I could earn a commission if you purchase something you like through one of these links.
Greetings, gentlemen. Let’s return to 1978 with Azzaro Pour Homme by Gerard Anthony and Richard Wirtz. This fragrance, a product of its time, was created when a man’s scent was so potent that it could interfere with your radio reception. Over the years, the potency has been adjusted to meet modern standards, but the essence remains the same, preserving that old classic charm.
Azzaro Pour Homme, an aromatic fougere, stands out with its interesting and complex scent profile. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for old-school, classic scents, this one is for you. Unlike many others in its genre, it has stood the test of time and continues to intrigue and captivate even the more youthful fragrance enthusiasts.
It’s still a staple on store shelves, even in the face of many similar fragrances in this category being discontinued. The most recent one being Davidoff Zino (I couldn’t believe it either, but there you go)
Let’s examine this gem and determine whether it’s still worth your hard-earned cash today.
Appearance and Presentation
The bottle design is straight out of the 1970s, and I like it. It wouldn’t look out of place on your grandfather’s bathroom cabinet beside the Brut and Old Spice.
It has a considerably sizeable plastic lid, and the juice has a lovely, warm glow. You could mistake it for an amber fragrance like CK Obsession on first appearance, but it’s nothing of the sort.
Pricing
While Azzaro Pour Homme may not be the most budget-friendly option (at least for us in the UK), its enduring popularity and widespread use speak volumes about its value.
You will find other oldies like Quorum, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme, and Polo Sport at lower prices than this. However, you get what you pay for, and this is a high-quality fragrance, so you don’t need to worry about that.
When it comes to getting the best deal, your best bet is almost always the discounters — especially when they’re running coupon codes. And the one that’s never let me down is FragranceX.
They ship worldwide, they only deal in authentic stock, and they’ve got a solid 30-day return policy, which keeps things risk-free.
Prices do move around (sometimes daily, especially during holiday sales), so it’s always worth checking the current deal. 👇
The Notes
Top Notes – Lavender, Lemon, Caraway, Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Iris, Star Anise
Middle Notes – Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedar, Juniper Berries, Cardamom
Base Notes – Oakmoss, Leather, Amber, Musk, Tonka Bean
Thoughts on the scent
So what I’m getting here on the top is a fresh, lemony accord with a ton of lavender. It’s classic, very masculine, and has a creamy aftershave feel that brings back many memories. It goes pretty heavy on the star anise, which, for those who may not be familiar with that note, gives the scent an overall intense, spicy sweetness. It’s often compared to liquorice.
One note used a lot in the 1970s was oakmoss, mainly what you’ll get in the dry down here, along with woods and spices. It has been blended exceptionally well with the lavender and smells fantastic. I must stress, guys, that this is my opinion, and if you don’t like that old-school vibe, then you’re probably not going to like this—it’s as simple as that.
This is one of my favourite green scents from this era. It is a beautiful, bold, powerhouse fragrance that will surely put a few extra hairs on your chest.
Performance
As you would expect, this stuff has gone through the odd reformulation or two since its release over 45 years ago. However, fear not, my friends. This fragrance retains a beastly performance that will last all day, and you will not have any issues in that area.
You can quickly fill a room with a couple of sprays, so go easy on the trigger with this one. Moderation is key.
Compliments
Now you can expect a mixed reception with this. Some of the younger generations may turn their noses up and dismiss it as some “dad fragrance” (not that there is anything wrong with a dad fragrance, of course). As a dad, I would not hesitate to wear this out and about, but that’s just me.
However, those above 35 who appreciate its nostalgic qualities will likely find it appealing and probably throw in a compliment. Expect comments like, “Oh, that reminds me of my dad/grandad.”
To sum it up, it smells like your dad, dressed in his “Sunday best,” treating the family to a pub lunch. Incredible!
Want to try this fragrance on your skin?
If you’d prefer to sample it first, these are my two favourite
and most reliable places to get authentic decants:
When and where?
Although some may disagree, I don’t think this is an all-around “daily wearer,” I would probably save it for more formal occasions, nights out, and similar activities.
Fougeres are generally safe to wear all year round, but again, because of the warm spices and sweetness, I would stick to colder climates for the best results.
I initially thought it might be a little heavy for the office, but surprisingly, it has worked well. Remember, it is wintertime here in the UK, so I wouldn’t recommend doing this in warm weather for the reasons I mentioned.
Just be careful not to over-apply, and you should be fine.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Classy and nostalgia-inducing
- Fantastic performance
- High-quality and complex
- Great for formal and special occasions
- Extremely bold and masculine
- Aftershave/Barbershop vibe
Cons
- May not be suited for the younger generations
- Could be seen as outdated
- Can be overpowering if over-applied
So, should you buy Azzaro Pour Homme?
I recommend it if you’re into classic, old-school scents and don’t mind the higher price tag. In my opinion, it’s one of the better classic aftershave/barbershop-type fragrances you can still buy, although, as I said, there are cheaper options that do more or less the same thing. However, the quality of Azzaro Pour Homme is slightly cut above most of the others that (after one too many reformulations) are sadly now shadows of their former selves.
Let me know your experiences with this one in the comments below…
READY TO GRAB THIS FRAGRANCE?
If you’re ready to add this to your collection, here are two reliable places to check:
- FragranceX – usually the best prices, discount codes, and a wide selection. They also ship worldwide.
- Amazon – great if you prefer Prime delivery speed, just make sure to buy from a trusted seller.
👉 Pick the option that works best for you.
No matter where you’re reading from, smell good, spend smart.
WANT TO FAST-TRACK ALL OF THIS STUFF?
I put together The Ultimate Fragrance Cheat Sheet—a no-fluff guide that covers everything from notes and families to shopping smart and applying like a pro.
It’s built for guys who want to smell sharp without overthinking it.