I have a mixed opinion of the Varon Dandy - it's an absolutely perfect interpretation of the classic barbershop idea, but it also dries down into a combination of patchouli and musk that precisely evokes the interior of a Spencer Gifts store in a mall, circa 1996.

I agree in the strongest possible terms about Antaeus (and I haven't even smelled the original formulation). We must all light a candle at our household Alden shrines and pray that Chanel will not discontinue it.

Last edited by Marc Grayson (2011-06-14 12:13:50)

Really it's not Varon Dandy's fault that it smells like Spencer Gifts - the fragrance was around long before John Fitzgerald Spencer sold his first skull-bedecked bong. And it really is very nice on its own merits. Clubman too. I recently discovered Crusellas Tabacco 1800, which is another $5 plastic bottle masterpiece - it's about halfway between Tabac Originale (another superb bargain) and Kouros.

In fact I am coming increasingly to the opinion that only Antaeus, Guerlain's Vetiver and YSL's Kouros are necessary and that all other colognes are but husks, floating numbly in a void.

Last edited by Quay (2011-06-14 12:43:53)

Perhaps you're thinking of Body Kouros, which smells like licorice candy?