John Varvatos Vintage Review – Do You Need It?
Vintage.
An old-school and wearable fragrance.
John Varvatos Vintage was released in 2006. It is based on aromatics, woods, and sweet tobacco. It lasts six hours on the skin with moderate projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does John Varvatos Vintage Smell Like?
The opening feels chaotic. The general idea is a heavily spiced aromatic blend. Though strong, it is exceptionally refreshing. Faint fruity tones linger in the background. For a while, the opening is fresh.
As the scent progresses, the juniper becomes present. In the opening, this was most likely the fruity nature, but it has been better developed. At this point, it comes across as gin nuances but is still fruity. In the background, earthy patchouli and a hint of florals add a nice contrast.
In the dry down, Vintage only gets better. It’s gourmand, warm, and alluring. Heavy tonka bean adds to the mid-notes. And I pick up a note almost reminiscent of caramelized chocolate.
There aren’t any cocoa notes listed in the scent profile, but it has the accent. Dominant woody tonka bean is paired with slightly herbaceous resins. The resins are new, but the herbaceousness plays off the backbone of the mid-notes.
John Varvatos Vintage notes:
TOP NOTES
- Rhubarb
- Quince
- Pepper
- Wormwood
- Basil
- Fennel
MID NOTES
- Cinnamon
- Juniper Berries
- Lavender
- Green Leaves
- Jasmine
- Orris Root
BASE NOTES
- Tobacco
- Suede
- Balsam Fir
- Tonka Bean
- Woody Notes
- Oakmoss
- Patchouli
Performance
Vintage lasts six hours on the skin with average projection. It pushes one to two feet for the first few hours before receding, never becoming a skin scent.
This is best worn in the fall, winter, and early spring. The woody depth and sweetness become too overpowering in the heat. You’ll get a solid six months of wear if you live in a four-season climate.
As for occasions, it is all. Subtle enough for the office, sophisticated enough for formal occasions.
Lastly, mass appeal and likability are slightly above average. There aren’t ultra-decisive notes in this fragrance, but it is not the best attention-grabber money can buy. It is more about a masculine classy aroma.
Final Words
A 100mL bottle of John Varvatos Vintage costs between 30 and $40.
The final burning question is, is John Varvato’s vintage worth it? Yes, The performance is average, and the smell and versatility are decent.
I enjoy this fragrance as it is an old-school and well-blended fragrance that can spice up any collection. If you like the old-school aromatic vibe from Drakkar Noir EDT, you’ll also love this one.
After you try John Varvatos Vintage, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.