Chergui.
One of the most attractive colognes for men.
Serge Lutens Chergui was released in 2001 and is based on amber, tobacco, and honey. It lasts nine hours on the skin with average 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 Serge Lutens Chergui Smell Like?
Upon the first spray, a fleeting dose of citruses transforms into a dry rose, tonka bean, and sensual honey.
The rose provides a romantic touch. Honey is the alluring element that pulls you in and makes you beg for more. Then, the creamy tonka bean glues it all together.
After a few minutes, there is a cloud of subtle tobacco, followed by amber and incense.
This tobacco is interesting. Here, it is a green and ripe leaf rather than dried powder. The honey starts to get too sweet. Soon, resinous warmth reels it in.
An hour into the wear, I catch glimpses of wood. Little did I know they were preparing me for the base. In the dry down, the honey and musk notes are gone.
The rest of the wear is sweet amber and wood notes with nuances of green tobacco.
The official Serge Lutens Chergui notes:
- Tobacco
- Honey
- Amber
- Hay
- Incense
- Sandalwood
- Iris
- Musk
- Rose
Serge Lutens Chergui’s Performance
How Long Does Serge Lutens Chergui Last?
It’s not necessarily a monster performer, but it’s perfect for the situation it’s meant for. It lasts nine hours on the skin and pushes out a few feet for multiple hours.
A light projector but never intimate or too loud. This performance is with three sprays.
When Should I Wear Serge Lutens Chergui?
The ultra-sweet notes in Chergui affect its wearability as it’s exclusively fall and winter wear. I’ve tried to wear it in the cooler temperatures of spring. If you try it, be careful because it can become cloying quickly.
As well as the notes don’t fit the season.
Does Chergui Stand Out?
With this unique and alluring aroma, it’s an absolute show-stopper for dates and formal occasions in the winter. I’ve described it before as a scent that will “catch individuals off guard.”
This is because the projection is slightly louder than your typical intimate date night scent but never too loud where it consumes the other person. The same idea can be said for formal occasions. It creates a fantastic ambiance around you.
Is Serge Lutens Chergui Likeable?
Mass appeal and complimentability? Amazing.
It’s so good that it made my “sexiest colognes for men” list. Chergui is a lot better at compliments than mass appeal. As the hay note can be decisive to some. But this is still not a scent that you either love or hate.
Final Words
On Serge Luten’s official website, a 100mL bottle costs $248. This is typical and more affordable for a high-quality niche fragrance than many of the $300+ ones from other brands.
From my experience, Chergui is worth it. It is better for formal occasions and dates because it’s so attractive. But in winter, the projection is mild enough to be worn for all occasions.
You’ll just smell really good for everything :-).
Chergui is an excellent cologne and an alluring one. Yet, don’t just limit yourself to Chergui. Check out the sexiest colognes for men.