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olenj48 – :
Very green leather chypre. Oldschool yet modern. Very elegant. Sophisticated in a way. Subtle.
It only whispers on my skin and its story is really interesting. It’s a very complex fragrance.
Opens up with a greeen moss and herbs. The oakmoss, eventhough it’s not listed in the notes breakdown – is really prominent on my skin. Soon the leather comes in and starts playing a game with the moss. That’s where it smells like a good old leather chypre.
Then it gets a little softer because of flowers. They’re still masculine in a way. Leather is there as well.
In the drydown it’s getting a little tougher because of birch ( just a bit smoky and sort of greasy) and woody. Of course the leather combines with these two and smells great! That’s my favourite part of the fragrance.
Longevity is 9-10 hours, projection is really subtle/poor.
All in all this is a refined, subtle leather that never shouts. You can wear it for formal occasions (IMO fits for the tuxedo). I wouldn’t say it’s a casual type of scent – maybe it’s just me. One of the best – if not the best – Guerlain scents I’ve smelled so far.
Deroxzldql – :
A timeless masculine masterpiece! A green leather fragrance with woody,spicy and herbal notes. Excellent sillage and longevity. 10/10!
cergec – :
I’m wearing after my shower this evening for dinner.
It’s so smooth and calming, with a green cooling effect, and warmth of leather and woods. The supple leather and the damp woods and wet greens serve as a backdrop for the birch and powdery carnation and light spice.
Elegant and refined.
cherepanov_av – :
This is not my favorite leather perfume, but it’s the one I rate highest. Honestly, if someone put a gun at me and tell me I can only keep one perfume……..I’ll smash his head with this weapon-grade bottle.
Alright, coming to the scent itself: I get a soapy aldehyde opening, It’s not sharp or medicinal, but something like animal wax. Combined with lime/orange hint, the opening has a bit of tonic water feeling. It quickly disappeared. I also noticed something inky at the beginning, possibly due to musk or oakmoss.
Then the dry, smoky leather hit a nice balance with fleshy warm spice (perhaps carnations?). A certain kind of spice always gives me this “savory” impression, I’ve yet to find out which. The smokiness of leather plays a subtle but important role, making the perfume less…”greasy”. Another wet-tobacco like notes also appears, remind me of old sweat——not those pee-like animalic musk, this is softer, like someone’s old cloth forgot in your cabinet.
The woody ground lays a solid base for this leather-spice concertos.
Update: very similar to Aramis.
Laich – :
Derby has a yummy, spicy top with powder and vetiver down below. Brighter than Equipage.
Probably my favorite go-to fragrance. So much so that I sprang for the full bottle.
qqrpyxbn – :
Someone mentioned a similarity to Shalimar, but I find it closer to Vol de Nuit in spirit–a little shapeless and fuzzy, but all the better for those things. The expert blending of notes means nothing seems legible to me. I don’t smell leather, carnation, or birch. I get a haze of these things, and I swear I smell incense like a smoky mirage in my peripheral vision. The perfect male chypre.
diplom.ruru – :
The perfect fragrance !!!
safo – :
Derby is outstanding!
Leather, spice, birch, patchouli, and carnation so perfectly blended. It has an airy transparency about it, and its warm and cool at the same time.
This is quite sophisticated.
Don’t get scammed by sellers asking way too much on Ebay! I got this straight from Saks for less!
Great job, Guerlain!
Vladislav7 – :
Harsh animalic leather!
kesa – :
اولد اسکول، تکراری ولی با کیفیت
———–
Scent & Qualiy: 7/10
Longevity: 8/10
Sillage: 8/10
Creativity & Uniqueness: 6/10
Affordability: 3/10
———–
Overall: 6.4/10
turnikmanalex – :
I tried this on my skin and on paper the other day in Guerlain counter in Saks fifth avenue. This is a masterfully composed classic perfume with dominant leather note. It is in the same genre as many of the powerhouses from the 80s. I never smelled the original formulation of Derby, but I enjoyed this one. This is obviously a high quality scent, but more of a collectors item. Considering the price tag, I will stick to other options I know in this category. It has good projection for the first 4 hours.
egeo – :
I recently acquired this beautiful fragrance. Even though it is marketed towards men, I find it smells so good on me. After the initial dry down, it turns into the most beautiful incense scent. I feel as though I am at Easter Mass. I don’t really get all the leather that others have, perhaps it is due to my skin chemistry. I enjoy the spice and the darkness. I love it and will continue to wear it. This is the second fragrance marketed towards men that I owe, the other is Heritage by Guerlain.
iceklyencounk – :
Derby is absolutely stunning! If you love the men’s classics of the past like original Gucci pour Homme, Bel Ami, original Armani, etc. you will like this. It has the guerlanade base but it is soaked in spices, woods, rum, whisky, it has the it factor. It has boardroom power and excellent for a special event. It is powerful, so watch your sprays. It lasts all day. You will still smell it the next morning when you wake. Just outstanding!
mipVoberieVot1 – :
If Guerlain Vertiver & Habit Rouge had a baby that was declared “the Golden Child” by mankind and glowed in hues of amber & shiny gold slivers — DERBY is the one.
Overpriced yet vaporous and slinky.
This is Shalimar for Men in the highest order!
marunich – :
This is an excellent spicy leather, carnation and nutmeg scent. I’ve only tried the current formula, which is both classic and freshly masculine. It’s as though Antaeus and Equipage had a beautiful child.
okunevsv – :
Good Lord, where do I begin! I have been dying to try Derby ever since I read Luca Turin’s 5 star review of it. It is actually in his Top Ten masculines of all time list. This has been one of the hardest Guerlains to find because it was discontinued for a long time, then brought back as an exclusive to the Paris Guerlain Boutique and then finally making it’s way to other exclusive Guerlain retailers. Finally I get hands on it and even though this is not the original version but the re release, the hype is real folks.
Leather, spices and carnation are the main notes. A dash of Citrus notes right at the top to freshen things and some woody notes and birch in the heart and base add depth. But a classy leather n spice frag is what this is. If you like stuff like Bel Ami, Equipage, Chanel’s Cuir de Russe, or even modern niche frags like HDP 1740 or even something like Davidoffs Leather Blend, do yourself a favour and check this out. Thank me later. Worthy of being called Classic indeed and one of Jean Paul Guerlain’s best.
PS. Thanks to Mohit Khatri at Projekt Perfumery India for getting this for me. It’s been on my wishlist for the longest time.
haq189InsuffBooni – :
I’ve been working through a 4ml sample for some time. I find this scent to be refreshing yet warm. Great classic leather note. It is a refreshing change from my favorite modern leathers. I find this to be a timeless and high quality scent. Bravo.
Is it just me or are there hints of Guerlain’s Vetiver in the mid- dry down…. the spices perhaps? Maybe not, but I love those spices hovering above the leather note.
Amazing classic!
Eduslyscesque – :
buy yourself a nose..nothing in common with Chant d’Arômes
Tockchede – :
such another copy of chant d’aroms .. end of story
hmtdpz9 – :
لعطر يبدأ بداية تخبرك بوضوح انك امام عطر شيبري ذا رائحة كلاسيكية طبعاً، ولكن يغلب على تلك البداية طابع الانتعاش من البرقموت والبرتقال الخافت (البعيدة عن الجانب الكلوني) التي يشاركها بوضوح رائحة صابونية او رائحة نظافة ممزوجه برائحة الباودر مع لمحات خضراء تجعلك تتذكر بعضا من عطور الفوجير بداية رائعه لن تجدها الا في عطور الشيبر والفوجير فقط.
بعد ان تخف تلك الحمضيات والبداية الصابونية الباودرية الجميلة بشكل سريع، يكون هنا بروز للطابع التشيبري المعروف ورائحة الجلود المميزه الخاصة بجيرلان، رائحة الجلود التي تحاكي الحقائب والبزات الجلدية وليست تلك التي نلاحظها في الجلود العصرية ، رائحة الجلود في عطر ديربي بمشاركة المكونات الاخرى تعطيك الاحساس ان تلك الجلود نظيفة محاطة بنوتات خضراء عشبية وتوابل حاره كالقرنفل ( لتحافظ على انتعاش وذكورية العطر وكلاسيكيته)
في هذه المرحلة نجد الجلود وطحلب السنديان تصارع مكونات ؛ الاعشاب الخضراء وتارة التوابل الساخنه القريبة من رائحة القرنفل الى حين ان استقلال الجلود لتشارك المكونات الذكورية؛ نوتات الاخشاب لكن على استحياء مع نهاية يغلب عليها الطابع المسكي ذو الصبغة الباودرية تلك هي شخصية العطر الرئيسية (هوية شيبريه بامتياز بروز واضح للجلود مع بداية منعشة صابونية باودرية ومن ثم توابل واعشاب واخشاب ومسك منسجمة بأسلوب كلاسيكي مع طحلب السنديان ورائحة الجلود التي هي سر هذا العطر)
سيعجب من العطر؟ : عشاق الكلاسيكيات وعشاق عائلة الفوجير مثل عطر قوتشي نوبل، وعشاق عائلة التشيبر مثل اراميس، وعطور الجلود مثل بيلامي من هيرمز،عطر ام من بيور ديستانس وعطر فيتيش من روجا دوف، وحتى الاخوات العاشقات لعطر إستي لودر ازوري بيور.
الفوحان والثبات متوسطان
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هذا مالدي
رطب لسانك بذكر الله وصل على النبي
128366 – :
Very old school with a clean soapy powdery finish. Although Im in my late 40’s, a lot of Guerlain fragrances smell too mature and stuffy even for me. This is no exception. Still it’s rather nice and clean and very masculine. Anyone who likes the Aqua di Parma line would probably appreciate this. While not my taste, I do appreciate how classic it smells.
Coissilky – :
Update: After a month now, of using my 5 ml, this is better than I thought. I love great classics like Bel Ami, Equipage. This is quite different than those, but in the same class. Even this reformulation smells vintage, and rich, great woods, spices, not a dominant leather, well blended and refined.
In the past few years I put together a colection of 50 best fragrances for me, classic, niche, designers. I dont want to add to it, but I’m looking for a good deal now to cap off my colection with Derby. I have Knize 10, and vintage Bel Ami, This is way better than Knize 10, and is close to Bel Ami, just as rich, but has more fresh notes than Bel Ami.
Now that the chilly Fall weather has begun, Derby comes alive as a great Fall and Winter fragrance.
My rather neutral review below, was done durring Summer months, when I wadn’t quite as impressed by it.
I was exploring many of the classics when I first got into the hobby. This seems to be a benchmark classic, I’m glad I finally tried.
I have vintage Equipage, Bel Ami, Habit Rouge. But Derby was one I had not tried yet, to see if it is special enough to spend the $200./ 100 ml. And the answer is no.
It is a very nice chypre / fougere, the carnation or geranium is dominant, I would have guessed lavender. The leather is not distinct like in Bel Ami, it is part of an accord that blends into the whole. The two things I thought of when I smelled it, first impression is SOAP, and then dated.
Derby is great, but it’s dated feel is a bit cloying to me. Vintage Equipage, Bel Ami are old compositions, but they have a timeless beauty to them. Like the lines of a classic Porsche, perfect form, perfect fragrance composition.
So if you love the old classics, and are a colector of them, this may be a must have. For me, I will enjoy my 5 ml of Derby, but it’s not special enough for me to purchase a bottle.
I don’t care for cinnamon, and it is the dominant spice, making a well blended accord with carnation and leather.
Opon 2 nd wearing, I’m picking up a lot of aldehydes, which is why Christo on youtube likes it I think. Derby has an anamalic civet like note, now it’s reminding me of Kouros and Delon’s Iquitos. Maybe this was the forrunner of more modern day classics like YSL’s Kouros. Performance is close to beast mode.
This is some potent stuff, I am starting to like it more, but I have Iquitos and Knize 10 which have similar vib.
If you want to get your nose on this great classic, it may be worth at least getting a decant, I’m glad I did.
PS: This goes along with my October update obove. I just thought of a similar fragrance I have, Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver. It is more like present Derby than Bel Ami, it has a distinct leather note, fruity suede leather, with fresh vetiver and bergamot. $80./ 100 ml, so I may not be getting Derby this year, will wait till next Fall…
Rating: 9.2 5/10
God bless you. John 3:16
pas4323 – :
From the second this sits on my wrist till the moment it disappears I’m in LOVE with this magnificent scent. You feel as if the notes are of a well-composed symphony. It is expensive, yes, but deserves every penny of the 260$. The highlight for me is when the cinnamon and carnation dance on a leathery tune.
11/10.
alex79 – :
Guerlain’s it has many masterpieces of perfumery of all times. But logically I have my favourites. Derby it’s my chosen fragrance by this house after Habit Rouge. For me Derby it’s rather a chypre that a leather. Then, I perceive enough a green and mossy quality. Also, I detect a floral character but very subtle. The drydown it’s some more powdery and very ”Guerlain on style”.
In conclusion, a very elegant and manly fragrance. Suitable for all occasions. With good longevity. Undoubtedly, a classic.
Scent: 9
Longevity: 9
Projection: 7
Sillage: 7
Uniqueness: 6
Versatility: 7
Overall: 7,5
soikasoika – :
All of Jean Pauls masculins take a little time to understand,,,,but when you have that ah ha moment you realise that he is the master of mens perfumes. As always his brilliance manifests itself in the drydown and this gem is no different.
10/10
awaplycam – :
Smells the same as the original with a stronger nutmeg/spice presence. It is one of the best fragrances I have come accross but its a tough fragrance to get right. If you spray too much of this fragrance it will annoy you and everything in its path. Also I find my chemistry calms it down a bit so perhaps that is why I enjoy it so much. Really an amazing fragrance – Its a musky floral wood scent where the wood has been soaked in the rain forest from the rain. BRAVO
Thank you Guerlain for this treasure.
jurarovne – :
First notes smells cigarettes, it vanishes quickly and what I get is a powdery and smoky soap scent with peper and anialis notes. It’s rich as you would expect from Guerlain which make perfume as an art. Close to Habit Rougeif you change the dandy in barbarian. It’s for old men wearing shirt and a jacket. The typical image of almost all Guerlain male fragrances. Imagine Jean Paul Guerlain 78 years old in a souk of Morocco and you have a frangrance from another time mixed with a curiosity for orientalism. For some reason, this very masculine scent could be also wear by women. The sensual Guerlinade along with the powdery and musky drydown give it something intersting for the two gender. Nowadays it smells old and dated but If you want to smell good-old classics of perfumery just give it a try.
pilaowl – :
living in adelaide australia i had given up trying to procure this – but was in new york on vacation recently and found it in sak’s on 5th avenue – $270 – i like it very much
makkkk12 – :
Purchased at Neimann-Marcus today, based on a sample I tried last month.
I agree with the better educated reviewers before me.
Before the purchase, as I was trying it out, read a reviewer who noted a technique which I find appropriate to Derby. Not sure if it falls within the category of sillage, but for my experience with Derby, it was a deciding factor.
Say you spray on your forearm. Then test. The technique compares the scent with nose up close, and at a distance, fanning the air to your nose. It’s this second experience which I enjoy. I smell tea, is that the bergamot? In any case, that’s the note or accord that did the trick.
I consider this Derby modern, but not common.
Ксения Коваль – :
This first liner is probably the best male Guerlain in existence. A classic green leather, shadily smoky with lots of carnation and nutmeg, which creates an eminent spicy freshness that is very enticing. The woods take center stage in the heart and it all ends in an earthy chypre tonality of great manner. The whole composition is bold and tenacious and the overall wear epitomizes male classiness. Don’t just save it for “special” days but better enjoy it everyday. It is the perfect gift for a male with fondness for perfume. If you are a perfumista you simply haven’t reached a rounded collection without it. Masterpiece.
Faith_fromAF – :
It’s in my top 3 as well. Absolutely beautiful juice.
kolopius – :
مثل اینکه در ایران قابل تهیه نیست اکر کسی اطلاعی داره لطفا برام پیام بذاره با تشکر
Vattmoitcyday – :
A muted recalibration of the original Derby’s nutmeg explosion. This smells like a massive carnation oriental in the same vein as Old Spice. There is some nutmeg, but the brazen sharpness of the older stuff is pretty far gone, leaving only a trace, its whisper mated to the sueded peppery aspect of carnation flower. As it evolves, the nutmeg peeks through the other notes, sometimes seeming stronger than it did earlier on, and other times seeming pretty meek. There’s also a massive patchouli note, unpleasantly designer grade at this price-point (its twin can be found in Jovan Sex Appeal). The odd thing is, despite the obvious change in the formula from a “leathery” chypre to a floriental, I like this version a whole lot better than its predecessor. Yet naturally price dictates that I will turn to Old Spice for a straightforward and well-rendered carnation oriental, and Sex Appeal for a great big spiced patchouli accord. No need to pay Guerlain’s asking price for either of those experiences.
csy531Diobtetty – :
I didn’t pay much attention to the top notes so keep that in mind. Sort of like a smoother Fendi Uomo. There is also a resemblance to Lauder for Men, though again this is smoother/softer and perhaps a bit more natural smelling. However, it also seems a little weaker. I don’t get strong leather, but the vetiver is clear (which must be included under the heading of “woody notes”), and it’s clearly spicy. The patchouli isn’t strong either, and it’s not especially animalic. It’s not sweet but not bone dry either. This is a nicely done “old school” type of scent but the retail price is questionable, IMO. A few hours in and it’s somewhat similar to vintage (late 90s) Mitsouko EdP. To be sure, you can easily tell the difference, but in some ways this far drydown is like a “masculine” Mitsouko !
UPDATE: Further into the drydown I get some birch tar/leather and more of an animalic quality. I really like this, but again, why does it cost so much?
kostik11 – :
I have to say after finally getting a decent sized sample to try, I do have some of the original, had taken about 3 minis to build a small atomizer. I love the original derby. but I have to say I love this one too. maybe as much. it is still a wonderful delightful scent. I would wear this with pride. two very nice comments right out of the gate. love to get a compliment on a fragrance. I will have to take a little time and actually compare them side by side. my observation is this is fantastic. an automatic love for me and in no way to me is a step down from vintage derby. kudos to the original, but this is nice. wonderfully aromatic and pleasing to me. guerlain is such a fabulous house and one of my favorite houses, I have loved many of their offerings. bottom line, this is a masterfully blended scent, as the finest of scotch whiskey’s .a fragrance that takes you on a journey as the scent truly becomes part of you. it smells even better to me two hours into it. sorry guerlain, I never should have doubted, I presumed too much, this is different to me but in a good way…I will always love the original as well. spicy, masculine still maintaining an old school vibe. leather and smoky I guess, it is quality and projection was excellent for me.. so far longevity is not an issue at all.
alfarom’s review of this is spot on for me, among some others of course.
the ones that did not care for it surprised me but ok but maybe expectations were different.. one thing I have learned it is really a personal viewpoint and I try to keep an open mind..just glad I sampled it.
only makes me wish I had more of it. prices are very high for this but maybe not out of line for its quality?.. open to discussion I suppose.
you truly need to try some and judge for yourself, maybe think of it as a new fragrance? or the fragrance it is now.. what bugs me is all of the journeys and monies I have spent trying different fragrances when perhaps I would have ahead of the game if I had just purchased this?.but you get caught in this vicious circle of exploring scents..it is an addicting hobby for me.
thumbs up,, way up for me.
shuricen1 – :
Not only Parisians love Derby!!!
The World wants it!!
Please. Guerlain! Bless us with this miraculous masculine!
romanrud – :
sorry then why they need to rename this derby???? i want the original derby not the fake!!!!!! the whole thing sucks and guerlain since lvmh took over has changed!!!!!!
SAMMY – :
This and the original smell different.
And perhaps I am one of the few that prefers this to the original one.
To compare both is like comparing an original 1920 movie with The Great Gatsby in 2013.
And I like the 2013 version better, not because I don’t know how to appreciate vintage. But some modern creations are just better than vintages. And some find it hard to accept the truth.
I say, Well-done! Guerlain!
.Mr Almond.
s-play – :
Guerlain’s Derby is one of those fragrances that take me back. When I was a kid, I remember vividly getting into my grandmother’s purse. Before I could get to the goodies inside, I caught a smell of flowers and powder.
Back to present day, Derby is a work of art. Many people knock it because it is too powdery, smells like an old man, it’s dated, blah blah blah. Ignore that crap.
Derby is a timeless classic and will go down in history as being one of the best leather fragrances to be released. Bold? Wear Derby and you tell me.
This scent is all about the leather folks. Guerlain made this leather more appealing though by pairing it with various elements such as the floral aspect (geranium), the spices, and the citrus. The execution is a work of art. The only thing I don’t get is what is causing this powdery vibe I get from it. It isn’t a bad thing. I like it when the leather is powdery because it takes you back.
I assume the birch to be the culprit because of the smoke-like quality of this note. For those who are familiar with Aventus by Creed, the birch in that particular fragrance creates a smokey vibe. Combined with the geranium, I can see how the birch could create that illusion.
The performance of Derby is what caught my eye. Most leather scents on me last a long time. This exceeded my expectations. This thing kept going and going on me. I had to shower to get it off. It had crossed the 12+ hour threshold so I couldn’t get an accurate read on the exact duration. If any fragrance goes past 12 hours and smells like this, I strongly urge you to pick it up. It is very potent as well. I applied 3 sprays and could be smelled the entire time I was at work and when I came home it was very noticeable as well even after sweating and enduring the elements.
This fragrance is ideal for that guy that is mature and confident. It really shines in cooler weather. I would advise you guys who do want to try it to avoid using it during the warmer months. It could become very cloying and unenjoyable.
Derby isn’t cheap either. It’s over 200 dollars for 100ml. So be ready to drop some cash if you want to get this. I also advise testing it. This is not one you want to blind buy I assure you.
Overall rating: 9/10
an_star – :
the new derby had nothing to do with the original!!!!! we pay more to get fooled by guerlain!!!!! shame on you and we are not that stupid to get fool by you anymore!
what happened to the original formula????? lost perhaps???? shame on the new guerlain policy!
AKBAR47 – :
This opens with a green herbal scent which reminded me of a mixture of Aramis and Devin. This then moves into the heart of a warm spicy leather accord so you have a warm herbal spicy leather scent.
Now this is where things get very interesting as underpinning these main accords is a host of supporting notes making this scent very complex. I can pick up patchouli, a bit of citrus and some floral notes and these are constantly shifting and changing on your skin. So every time you take a sniff you can pick up different notes behind the main herbal warm spicy leather accord.
This scent does have a slight Eighties feel and does not smell contemporary, but it is so well orchestrated and is very complex. When I scrutinised this scent I have to say it does live up to the hype and is worthy of all the praise.
To sum up a green herbal spicy warm leather accord made complex by a host of supporting notes making it a masterpiece of it’s genre and time!
An2010 – :
A very strong scent. I get lots of spice from this, maybe some leather in there. Has some liquor in there as well. Well blended, good quality. Didn’t tell me much though, as it didn’t please my nose. Try it.
Vandgync – :
i love this everybit as much as the vintage – i wear them both and am – as alfarom – mesmerized by their flawlessness. the new one has a great freshness on this perfect, smoky leather chypre; instead of heavy oak moss, this is ‘tree moss’ in the new one and it makes it more versatile. the vintage is deeper, smoother and cozier. they’re both holy grail scents. for real
vladislawww – :
I have not smell the vintage derby..but i have tried hermes equipage and ELDO Jesuis un homme, today just receive the perfumed from a friend who is back from their boutiques in france…I feel there is a smidgens of similarity but not that much( tested in a cold climate )…it is as strong as habit rouge..with vibes of barbershop smells. whilst Habit rouge is sweet but Derby is not, imagine wearing habit rouge withput the smell of sweet dust, rather drop the sweet, reatin the magical dust…i understand why it is sold in the exclusives shop only due to demand is poor thus good business sense is to sell it in certain places where demand is there..i was talking to one guerlain counter in one of the mall, they may close down the counter due to lacking in sales..due to current economic climate which is forcing people to take certain cost saving measures to survive…secondly the trend of people migrating from appreciating the value of smells to following the cult of celebrities using it increases the extinction or limited availability of it…..what ever the reason is , it is worth every penny owning it..akin to have a very precious and difficult to find red diamond….
Xeroxsntyc – :
I don’t understand how a fragrance like this became a flop and ended up discontinued. Some say it was due to marketing issues other because it didn’t belong to the 80’s but to me there is no plausible explanation.
Derby is a modern leather chypre. It is perfect, from the green herbal opening, to the spicy floral heart and the mossy and resinous base. Perfectly balanced and very well kept if you consider all IFRA restrictions. Unfortunately I never tried the original and cant say if things chagend a lot but I can say that it is still a masterpiece, relevant in the industry and smell like a chypre.
At the same time that it holds Guerlains heritage using some classical accords of the brand it represents a departure from the ubiquitous vanilla that some times seem like a cage to their creativity like if everything had to be a new Shalimar or at least be related to it in some way.
Guerlain didn’t want to make the same marketing mistakes and relaunched it as a paris exclusive maintaining its status as a cult hard to find fragrance. So if you want Derby you have to go to Paris and thats the kind of exclusivity that makes people curious and wanting for more.
skyzell – :
$245 and even the scent it’s diffrent than the original??? Guerlain house plays with our pockets and play tricks to us since lvmh took over the house of guerlain! shame on guerlain ceo!!!!!! the orginal derby was a true rare gem but not this pale expensive copy!
Falpastet – :
One of Luca Turin’s five star masterpiece scents for men. It’s expensive: the Neiman-Marcus price is $245.
I tried it out on myself. It is… wonderful. It went on kind of dirty – is that tobacco or ashtrays I smell? – and when dried smells old school masculine in the very best way. I detect tobacco, cognac or brandy, wood, some leather, maybe a little musk or resin… very nice.
I can see why this one has a reputation.
Domusss – :
Only a few masculine fragrances have been so praised to reach the hype status of Derby, but even a fewer really deserved their place in the Fragrance Olympus. Derby is surely among these. A leather chypre that strikes as extremely sophisticated, sort of restrained but never too mannered or polished. Multi faceted, rich but not overpowering and incredibly harmonious in its complexity.
No need to go through notes explanation as Derby is one of those masterpieces that any perfumista should experience without esitation. Mandatory.
Among the top masculines of all times together with Knize Ten, Kouros, Yatagan and vintage Fahrenheit and surely among my favorite deliveries from Guerlain.
Barbare Et Tres Civilise.
Mesmerizing!
Rating: 10/10
wawus – :
For clarification, this is a relaunch and reformulation from the original. The original will have been a different scent. This is a fresh Guerlainade, spicy and orange/lemon in the opening, filled with woods and leather. It’s certainly a refined gentleman’s scent on the order of Arsene Lupin. And it’ll be exclusive to Guerlain boutiques — meaning Bergdorf’s, Bellagio, Epcot, and certain other places that carry their high-end lines.
Despite the reformulation, with an open-mind you might not find yourself disappointed. I loved it.
vadym – :
Bit puzzled here. This should mean that Guerlain has 2 fragrances called Derby. I have the 1st one. Looking at the notes they’re quite different. Hope I can get a sniff soon to satisfy my curiosity. Better not be a reformulation, don’t like that.
Baros84 – :
I tried this one last year during a vacation at Disneys World, FL. All I remember was how mature this was. Very leathery alcoholic cognac or whiskey like. A bit on the border line of being refined and coarse feeling. It is very very grown-up scent for a manly man. No boys allowed!
mziber – :
They are relaunching it worldwide? or is it a limited edition? will it be available to all , or just to those who can pay their exorbitant prices?