Fragrance Reviews by photofinish

Melancholy assemblage of (bittersweet citrus, sour green leaves, and damp mossy notes) that convey all the cheerfulness of a cold, overcast day.

Very fond memories of the original (vintage) Royal Copenhagen Aftershave and Cologne (manufactured by Swank Inc. from 1970 through the late 1980s). It was the quintessential Oriental scent for men... a sugarless, powdery, floral, aldehydic delight. There was even a special (limited edition) version, released in 1975, utilizing real essential oils, that had to be experienced to be believed.


The current reformulated product (manufactured by The Five Star Fragrance Co. since the 1990s) barley resembles the original, with it's cheapened smell and sleazy musk basenotes. The new version is also no longer sold in the finest boutiques anymore, only in discount strores worldwide.


Purchasing a petrified sample of the original (vintage) Royal Copenhagen from ebay is not recommended.

A testicular, animalic, greasy (musk) scent, evocative of primitive man.

Laboratory fresh, synthetic citrus notes compete for dominance with cloying plastic floral accords... yet the distinct undercurrent of tangy, rotting wood seems to remain constant.

Pretentious melange of (deep green, leafy notes) and (sweet, synthetic perfume) that strives for male sophistication, but settles for 1980s androgynous chic.

An abrasive fusion of acrid citrus and pine scented, automobile air freshener note.

Transcendent cologne of exceptional quality, made with 100% pure, natural essential oils derived from botanical sources. Dries down handsomely to a non cloying, light, powdery, floral/citrus aroma with discrete mossy undertones. A very elegant scent, and one best reserved for formal occasions.

Frumpish, sweet floral and musk relic of the 1970s, whose fifteen minutes of fame ended decades ago.

Heavy, cloying, spicier version of Victorian era rosewater and completely unusable as a male scent.

Opening with the highly refined tone of the original scent, HAVANA RESERVA remains true to it's heritage as it develops, proving that too much of a good thing can be wonderful.




IMPORTANT NOTE: This fragrance contains (phthalates) and many other synthetic ingredients derived from the petrochemical industry. Be aware of the health risks before using this product.

From it's bold, exotic opening to it's gritty, semi gourmand dry down, HAVANA possesses a distinctively organic vibe. With ripe citrus, dried tobacco leaves and rhum soaked woods, this broad shouldered, oriental style cologne exudes warmth, maturity, elegance and charm... yet remains somewhat enigmatic. It will always be the scent of the non conformist male who doesn't follow the trends.



IMPORTANT NOTE: This fragrance contains (phthalates) and many other synthetic ingredients derived from the petrochemical industry. Be aware of the health risks before using this product.

Inconsistency seems to be the issue with this firm. Formulations dating back three years were subtle, masculine, clean cut citrus over dry woods, with just a trace of sweetness. Current formulations resemble a cheap Muelhens 4711 knock-off with fine tissue paper like particles floating about.

Dull, synthetic freshness layerd over brackish spice and musk. The expensive flask bottle will probably spare it the indignity of being displayed on the drugstore shelf next to its Old Spice "Pure Sport" cousin.

A potentially delightful citrus experience is defiled by the heavy handed use of pungent herbs.

Posh vanilla confections infused with delicate floral perfume, virtually guarantees it's wearer won't be mistaken for a man in dim lighting.

An offbeat, rubber, grass and petroleum scent that possesses all the olfactory charms of a commercial automotive fuel treatment.

Thick, cloying, cinnamon laced alcoholic, that fails at every stage to achieve a masculine persona.

A promising opening of sharp, dry citrus and refreshing greens, soon dries to an anticlimactic blend of soft, sweet, perfumed notes.