The Making Of Polo Cologne: A Fragrance Journey

Ralph Lauren's Polo cologne is a woody chypre fragrance for men, first launched in 1978. It was created by perfumer Carlos Benaïm, who was born and raised in Morocco and is now regarded as America's greatest living perfumer. Polo is a blend of herbal, citrus, floral, spicy, and woody notes. Its top notes include basil, juniper berries, artemisia, caraway, coriander, and bergamot; middle notes are pine tree needles, leather, chamomile, pepper, carnation, geranium, jasmine, and rose; base notes are tobacco, oakmoss, patchouli, cedar, vetiver, musk, and amber.

Polo's Chypre Family

Chypre fragrances are named after the Greek island of Cyprus, which was once a major player in the perfume trade. The word 'chypre' is the French translation of 'Cyprus'. Chypre fragrances are built upon a woody, mossy accord, with a powerful burst of fresh, citrusy notes (often bergamot) followed by a floral heart of rose, ylang-ylang or jasmine. The base combines deep woody notes (often patchouli), smooth labdanum (an incense-like resin) and earthy oak moss.

The classical chypre structure is always initiated with an energising burst of citrus, which is soon followed by a floral heart. Deep, woody notes usually constitute the final dry down of these intriguing fragrances. Classical chypres are often dark and rich, while modern chypres are more transparent, with notes of clean patchouli.

Ralph Lauren's Polo is a chypre fragrance. It is unapologetically masculine, with rich base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli and oak moss. The classic masculinity of Polo is counterbalanced by a brilliant, vibrant opening of basil, artemisia, vetiver and thyme, with a refreshing spice of clove, coriander and cumin.

The Top Notes

Artemisia, also known as wormwood, is a perennial herb that has a strong aroma and a slightly bitter taste. It is often used in perfumery to add a green, herbal note to fragrances. Basil, on the other hand, adds a refreshing, spicy touch to the cologne. Bergamot, a type of citrus fruit, provides a bright, tangy element to the fragrance. Caraway contributes a warm, spicy note, while coriander adds a hint of freshness. Finally, juniper berries bring a touch of sweetness and a hint of pine.

These top notes create an initial impression of the cologne that is vibrant, spicy, and masculine. They set the tone for the heart and base notes that follow, creating a well-rounded and enduring fragrance.

The Heart Notes

The interplay between the heart notes and the other elements of the fragrance is what gives Polo Cologne its enduring appeal and iconic status. The heart notes are carefully balanced with the top notes of basil, artemisia, vetiver, and thyme, as well as the base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss. This combination of notes creates a unique and captivating scent that has captivated wearers for generations.

The Base Notes

The cologne is a chypre, a family of fragrances that is widely acknowledged as the most sophisticated and beautiful of fragrance families. Chypres are almost invariably musky with touches of woodiness, which gives them a sensual, animal character. They are full of warm, dry, mossy scents with notes of citrus, labdanum, and bergamot.

The Longevity

Ralph Lauren's Polo cologne has been a staple in the world of designer fragrances for over four decades. Its longevity can be attributed to its sophisticated and timeless scent, which combines woody, spicy, herbal, citrus, floral, and musky notes. The cologne's longevity is also due to its strong performance, with a lasting power of up to four hours. Additionally, the scent is designed to be applied to pulse points, such as behind the ears, at the base of the neck, and on the wrists, which helps extend its longevity.

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