The Evolution Of Brut Cologne: Still In Vogue?

Brut is a men's grooming and fragrance product line that was introduced to Paris in the 1960s and is still sold today. The brand was launched in 1964 by the American firm Fabergé Inc. and has changed hands several times since. It is currently owned by High Ridge Brands Company in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Latin America; Pharmacare Laboratories in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands; and Unilever in the rest of the world. Brut's signature fragrances are known for their bold, masculine scents, featuring notes of spicy woods and citrus. The product line has expanded over the years to include aftershave, balms, and deodorant, and it continues to be a popular choice for men's personal care.

Brut is owned by Unilever, except in certain regions

The Brut line of men's grooming and fragrance products is marketed around the world by Unilever, except in certain regions. In the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Latin America, the brand is owned by High Ridge Brands Company, which acquired the rights to the brand in these regions from Helen of Troy Limited in 2021. Prior to that, in 1990, Fabergé, the original producer of Brut, was taken over by Unilever. However, in certain regions, the brand changed hands again.

In Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, Brut is owned by Pharmacare Laboratories, which acquired the rights to the brand in these regions from Unilever in 2003. Interestingly, Australia produces its own Brut aftershave, which is said to have a slightly different scent.

Despite the changes in ownership over the years, Brut remains a well-known and preferred fragrance brand for men around the world. It was first introduced in Paris in the 1960s and has since become synonymous with bold, masculine scents.

Brut was first launched in 1964

The first Brut fragrance for men was launched in 1964 by the American firm Fabergé Inc. in Paris. It was a powerful cologne, with a classic, masculine scent. The original Brut was developed by the perfume house Faberge of Paris and was a powerful cologne. It was a classic scent, comparable to the Axe cologne of the late 1960s, but developed by a classic perfumer.

The first Brut fragrance was a bold, flowery fragrance with citrus top notes and hints of spicy woods. It was recommended for evening wear. The distinctive green glass bottle with a silver-coloured medallion has remained the same since its launch.

Brut was an instant success and became one of the most well-known fragrance-led male personal care brands in the world. It set the bold standard for prestige masculine scents and empowered men across the world to wear its fragrances with confidence, charm and character.

In 1968, a budget version of the fragrance was launched, called Brut 33, as it contained only 33% of the original fragrance. It was packaged in cheaper plastic bottles and described as a "lighter fragrance". Despite the changes in ownership over the years, Brut has remained a popular fragrance for men, with celebrity endorsements including footballer Vinnie Jones, boxer Henry Cooper, and footballer Paul Gascoigne.

Brut has celebrity endorsements

Brut has had a number of celebrity endorsements over the years. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the brand was endorsed in the United Kingdom by boxer Henry Cooper, whose slogan was "splash it all over". Motorcycling world champion Barry Sheene, athlete David Hemery, showjumper Harvey Smith, and footballer Kevin Keegan also appeared in Brut campaigns during this time. In Germany, footballer Franz Beckenbauer endorsed the brand in the 1970s.

In 1973, Allan Moffat drove a Brut 33-sponsored Ford Mustang in the Australian Touring Car Championship, and in 1980, Joe Namath starred in an infamous ad depicting him having a "Brut Day," in which everything went his way. Footballer Paul Gascoigne also starred in an advertising campaign, although he was later dropped amid domestic violence allegations made by his ex-wife. In 2015, Jim Harbaugh professed his love for the brand, saying, "I've been a Brut man since I was 10 years old." Even Elvis Presley and Sylvester Stallone have been known to use Brut. In 2020, former footballer Vinnie Jones was recruited for a Brut advertising campaign with the slogan, "It just smells good—no messing about."

Brut is available in different colours, e.g. Brut Black, Brut Blue

Brut is available in different colours, namely Brut Black and Brut Blue. Both are produced by Faberge Co. and are marketed as masculine fragrances.

Brut Black

Brut Black, also known as Brut Titan, is an aromatic fougere fragrance for men. Its top notes include anise, citruses, lavender, and basil, with middle notes of floral and spicy notes, and a base note of woody notes. It has been described as dark, fresh, and soapy, with a cheap cologne character. The fragrance has been likened to "synthetic musks in the generic 'black' style".

Brut Blue

Brut Blue, also known as Brut Actif Blue, is an aromatic aquatic fragrance for men. Its top notes include lavender, pear, water mint, and apple, with middle notes of green grass, sea notes, and geranium, and base notes of musk and sandalwood. It has been described as "marine and fresh", "fruity", and "aquatic".

Other Variations

Brut also offers other fragrances, such as Brut Classic, Brut Sport Style

Brut is available in different sizes, e.g. 3.0 oz, 5 oz