Polo: An American Fragrance Icon?

is polo american cologne

Ralph Lauren's Polo is an American cologne that has been around since 1978. It is a woody, spicy fragrance with notes of pine, leather, tobacco, and patchouli. It is a classic, masculine scent that has been described as the quintessential American male scent. The cologne has a strong scent and is long-lasting. While some consider it to be an old man's cologne, it has many devoted fans who appreciate its unique and bold aroma.

Characteristics Values
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Olfactory Family Woody, Spicy
Key Notes Pine, Leather, Tobacco, Patchouli
Top Notes Pine accord, Thyme oil, Basil oil
Mid Notes Leather accord, Tobacco Leaf absolute, Tarragon accord
Base Notes Patchouli oil, Oakmoss accord, Incense oil
Bottle Inspiration Vintage men’s flask
Bottle Colour Green
Bottle Design Iconic deep green bottle with signature brass cap and polo pony design
Scent Masculine blend of tobacco, wood, and leather, energised with the refreshing scent of brilliant herbals
Top Notes Basil, Juniper, Cumin
Middle Notes Thyme, Pine, Carnation
Base Notes Amber, Patchouli, Moss
Recommended Wear Evening

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The history of Polo Green

The iconic men's cologne, Polo, was first introduced in 1978 by Ralph Lauren. The scent was created by perfumer Carlos Benaïm, who is now regarded as one of America's greatest living perfumers.

The cologne is a Chypre, a family of fragrances that is widely acknowledged as the most sophisticated and beautiful. Polo is a blend of wood, leather, tobacco, and other natural scents. It is unapologetically masculine and does not contain any floral notes, apart from chamomile, which has a more grassy scent.

The cologne has a rich history and has been passed down through generations of men's cologne connoisseurs. It is often called the "quintessential American male" scent and is known for its bold, experimental, and unique blend of aromatics.

The magic of Polo lies in its blend of sultry aromatics, which include rich base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss, balanced by a vibrant, spicy opening of basil, artemisia, vetiver, and thyme. This combination creates a deep, resonant, and elegant fragrance with a strong masculine character.

Over the years, Polo has undergone reformulations, and its ownership has changed hands a few times. Despite these changes, the section's overall look has remained virtually unchanged. Today, Polo is produced by Luxury Products, LLC, a subsidiary of L'Oreal.

The cologne's longevity and staying power are impressive, and it continues to be a favourite among fragrance enthusiasts. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to speak to its wearers, evoking strength, elegance, and tradition.

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The scent notes of Polo Green

  • Pine
  • Leather
  • Tobacco
  • Patchouli
  • Juniper Berries
  • Basil
  • Artemisia
  • Caraway
  • Coriander
  • Bergamot
  • Pine Tree Needles
  • Chamomile
  • Pepper
  • Carnation
  • Geranium
  • Jasmine
  • Rose
  • Cedar
  • Vetiver
  • Musk
  • Amber

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The performance of Polo Green

However, the fragrance is not without its critics. Some reviewers have complained that the newer formulations are weaker than the original, with one stating that the "performance is now much, MUCH weaker". Another user claimed that the fragrance "barely smells like the same fragrance at all".

Overall, Polo Green is a long-lasting fragrance with a strong sillage, but some users have noted a decline in performance in newer formulations.

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The popularity of Polo Green

Introduced in 1978, Polo Green by Ralph Lauren is a woody chypre fragrance for men, featuring notes of pine, leather, tobacco, and patchouli. Its bold and unapologetic scent, with rich base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss, evokes a sense of brawn and masculinity. The fragrance has a deep, resonant voice that speaks to strength, elegance, and tradition.

Over the years, Polo Green has become a classic, best-selling American fragrance. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its unique scent profile, which combines warm, dry, mossy notes with touches of citrus and woodiness. The chypre family of fragrances, to which Polo Green belongs, is widely acknowledged as sophisticated and beautiful.

The fragrance has also gained a reputation for its longevity and staying power. With its rich and intense trail, Polo Green has become a signature scent for generations of men's cologne connoisseurs, charming both young men and women even decades after its release.

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The reformulations of Polo Green

One significant change to Polo Green was the elimination of oakmoss from the fragrance due to allergic reactions and skin rashes. This alteration is considered a major factor in the perceived difference between the "past" and "present" versions of Polo Green.

Some enthusiasts have noted that the Warner/Lauren and Warner/Cosmair versions of Polo Green are characterised by a green, "wet moss" scent, while the modern-era fragrance is described as brighter, pinier, and more synthetic-smelling. The newer formulations by Ralph Lauren Fragrances are also said to have reduced performance and longevity.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Polo is an American cologne. It was launched in 1978 by Ralph Lauren and is considered a classic, best-selling American fragrance.

The key notes of Polo cologne are pine, leather, tobacco, and patchouli.

Polo cologne is a part of the woody and spicy olfactory family.

Polo cologne has great longevity and can last for several hours. It is a strong and long-lasting fragrance.

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