Cologne Or Whiskey: A Sensory Journey Through Scents And Taste

Whiskey and cologne are an unlikely duo, but the combination of the two creates a unique scent. While whiskey may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fragrances, its complex aroma, with notes of spices, oak, dried fruits, grass, and chocolate, can enhance cologne and make it more intense and long-lasting. The addition of whiskey to cologne is not just a modern experiment but an age-old practice, with whiskey's versatile and fixative nature making it a favourable addition.

Why add whiskey to cologne?

Whiskey has an earthy, woody, and unmistakable aroma. Its unique scent has remained unchanged for centuries, despite changes in production and recipe. Cologne, on the other hand, is designed to enhance one's natural scent or mask body odour. It has a strong, distinct scent and is meant to be diluted before use, usually with water.

Adding whiskey to cologne is an age-old practice. Whiskey bolsters the cologne's aroma, making it more intense and unique, and helps it last longer without reapplication. Whiskey also acts as a diluent to the essential oils in the cologne, thanks to its ethanol content. Furthermore, the fragrance of whiskey induces relaxation, making it a versatile and fixative addition to colognes and perfumes.

Whiskey's dominant flavour and type, quantity added, and age determine its scent in cologne. For instance, whiskey aged in a charred wood barrel will impart woody and smoky notes to the cologne. Older whiskeys tend to have deeper, woodier scents, while newer ones have lighter, fresher, and sweeter notes.

When adding whiskey to cologne, it is important to test different concentrations to find the right balance. Typically, about 70% to 80% of whiskey is added to colognes, but different brands may use different amounts.

Best whiskey-scented colognes

Whisky is a classic scent, and combining it with cologne gives you the best of both worlds. It has a strong and bold aroma but is also smooth and refined. Whisky's earthy aroma and rich texture have made it a popular fragrance ingredient for centuries. It's a great fixative and very versatile. Whisky can be used alone or in perfume formulas.

CH Men Prive

Exciting, rich, and luxurious are just a few words to describe this cologne's woods-and-leather scent. Layers of whisky's explosive accords are intensified by black leather. It has top notes of grapefruit, pomelo, and whiskey, followed by frozen lavender, sage, red thyme, and cardamom. The base notes are leather, tonka bean, and benzoin. The fragrance lasts 5 hours or less, depending on your activities. It is best suited for date nights and special occasions during the fall and winter seasons.

Demeter Whiskey Tobacco by Demeter

Demeter Whiskey Tobacco is a warm and woody fragrance perfect for winter or late fall. It has a woody base with a hint of sweetness from the whiskey accord. This cologne provides a classic tobacco smell without being too strong or overwhelming. Demeter Whiskey Tobacco is a great choice for younger guys who want to smell sophisticated without being too sweet or floral.

24 Old Bond Street Triple Extract by Atkinsons Eau de Cologne

This cologne is an excellent choice for those who want to smell like a traditional man's cologne. It is based on the traditional recipe for eau de cologne, using three times as much of each ingredient as other fragrances. This results in a bold, masculine scent that lasts all day. It is best suited for daytime wear, especially if you're headed to the office, as it will make you feel confident and ready to take on any challenge.

Halloween Man X by Jesus Del Pozo

Halloween Man X is a bold and potent fragrance perfect for men who want to stand out. It combines the freshness of lemon, cardamom, and lavender with the smokiness of leather, whiskey, and vanilla. This cologne is affordable and has a sleek and masculine design. However, some may find the scent too subtle.

Kenneth Cole Serenity by Kenneth Cole

This is a versatile fragrance that can be worn for any occasion. It has top notes of white pepper and whiskey accord, middle notes of peach nectar, sandalwood, and cashmere, and base notes of tonka, labdanum, and vanilla. Kenneth Cole Serenity has moderate longevity and can be worn at any time of day, all year round. It is a fresh scent that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day.

Gritti Loody Prive by Gritti

Gritti Loody Prive is a long-lasting whiskey cologne with excellent sillage and longevity. It opens with notes of rose, woody amber, and whiskey, creating a warm and masculine scent. The base note of patchouli adds an earthy element to the fragrance. This cologne has a sleek design and is perfect for a night out during the fall and winter seasons. However, some may find it overpowering.

In addition to these colognes, there are also solid colognes available, such as "The Gambler" by Outlaw Soaps, which combines the scent of whiskey with old-fashioned tobacco and a hint of leather.

How to add whiskey to cologne

Adding whiskey to cologne is an age-old practice, but not many people know why it is done. Whiskey has a highly sensual, rich, and deep aroma created by several notes coming together. This aroma is quite different from the smell of a distillery.

Cologne is meant to have a strong, distinct scent, and is made using distilled alcohol. It is usually diluted before use, generally with water. Adding whiskey to the mix makes the cologne more powerful, enhancing or masking other scents. Whiskey also adds character to the cologne without modifying its scent beyond recognition. It can make the cologne's aroma more intense and unique, and help it last longer without reapplication.

If you want to add whiskey to your cologne, you can start by testing how much whiskey you want to add. You can spray different ratios of whiskey and cologne on tissues or mix them in glasses, and do a smell test to see which combination works best for you. Once you have determined the right ratio, simply pour a bit of whiskey into your cologne bottle using a dropper or a clean syringe, and blend the mixture by gently turning the bottle from side to side.

If you want to make your own whiskey-based cologne from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:

• Distilled water
• Jojoba or sweet almond oil
• Essential oils (top, base, and mid notes)
• Whiskey

• Mix your essential oils in a dark spray bottle, adding your jojoba or almond oil first, followed by your base, mid, and top notes.
• Add the whiskey to the bottle and gently shake to blend everything together.
• Let the mixture mature for two to six weeks. The longer it matures, the more potent the fragrance will be.
• Once the fragrance has matured, dilute it with distilled water, and your whiskey-based cologne is ready to use!

It is important to note that whiskey is a flammable liquid, and adding it to cologne may make it flammable as well. Always exercise caution when handling flammable liquids.

Making your own whiskey-based cologne

Whiskey-based colognes are a unique and nuanced fragrance that can become your signature scent. The process of making your own whiskey-based cologne is quite simple and can be achieved with a few key ingredients and steps.

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need grain alcohol, whiskey (of your choice, but a single malt scotch is recommended for a richer, more complex fragrance), an atomizer or spray bottle, a mason jar, and grapeseed oil. Additionally, you may want to add a few drops of aromatic bitters for a spicy-sweet note.

The first step is to create your tobacco or cigar oil, which will add depth to your cologne. Take a tablespoon of pipe tobacco and place it in the mason jar. Slowly add the grapeseed oil until the tobacco leaves are fully submerged. Allow this mixture to sit for an hour or two, as this will allow the oil to absorb the tobacco's aroma without adding its own scent.

Next, it's time to combine your whiskey and grain alcohol. Fill your atomizer or spray bottle with one part whiskey to two parts grain alcohol. The grain alcohol acts as the base of your cologne, while the whiskey will provide the dominant scent.

Once your tobacco oil is ready, strain it with a spoon and add 2-3 drops to your whiskey-alcohol mixture. You can then add 1-2 drops of aromatic bitters to round out the fragrance.

Finally, shake your mixture well and spritz onto your wrists and neck as desired.

It is important to note that you can experiment with different types and quantities of whiskey to find the perfect scent for you. Additionally, you can test different ratios of whiskey to alcohol on tissues or in glasses before committing to a final mixture.

Creating your own whiskey-based cologne allows you to customize your scent and explore the unique nuances of whiskey in fragrance.

Whiskey-based colognes: flammable?

Whiskey-based colognes are flammable. Whiskey is a flammable liquid, and cologne is often flammable depending on its ethyl alcohol content. Adding whiskey to cologne makes it more flammable. As a result, cologne with whiskey is treated as a flammable hazard or "hazard class 3" when being shipped.

Whiskey has a highly sensual, rich, and deep aroma. It is commonly used in colognes to enhance or mask other scents. The scent of whiskey in cologne depends on factors such as the dominant flavour of the whiskey, the quantity of whiskey added, and the age of the whiskey. Older whiskeys tend to have more woody and deep scents, while newer ones have light, fresh, and sweet notes.

There are several whiskey-based colognes on the market, including Paco Rabanne Invictus Intense, Carolina Herrera CH Prive, and Givenchy Gentleman. It is also possible to make your own whiskey-based cologne at home by adding whiskey to an existing cologne or creating a custom blend.

While whiskey-based colognes may smell appealing, it is important to handle them with care due to their flammability.

Frequently asked questions