Drakkar Noir is a men's cologne by Guy Laroche, created by perfumer Pierre Wargnye and introduced in 1982. It is an aromatic fougère fragrance with top notes of rosemary, artemisia, lavender, basil, lemon verbena, bergamot and lemon; middle notes of coriander, carnation, cinnamon, juniper and jasmine; and base notes of leather, sandalwood, fir, amber, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver and cedar.
Drakkar Noir is a successor to the brand's 1972 fragrance Drakkar, and was launched to appeal to a British market. It has won several awards, including the 1985 FiFi Award for Most Successful Men's Fragrance (Limited), and the 2010 Canadian Fragrance Awards' Hall of Fame Award—Men's. In 1991, it was the bestselling men's prestige scent worldwide.
The cologne has a bold, long-lasting, and versatile scent, with a moderate projection. It is suitable for both casual day wear and more formal evening events. Drakkar Noir is a classic, timeless fragrance that has remained relevant for decades. Its spicy, woody, and masculine notes create a sophisticated scent that can easily be worn to the office, evening dinners, or special occasions.
The cologne's marketing has focused on themes of masculinity, sensuality, decadence, darkness, and lust, with the name Drakkar derived from the word drekar, a type of Viking longship, invoking the virile charm associated with Viking warriors. Drakkar Noir's sleek, black bottle and advertising campaigns have emphasised these themes, with visuals that evoke mystery, sensuality, and forbidden pleasures.
What You'll Learn
Drakkar Noir's Viking heritage
The Drakkar Noir fragrance for men draws its name from the Viking longship, the "drakkar", a type of flat-bottomed vessel adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and other symbols. The name evokes the virile charm and strength associated with Viking warriors. The Viking heritage of Drakkar Noir is reflected in its marketing, which emphasizes themes of masculinity, sensuality, and power.
Drakkar boats were a key element of the Viking naval arsenal, serving multiple functions and playing a significant role in their military and commercial endeavours. These ships were not just a means of transportation but also a symbol of Viking ingenuity and craftsmanship. The discovery of ancient drakkar boats, such as the Gokstad ship in 1880, has provided valuable insights into Viking society and their advanced naval architecture.
The construction of drakkar boats involved overlapping planks held together by nails, showcasing the Vikings' maritime expertise. The curved prows and square sails of these ships became iconic, striking fear into the hearts of their adversaries. The dragon, a creature feared by the Vikings' enemies, was the most common symbol adorning their ships, along with other mystical motifs.
The Vikings' attachment to their culture and beliefs extended to their ships, which they considered blessed by the gods. They adorned their boats with runes and symbols from Norse mythology, seeking divine protection during fishing and warfare. The drakkar, with its length-to-width ratio of 7/1, was designed for smooth movement, utilizing sails and oars to navigate through rivers and seas.
The Viking fleet included various types of drakkar boats, such as war boats and commercial ships. The war drakkars, adorned with shields and equipped with oars, could carry over 400 warriors. On the other hand, commercial drakkars were wider and more stable, designed for transporting goods and trading.
The Viking heritage of Drakkar Noir fragrance captures the essence of the mighty Vikings, their naval prowess, and their fearless spirit of conquest. The name and imagery associated with the fragrance evoke a sense of strength, mystery, and virility, reflecting the allure of the Viking warriors and their iconic longships.
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Drakkar Noir's Dracula connection
Drakkar Noir, a men's fragrance by Guy Laroche, was introduced in 1982. The name Drakkar is derived from the word 'drekar', a type of Viking longship, invoking the "virile charm" associated with Viking warriors. The fragrance's name also has a similar sound to Dracula, a fictional vampire known for his seductive cruelty. Through the name, themes associated with Dracula are believed to become unconsciously associated with the fragrance in the mind of consumers.
The Drakkar Noir man embodies strength, insolence and emotion. Its scent is a blend of stimulating lavender, lemon and mandarin orange top notes, a warm spicy herbaceous heart, and a powerful woody base. Drakkar Noir is an aromatic fougère, with top notes of bergamot, rosemary, lavender, middle notes of cardamom and geranium, and a dry down of vetiver, cedar, and fir balsam. Drakkar Noir helped cement a trend of fresh fougère scents in the 1980s.
Marketing for Drakkar Noir has focused on themes of masculinity, sensuality, decadence, darkness, and lust. Print advertisements have visually emphasised these themes, with one ad displaying the fragrance bottle in the centre of the page on a dark background, with a beam of light crossing the page and not touching the bottle. Another ad portrayed a man's unclothed arm from just below the wrist, gripping a bottle of Drakkar Noir. A woman's hand with long, red-painted nails assertively grips his bare arm at the wrist. The ad portrays masculine strength and the female desire for security in that strength.
Drakkar Noir has been referenced in several TV shows and films, including *Family Guy*, *How I Met Your Mother*, *The Office*, *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, and *10 Things I Hate About You*.
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Drakkar Noir's bold, masculine scent
Drakkar Noir is a bold, masculine scent that has endured for over 40 years. It is a powerful combination of citrus, spice, and wood. The top notes of lavender, basil, and lemon verbena create an immediate fresh and clean feeling. As it settles, the middle notes of juniper, coriander, and cinnamon give the fragrance its unique spicy edge, making it stand out from more traditional colognes. Finally, it dries down to a warm, woody base with patchouli, oakmoss, and pine.
The Drakkar Noir Eau de Toilette has received mostly positive reviews for its classic masculine scent and long-lasting wear. Users appreciate its bold, timeless fragrance that suits both casual and formal settings.
Drakkar Noir is an intense woody, aromatic eau de toilette. It is a signature scent for generations of men. Its aromatic fougère scent is unmistakably masculine. As you experience its tangy citrus accords intertwining with the robust and animalic musk base notes, you are irresistibly drawn in.
Drakkar Noir is a well-balanced blend of earthy, citrusy, woody and green notes that's one of the most popular fragrances on the market. Its long-lasting nature makes it a go-to option for those who need a fragrance that can keep up with their busy day.
Drakkar Noir is more than just a classic—it’s a fragrance that has endured for over 30 years, known for its bold, masculine scent. Its distinctive blend of spicy and woody notes captures the attention of men who seek a scent that stands out.
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Drakkar Noir's long-lasting nature
Drakkar Noir is a long-lasting fragrance with a strong initial projection. Its longevity has a lot to do with your skin type and the environment in which you wear it. Individuals with dry skin may need to reapply. It may evaporate to its base notes more quickly in warm weather. Drakkar Noir is an eau de toilette that you can expect to last between 2-6 hours.
The scent is an aromatic fougère, with top notes of bergamot, rosemary, lavender, middle notes of cardamom and geranium, and a dry down of vetiver, cedar, and fir balsam. Drakkar Noir helped cement a trend of fresh fougère scents in the 1980s.
The fragrance's name, Drakkar, is derived from the word drekar, a type of Viking longship, invoking the "virile charm" associated with the Viking warriors. Drakkar Noir's name also has a similar sound to Dracula, a fictional vampire known for his seductive cruelty; through the name, themes associated with Dracula are believed to become unconsciously associated with the fragrance in the mind of consumers.
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Drakkar Noir's versatility
Drakkar Noir is a versatile cologne that can be worn in a variety of settings and occasions. Its bold, spicy, and woody notes make it stand out from other fragrances, and its long-lasting nature makes it suitable for both casual and formal events. Here are some reasons why Drakkar Noir is a versatile fragrance:
- Timeless Appeal: Drakkar Noir has been a popular fragrance since its launch in 1982, and its classic, masculine scent has endured for over 40 years. Its timeless appeal makes it suitable for those who want a fragrance that transcends trends and generations.
- Versatile Use: The cologne's versatility is one of its key strengths. It can be worn during the day for a casual outing or at night for a more formal event. Its spicy and woody notes give it a refined edge that works for any occasion.
- Longevity: Drakkar Noir is known for its impressive longevity. With just a few sprays, the fragrance can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, making it ideal for long workdays or evenings out. Its moderate projection ensures that it is noticeable without being overpowering.
- Budget-Friendly: Drakkar Noir offers exceptional value, especially when compared to other designer fragrances. Its affordable price makes it accessible to those who want a premium fragrance experience without breaking the bank.
- Bold Packaging: The cologne comes in a sleek, black bottle with a minimalist design, making it easy to carry and adding a touch of sophistication to any dresser.
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Frequently asked questions
Drakkar Noir is a woody, aromatic fragrance with top notes of lavender, rosemary, basil, lemon verbena, and bergamot, heart notes of juniper, coriander, cinnamon, and carnation, and base notes of oakmoss, leather, patchouli, and cedar.
Drakkar Noir is a bold, masculine, and timeless fragrance. It's long-lasting and versatile, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. It's a classic scent that has endured for over 30 years and continues to impress with its distinctive blend of spicy and woody notes.
Drakkar Noir is for men who want a bold, masculine, and timeless fragrance. It's ideal for those who want a scent that can transition from day to night and lasts for several hours.
Drakkar Noir can be purchased at major department stores and online fragrance retailers.