Today we’re going old school. I rarely find an Hermes scent that I don’t love, and this is not an exception to that rule. Bel Ami is a man’s cologne. There is nothing feminine about this scent. And when I say that its old school, it conjures up images in my head of Cary Grant wearing a tux on the Riviera. It is one of those scents that is distinctive, long lasting, powerful and one that I always get comments on when I wear it (all good). So what’s so special about it? I think it’s the wonderful combination of the patchouli and leather that really stick out. Which is funny, because I am typically not a fan of either in most scents. But add the cardamon and amber and something magically happens. I highly recommend this for men who love real manly man men’s colognes. Just remember, a little goes a long way with this scent.
From the Hermes website:
Irresistibly charming and masculine. An audacious mix of cardamom, amber, patchouli and leather.
- Bone Rating: 5 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: leather, patchouli, amber, cardamom
- Classification: Masculine
- Expense: Moderate – Approximately $110 for 3.3 oz.
December 10, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Interesting that you mentioned Cary Grant with regard to Bel Ami. I attribute Cary Grant to Monsieur de Givenchy. (Naturally, the vintage version.) I actually had a conversation about that exact subject just a few days ago. I think the discreet but sophisticated and elegant nature of MdG would suit him much more. In contrast, for Bel Ami, I see someone more like a young Robert Mitchum. If you’re curious (and I’ll tell you even if you’re not, LOL), I think my beloved Habit Rouge would suit Clark Gable or full-on Rhett Butler. I cannot recommend that enough (and I know my old-school men’s colognes), so I hope you can try it sometime. 🙂 Oh, and I definitely recommend Guerlain’s Vetiver which was JFK’s scent, along with many, many other famous individuals.
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December 10, 2012 at 7:23 pm
I need to get back to some of the old classics. Although I have never been a fan of Habit Rouge (at least not the EdT version, I don’t think I have ever tried the EdP version. Hmmm, Bel Ami and Robert Mitchum? I picture him being something more dangerous and skanky.
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December 10, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Young Robert Mitchum was handsome but with an edge. Leather suited him perfectly, as would the spiciness of something like patchouli. An edgier man’s scent, as opposed to a debonair, suave sophisticate like Cary Grant. I don’t see Cary Grant in Leather. And most definitely not in Patchouli! LOL.
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December 10, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Agreed Cary Grant and leather do not go well… I see your point with B. Mitchum!
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February 13, 2015 at 12:18 pm
What about bel ami vétiver. Please?
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