Touch for Men by Burberry is a woody floral musk fragrance created by Jean-Pierre Bethouart and was launched in 2000.
I have always been intrigued by a gorgeous fragrance’s enchantment – a scent that characterizes a moment and narrates a story about the individual who wears it.
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Come with me on this aromatic adventure as I share why Touch has recently become one of my most significant finds—a subtle and intriguing scent.
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BURBERRY TOUCH FOR MEN ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “A clean, refreshing fragrance with top notes of artemisia, mandarin tree and violet leaves. Heart notes of nutmeg, Virginia cedar wood and white pepper add warmth.
The woody aroma of vetiver and soft musk of Tonka beans provide depth.”
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: Jean-Pierre Bethouart
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Toilette
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Woody Floral Musk
- RELEASE DATE: 2000
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Men
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 60% – 40%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Violet Leaf, Musk, and White Pepper
- AGE GROUP: 20+
- SEASONS: Spring, and Fall
- OCCASIONS: Business and Leisure
- PERFORMANCE: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: High
- LIKEABILITY: Moderate
- UNIQUENESS: 3/5
- PRESENTATION: 3/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10
- PRICE: $ ($20.00 to $105.00)
- ACCORDS: Fresh Spicy, Musky, Powdery
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: 4325 – November 2024
- REFORMULATED: Yes
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: B
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Buy
- TESTING PERIOD: 2 weeks
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Low
PERFUME PRESENTATION
Touch comes in a sleek, cylindrical bottle with clean lines and a minimalist design that speaks volumes about the fragrance.
Its shape is supposed to represent a male torso with Burberry’s logo and a nice touch with its wooden cap.
As for the box, please remember that this review is based on the latest version, and the packaging has been changed slightly.
While the overall design has stayed the same, the main difference is the absence of that little rope that used to tie around a button-like circle at the upper half of the box.
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, I’ll examine the note breakdown, which plays a crucial role in shaping a fragrance’s identity.
Understanding how the top, heart, and base notes interact can provide valuable insight into the scent’s overall character.
Whether you’re considering adding a fragrance to your collection or are simply curious about how the notes unfold, this breakdown will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and positive and negative sides of a particular fragrance.
PERFUME NOTES
- TOP NOTES: Violet Leaf, Artemisia, Mandarin Orange
- HEART NOTES: White Pepper, Cedar, Nutmeg
- BASE NOTES: White Musk, Tonka Bean, Vetiver
TOP NOTES
Touch opens up clean and fresh and gives a 90s vibe. Close to barber powder after you have a nice shave or a haircut; as soon as you spray the first spray, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
A somewhat cold and metallic scent provided by a big burst of violet leaf and a touch of citrus reminded me of one of those long discontinued Dsquared fragrances with a bottle decorated with a wooden texture.
HEART NOTES
As the fragrance settles on the skin, a certain spiciness starts to break through the hefty dose of powderiness present in the top notes.
Since this is an affordable fragrance, and the materials inside aren’t of the highest quality, saying that this comes from white pepper or nutmeg would be a stretch, but the overall feeling is spicy.
BASE NOTES
The drydown is the best part of this composition for me and a star of the show. Along with the residues of violet from the top and spicy kick from the middle notes, we are introduced to gentle musk and tonka bean.
I’m not surprised that so many people love this scent and have worn it as their signature fragrance for over two decades.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
Based on my experience with Touch these last few weeks, I usually get 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection.
The sillage is also moderate, and people usually have to get close to you to whiff this gentle composition.
This is a perfect fragrance for a modern man who appreciates its subtle yet sophisticated aroma.
OCCASIONS & VALUE
Touch is a remarkably versatile fragrance that excels in casual and professional environments, particularly in spring and summer.
I’ve discovered it ideal for everyday situations—whether a laid-back brunch, a workday, or a casual night out—where its fresh, powdery essence introduces a hint of refinement without overpowering.
As for its uniqueness, 2000 was long ago, and time does its thing, unfortunately.
While no longer a super unique fragrance, it can still hold itself on its two feet and feel at home in today’s trends, where every other release is overly sweet.
The value for the money is tremendous, and you’ll hardly find a better fragrance at this price point. This bottle was sold for 25.00 EUR, and it’s worth every penny.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexity, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- One of the most versatile fragrances on the market
- Balanced composition that creates a refined, well-rounded scent
- It appeals to those who prefer a more gentle, non-overpowering fragrance
Cons
- Moderate performance
- The ingredients are not of the highest quality
- Although versatile, I would skip wearing it in summer and winter
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
As of 2025, Touch for Men and Touch for Women are the only two from the original Touch collection that are still available for purchase. Tender Touch has been long discontinued.
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
FINAL WORDS
Touch remains a timeless and versatile fragrance that perfectly encapsulates understated elegance.
I still cannot believe that it took me so long to check it out, which confirms that just because something is affordable doesn’t necessarily mean it is not worth sampling.
Do yourself a favor, get to the perfume shop, and sample one of the best scents from Burberry.
What do you think about this article covering Burberry Touch for Men? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, looking at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide is always a good decision.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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Your number one source for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
– Marin Kristić
Hi Marin. I remember wearing Touch during a chilly autumn morning in London—its fresh, powdery burst felt like a breath of crisp air. Could you share a moment when this fragrance truly enhanced your style during a brisk day in the city? Thx
Hello Alan. This review was based on wearing Touch for around a week or so, so I’ve yet to create such memories, but I can’t wait to wear it more to share more experiences like yours. Best, Marin 🙂
I have to say this this review is by far the best one on the web I have seen so far for Touch, and I have been wearing it since early 2000s. I just love how this perfume masterpiece receives unexpected compliments. But, there is no perfect fragrance in this world so I would like to ask you if you could tweak one note in this Burberry, which one would it be and why? Best regards, Dario M.
Hi Dario, thanks for your kind words! If I had to tweak one note, I might soften the tonka bean in the dry-down. While it adds a warm, inviting sweetness that’s part of the fragrance’s charm, sometimes it can feel too pronounced after hours, potentially overshadowing the delicate balance of the fresh and spicy notes. A subtler touch of tonka bean could enhance the overall harmony and let the crisp, powdery freshness shine even brighter. Best, Marin 🙂
Ciao! I’ve read that many users felt nostalgic after their first spray of Burberry Touch —what was your first memorable experience with it, and have you noticed similar reactions among your readers?
Hi, Milano. Since I have been wearing Touch for such a limited amount of time, I’m still waiting for that “big” memorable experience with it, but the fragrance’s delicate, powdery notes brought back memories of crisp, freshly laundered linens and subtle hints of childhood nostalgia. The rest will come with time. Best, Marin 🙂
Hello Marin. Glad to see that you have saved the website and continue to do the good work. After reading some of the comments on that fragrance database base website(we all know which one I’m talking about, don’t like them to be honest), I noticed a few comments saying the scent feels like a hidden gem among designer scents—what makes it stand out for you, and have you heard any inspiring user stories that highlight its unique appeal?
Hello Giovanni, and thanks for the kind words! What makes Touch stand out is its subtle, complex balance—it’s a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts, revealing a refreshing mix of powdery and spicy nuances that feel classic and modern. I’ve heard inspiring stories from users who discovered that this hidden gem elevated their everyday style and sparked cherished memories of simpler times, making it a truly personal signature scent for many. Best, Marin 🙂