Pour Homme by Dolce&Gabbana is a citrus aromatic fragrance for men, created by Max Gavarry and was launched in 1994.
This fragrance was re-released in 2012 with a slightly different note pyramid and reformulated by an unnamed perfumer on which this review is based.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing via provided links/banners comes at no additional cost to you. Scent Grail only recommends products and services that are insightful and helpful to readers. For more info, please read the Affiliate Disclaimer.
I can’t believe I still haven’t reviewed this blast from the past, even though I had a miniature edition in 2017, which, sadly, I don’t remember how it smelled.
My answer is a resounding yes for all of you wondering whether this oldie release is still worth buying in 2025 and beyond. Let’s begin.
Save $10 for $200+, and $30 for $500+ when shopping on Jomashop by using the following PROMO codes: Scentgrail10 and Scentgrail30
Check out Scent Grail’s Top Picks on Jomashop, and keep smelling great!
BECOME A SCENT GRAIL PATREON
Read this and all future articles in their complete versions exclusively on Patreon, which helps cover the website’s operational costs and content development.
PERFUME ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Fresh, masculine, refined: Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Eau de Toilette pays homage to the unique elegance of the Italian man.
Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Eau de Toilette perfume for men celebrates masculinity seen through brand’s vision: an aromatic fougère fragrance with invigorating notes of citrus and fresh herbs, warmed by piquant spices and smoky woods.
Refined elegance: the character of Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Eau de Toilette is mirrored in the clean contours of the glass flacon topped with a weighty deep blue cap.”
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: Max Gavarry
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Toilette
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Citrus Aromatic
- RELEASE DATE: 1994 (2012)
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Men
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 90% – 10%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Citruses, Lavender, and Tobacco
- AGE GROUP: 25+
- SEASONS: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- OCCASIONS: Business and Leisure
- PERFORMANCE: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: Moderate
- LIKEABILITY: Moderate
- UNIQUENESS: 3/5
- PRESENTATION: 5/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 9/10
- PRICE: $$ ($94.00)
- ACCORDS: Citrus, Aromatic, Tobacco
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: 1085DM – March 2021
- REFORMULATED: Yes
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: B
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Sample
- TESTING PERIOD: 2 months
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Low
PERFUME PRESENTATION
One of the aspects I adore most about Pour Homme and Light Blue lines is their presentation. The design of the bottle speaks volumes about the fragrance within.
The bottle perfectly blends modern minimalism and classic Italian elegance, featuring clean lines, a deep yellow hue reminiscent of the Mediterranean sun, and a subtle nod to the brand’s heritage.
The sprayer spritzes short but wide mist, and the cap is made out of a plastic and metal combination, which is recognizably associated with Light Blue and Pour Homme lines.
The box is equally important; the blue-colored cardboard is covered with a velvety touch, which I wish they would never remove.
No complaints at all, well done D&G!
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, I’ll dive into the note breakdown that plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a fragrance.
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: Citruses, Bergamot, Neroli, Mandarin Orange
- HEART NOTES: Lavender, Sage, Pepper
- BASE NOTES: Tobacco, Tonka Bean, Cedar
TOP NOTES
As the notes suggest, Pour Homme opens up with a fresh burst of citrus. Realistically, you’d be hard-pressed to pinpoint any of the specified citrus notes, but the overall feeling is like a fresh citrus garden.
Combined with this zest, soapy Neroli mixes for an invigorating quality that instantly transports me to a sunlit Mediterranean morning.
Tip for younger noses: Please do not give up on the fragrance if this seems too classical for you. The overall feeling of this composition will not only give you confidence while wearing it, but I’m sure that the people around you will recognize your more mature taste in the perfumery.
HEART NOTES
Once the initial citrus fades, the fragrance’s heart takes center stage. I’m a big sucker for lavender-based scents, and this is just what I love in my citrus-oriented perfumes.
A hefty dose of lavender that gets more peppery as the fragrance sits longer on your skin.
Unfortunately, this aromatic note doesn’t smell natural and leans more toward the artificial side, which I can understand.
Sage is also here, yet I never detect it.
BASE NOTES
A genius move from D&G was to include a fresh dose of hay-like tobacco into the dry down, creating a warm and inviting finish that lingers on the skin.
I’m going to be honest with you: If I hadn’t read the notes online, I wouldn’t have known that the slight sweetness and woodiness were coming from cedar and tonka beans.
The overall quality is here, but anyone with years of experience in this hobby will know that the ingredients here were not the most expensive.
Is it a shame that this stopped this classic release from greatness? Maybe, maybe not.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
On my skin, I’ve noticed that the scent lasts about six to eight hours—enough to carry me through a busy day without needing reapplication.
I’ve always considered myself someone who appreciates a fragrance that makes a statement without shouting it.
Pour Homme primarily targets the modern, confident man who values tradition and innovation. No wonder I like Acqua di Parma perfumes so much.
As for compliments, I got some positive comments on how fresh and distinctive it smells. These remarks came from the people who are not in the fragrance game as I am, which I consider a positive thing.
OCCASIONS & VALUE
The versatility of this release is one of its strongest assets. I have only tested it in winter and early spring, but I can already say it will work in all seasons except summer, where I believe tobacco note does not fit.
Even though I love Pour Homme’s unique ability to balance freshness with warmth, the days when this was considered unique are long gone.
It stands out in a market saturated with modern, artificial-smelling fragrances for its authentic blend of classic notes.
I’ve always felt that it offers tremendous value for money—its performance, longevity, and versatile appeal make it a worthy investment.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexities, 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
- Timeless, versatile scent
- Superb presentation
- Great value for money from fragrance discounters
Cons
- Not for those who prefer stronger performance
- May feel retro to the modern audience
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
Believe it or not, D&G Pour Homme has only one flanker as of 2025. I thought I was crazy after spending so much time searching for other flankers that I was sure existed.
Unfortunately, all of those come from the Light Blue line, which kind of makes this one remind me of the good old days when fragrance houses took proper time to release a successor to their previously successful release.
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the FAQ corner on Scent Grail, curated to unravel the most common queries surrounding the best niche perfumes for winter.
Whether you’re a fragrance enthusiast seeking to explore the world of niche perfumes or simply looking for additional information to complement your style, this FAQ section will provide valuable insights.
What are the main notes in Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme?
The fragrance opens with bright citrus and neroli notes, evolves into a heart of lavender, sage, and pepper, and finally settles into a warm base of tonka bean, tobacco, and cedarwood. This blend creates a balanced and versatile citrus aromatic fougère.
Is Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme suitable for everyday wear?
Absolutely. I’ve worn it many times—from business meetings to casual outings. Its moderate projection and versatility make it perfect for day-to-night wear.
When did Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme come out?
Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme originally debuted in 1994, and was re-released in 2012, along with D&G Pour Femme. The nose behind this creation is Max Gavarry.
Which Dolce&Gabbana smells the best?
D&G Intenso is the best-smelling perfume from the men’s selection. The fragrance was released in 2014. Top notes are Lavender, Water Notes, Basil, Geranium and Marigold; middle notes are Tobacco, Hay, Clary Sage, Moepel accord and Bran; base notes are Sandalwood, Cypress, Musk, Amber and Labdanum.
FINAL WORDS
I appreciate how Dolce&Gabbana has managed to preserve the classic elements of Pour Homme while still keeping it relevant for today’s modern man.
Whether it’s the perfectly crafted bottle, the well-balanced aroma, or the positive comments I receive, Pour Homme remains a standout fragrance in my collection.
The time has been kind to this release, but I don’t believe it’s a masterpiece. If you can, sample it before buying.
What do you think about this article covering Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comments 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.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP SCENT GRAIL KEEP BEING THE TOP INDEPENDENT PERFUME BLOG IN THE WORLD
Scent Grail has been an independently run website since 2020 and has not been financed by any perfume brand or beauty company. You can support Scent Grail through PayPal, Buy Me A Coffee, Revolut, Patreon, donate Crypto(wallets in the footer of the website), share my content, or allow ads on Scent Grail to help maintain the website and its content.
I am incredibly grateful for your support, which is of tremendous significance. Thank you.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists and other helpful reviews via these links:
Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
#scentgrail #scentgrailtribe
Your number one source for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
– Marin Kristić
