Drakkar Intense by Guy Laroche is an aromatic oriental fragrance for men and was released in 2022.
Intense is the fifth perfume release in the Drakkar lineup and the brand’s most hyped-up product in over a decade.
This Eau de Parfum is a modern reinterpretation of the classic and long-discontinued Drakkar, aiming to capture the essence of contemporary masculinity.
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As someone who loves Noir, my hopes were relatively high for this release, and thankfully, for everything it does for such a low price, it delivered more than I expected.
This review will provide my thoughts on the fragrance’s background, formulation, packaging, and more.
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GUY LAROCHE DRAKKAR INTENSE DETAILS AND INSPIRATION
Guy Laroche, a famous designer from France, launched the original Drakkar Noir in 1982. This scent became a symbol of the 1980s, recognized for its strong and fragrant character.
In 2022, the brand introduced Drakkar Intense, aiming to refresh the legacy of the original while attracting a modern audience.
Drakkar Intense captures an intense desire for adventure, boldly exuding a captivating and addictive allure.
The fragrance delves into the essence of the Drakkar Man, featuring new oriental notes that burst forth with zesty bergamot, while aromatic sage, comforting suede, and vanilla elevate the bold sensuality within him.
Just as one is irresistibly drawn to the enchanting warmth of fire, Drakkar Intense provides a distinctive allure, leaving a thrilling impression of attraction, danger, and strength.
This release is in production and available as a 50ml and 100ml Eau de Parfum for $20.00 and $30.00.
PERFUME ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Daring to spread an irresistible and addictive power, Drakkar Intense embodies a greater thirst for danger man.”
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: n/a
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Parfum
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Aromatic Oriental
- RELEASE DATE: 2022
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Men
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 70% – 30%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Lavender, Suede Leather, and Amber
- AGE GROUP: 20+
- SEASONS: Spring, Fall, and Winter
- OCCASIONS: Business, Night Out, and Leisure
- PERFORMANCE: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: Moderate
- LIKEABILITY: Moderate
- UNIQUENESS: 3/5
- PRESENTATION: 3/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10
- PRICE: $
- ACCORDS: Aromatic, Leather, Amber
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: July 2023
- REFORMULATED: No
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: B
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Buy
- TESTING PERIOD: 2 weeks
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Low
PERFUME PRESENTATION
I got my bottle without the box, so I’ll describe it briefly. It is a simple, light black box with the iconic Drakkar logo, a red stripe, and an orange bottom.
From what I’ve seen on the web, it is stylish, but nothing to brag about is justified for a fragrance at this price point.
As for the bottle, like with Drakkar Noir, it is housed in a sleek, see-through glass bottle with an ambery liquid, distinguishing it from the solid black bottle of its predecessor, Noir.
The batch code is found on the bottom sticker. Unfortunately, in my case, the scent leaked a bit during transportation and got smudged, but it is the formulation from July 2023.
The cap is terrible, which is the same case with Noir, but realistically, who cares when the fragrance can be regularly found below 30 USD? The sprayer is equally bad as well.
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 overall character of the scent.
Whether you’re considering adding a fragrance to your collection or 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 INFO
- TOP NOTES: Absinth, Coriander, Rosemary, Bergamot
- HEART NOTES: Lavender, Clary Sage, Juniper Berries
- BASE NOTES: Suede Leather, Amber, Vanilla, Patchouli, Moss
TOP NOTES
As I sprayed it for the first time, I felt overwhelmed with joy and smiled. I just knew I had scored an unbelievable fragrance, which reminded me of the good days in my fragrance journey.
There is something special in finding these types of affordable scents when your expectations are zero, and you just know that you have found yourself a keeper even with a couple of dozen other expensive niche fragrances I already have in my collection.
The opening has the distinctive bitterness of wormwood(aka absinthe) but is not off-putting; instead, it adds an intriguing depth that pulls me in.
Shortly after, coriander joined the mix. Its spicy and faintly citrusy aroma added warmth, creating a seamless bridge between the bitter greenness of wormwood and the citrusy brightness that followed.
Speaking of citrus, the bergamot shone through beautifully. Its vibrant, zesty quality brought a refreshing energy, lightening the opening and keeping it from feeling too dense.
Rosemary is also here but in the backseat. The lovers of Noir will notice similarities between Noir and Intense because, in my opinion, this is more of a flanker to Noir than the original Drakkar.
HEART NOTES
As the fragrance evolves into its heart, it unveils a refined aromatic profile that harmonizes freshness with warmth.
The first note to appear is lavender, a timeless part of men’s fragrances. Its crisp, aromatic nature imparts the scent a familiar and soothing quality.
The lavender here is sweet but also delicate and herbal, sharp, evoking the feeling of wandering into a verdant field on a sunny afternoon.
Following this, clary sage steps into the spotlight. This note introduces a grounded and slightly musky dimension that complements the lavender beautifully. The presence of the sage lends the fragrance a mature and self-assured aura.
As the scent continues to unfold, juniper berries start to emerge. They contribute a refreshing, pine-like crispness, infusing the heart with a bright, resinous essence.
Finally, one of the most exquisite components, suede leather, begins to emerge just before the base notes, becoming the highlight of the fragrance. Without it, I seriously doubt the scent would possess such grandeur. It is simply stunning.
BASE NOTES
The base notes bring warmth, sensuality, and depth to the fragrance, strikingly contrasting the aromatic freshness of the initial phases.
Vanilla and amber take centre stage in the base notes. The vanilla in Drakkar Intense is not excessively sweet or dessert-like; it is blended subtly and refinedly. It smooths out the sharper, earthier elements of the patchouli and suede, resulting in a well-balanced and harmonious dry down.
Lastly, a hint of moss adds a green, slightly woody nuance. The oakmoss used here is contemporary and should not concern the younger audience.
Intense strikes a perfect balance for long-time Drakkar Noir lovers and the more modern generation that usually loves sweeter fragrances in today’s market.
Also, some have reported a rum note here, but I’ve yet to detect it. Instead, when everything settles, we have a tremendous smell of warm shaving foam smell.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
Intense consistently lasts 5 to 7 hours on my skin, with the scent evolving beautifully over time.
The initial projection is quite good, making its presence known without being overwhelming. It gradually settles into a more intimate aura, lingering close to the skin in its later stages.
This release is crafted for individuals who appreciate a blend of classic and contemporary elements in their fragrances.
Its aromatic opening and warm and sensual base notes appeal to those seeking a scent that exudes confidence and sophistication. This composition is easily wearable by both young and mature crowds.
Wearing Intense has often led to positive remarks from others in my two weeks of testing it. Remember that the comments came in the first two hours; since then, it’s more of a stronger skin scent for the rest of its life.
OCCASIONS & VALUE
Drakkar Intense is well-suited for daytime and evening wear, making it a versatile addition to any fragrance collection.
I can see myself wearing it almost all year, besides the summer, since it synergizes the best note combination appropriate for colder and slightly warmer weather.
While Drakkar Intense shares some DNA with the original Drakkar Noir, it introduces modern elements that set it apart.
Adding absinthe, suede leather, and vanilla adds depth and a contemporary twist to the classic fougère structure.
This blend of traditional and modern accords produces a familiar and novel fragrance.
Drakkar Intense is available at an incredible price point, often in the range of $20 to $35 for a 100ml bottle. There is no excuse not to try this one, especially if you love the original Noir.
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
- Fantastic price
- Good longevity and projection
- A versatile fragrance
- Suitable for classic and modern perfume lovers
Cons
- Similar to other fragrances
- Presentation is nothing to brag about
- Potential over-application for some
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
As of 2025, Intense and Noir are the only two from the original Drakkar collection that are still available for purchase.
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
FINAL WORDS
My journey with Drakkar Intense can be a lesson to all of us who love perfumes and enjoy their magical effects.
On the one hand, they can be described as expensive scented water, but on the other hand, these scented elixirs create unforgettable memories that we cherish throughout our lives.
Intense is a pleasant surprise for me, and I highly encourage you to check it out.
What do you think about this article covering Guy Laroche Drakkar Intense? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, it is always a good decision to look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
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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