Cedarwood is a classic fragrance note that conjures images of vast forests, wooden cabins, and crackling campfires. It’s a versatile scent that has been used in perfumery for thousands of years, prized for its sweet, warm, balsamic aroma. Cedarwood essential oil is steam distilled from various types of cedar trees, like Atlas cedar and Virginia cedar. The oil imparts a rich, woody nuance to fragrances, providing a familiar yet complex canvas for perfumers to build upon.
In recent years, there has been a rise in popularity of smoky cedarwood colognes – fragrances that accentuate the woodsiness of cedar by adding smoldering notes like cade oil, birch tar, tobacco, and charred wood. This results in a bold, masculine fragrance profile with sensual depth and textural contrasts. The smokiness adds an edgy, mysterious vibe to the naturally sweet cedarwood base. If you love the smell of a crackling campfire blending with crisp pine trees on a cool night, then a good smoky cedarwood cologne will transport you right there!
In this blog, we’ll countdown the top 5 smoky cedarwood colognes on the market right now. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the best smoky cedarwood cologne for your needs and personal tastes. And to wrap things up, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about these ruggedly handsome fragrances. So whether you’re a newcomer to the world of cologne or a seasoned vet, read on to become a smoky cedarwood expert!
Top 5 Smoky Cedarwood Colognes
Fragrance #1: Le Labo – Thé Noir 29
Le Labo is a niche perfume house known for their unique, handcrafted fragrances with natural ingredients. Thé Noir 29 is one of their standout cedarwood-based scents. It features notes of black tea, fig, cedarwood, vetiver, musk and smoke. The cade oil lends a burnt, tarry smokiness that ups the ante on the woodsy cedar.
On first spray, you get a brisk burst of black tea and smoke. As it settles on the skin, ripe figs and dry cedarwood emerge, with trailing wisps of smoldering cade oil. The base of musk and vetiver provides an earthy, sensual finish. Leather and tobacco peek through in the dry down, amping up the dark and mysterious vibe. Thé Noir 29 is bold yet smooth – perfect for date nights or amping up your bad boy edge.
Fragrance #2: Tom Ford – Oud Wood Intense
Tom Ford’s Oud Wood Intense is an amped-up version of their original Oud Wood fragrance. It presents oud wood, sandalwood, cypriol, cedarwood and castoreum wrapped in voluptuous smoke.
The oud wood evokes a rich exoticism at first spray. The cypriol and cedarwood provide a crisp, woody contrast as the fragrance evolves. Wisps of animalic castoreum and Birch tar smoke deepen the scent profile, imbuing a smoldering sensuality. The smooth sandalwood finish grounds the fragrance with creaminess. Oud Wood Intense is opulent, distinctive and addictive – perfect for mysterious gentlemen.
Fragrance #3: Le Labo – City Exclusive Baie 19
This modern Le Labo classic puts a scenic twist on smoky cedarwood. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, it features notes of cedarwood, smoke, pepper, gin, juniper, spices, and thyme.
On first spray, you get an herbal burst of thyme and juniper berries mixed with the piney gin. The cedarwood emerges, pairing nicely with spicy pepper and smoked birch tar. Herbaceous woodsiness carries through the heart, with whiffs of campfire smoke in the background. The juniper, pepper and gin notes give Baie 19 a brisk, Pacific Northwest freshness. This scent evokes misty evergreen forests with flickering campfires – perfect for rugged outdoor types.
Fragrance #4: Parfums de Marly – Herod
Herod by Parfums de Marly is inspired by the biblical King Herod and designed to capture his bold, extravagant essence. Appropriately named, this fragrance is rich, intoxicating, and not for the meek. The notes in Herod consist of cedarwood, vetiver, tobacco leaves, frankincense, and vanilla.
On first spray, you’re greeted with a barrage of smoke and tobacco. As the fragrance settles, creamy vanilla and resinous frankincense help smooth out the tobacco edge. The cedarwood and vetiver provide an earthy, woody base, while tendrils of smoke weave throughout. Despite its imposing start, Herod dries down to a smooth sensuality. The vanilla adds a touch of the fierce ruler’s hidden soft side. Herod is ideal for date nights and capturing attention.
Fragrance #5: Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Amyris Homme
For a bright, refreshing take on cedarwood, Amyris Homme by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a stellar choice. This eau de toilette features notes of amyris wood, cedarwood, citrus, ginger and amber.
On first spray, Amyris Homme delights with sparkling Sicilian lemon, bergamot, and aromatic amyris wood. The cedarwood joins in, pairing nicely with the citrus. Ginger adds a touch of spice while smooth ambergris fleshes out the base. While less smoky than the other picks, Amyris Homme still features a prominent cedarwood dry down. The citrus notes lend this fragrance a Mediterranean briskness that sets it apart. Amyris Homme is perfect for daytime wear.
How to Choose the Best Smoky Cedarwood Cologne
With so many excellent smoky cedarwood options, choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. Here are some tips on finding your perfect match:
- Consider when and where you’ll wear it – For outdoor daytime activities, choose a lighter, brighter cedarwood like Amyris Homme. For date nights, go bolder with Herod or Oud Wood Intense. Match the scent profile to your lifestyle.
- Think about scent preferences – If you love ultra-smoky fragrances, opt for something like Thé Noir 29 with prominent cade oil notes. If you prefer subtle smokiness, try Baie 19. Test out samples to find your sweet spot.
- Look for complementary notes – Fragrances like Amyris Homme use supporting citrus notes to create interest. Consider how notes like tobacco, vanilla or pepper interact with the cedarwood.
- Assess sillage and longevity – If you want a bold scent trail, opt for something with higher sillage like Herod. For a low-key aroma, try Amyris Homme. Think about how long you want it to last on your skin.
- Always test on your skin – Never buy a fragrance untested. Get samples, spritz on pulse points and see how it interacts with your skin chemistry.
- Consider aesthetics – The bottle design and visuals should appeal to you. This is a fragrance you’ll display in your home.
- Compare prices – With mainstream and niche options on the market, prices vary. Look for good deals on discounts and tester bottles.
Smoky Cedarwood Cologne FAQs
How should I apply this type of cologne?
Apply smoky cedarwood colognes lightly to pulse points like the wrists, neck, and chest. Avoid rubbing after spritzing, as this can crush the notes and cause the fragrance to turn sour. Let the pulse point heat help radiate the scent. Apply to clean, dry skin for best results. Use moisturizer sparingly, if at all, to allow the fragrance to interact directly with your skin oils.
How long will the scent last on my skin?
Smoky cedarwood colognes typically last 6-12 hours on average skin when applied lightly. However, there are many factors that affect longevity, including:
- Fragrance concentration – Eau de parfums (EDP) last longer than eau de toilettes (EDT) due to higher perfume oil concentration.
- Application – Applying to moisturized areas limits longevity. Oils help project scent from pulse points.
- Skin chemistry – Factors like oiliness, temperature and pH affect how fragrances develop on skin.
- Nose fatigue – You may stop noticing notes hours before others can no longer detect them. Reapplications can help combat this.
When should I apply or avoid applying?
Smoky cedarwood colognes work well in cooler weather, at night, and for special occasions. The woody, smoldering notes can feel heavy and overwhelming on hot, humid days. For daytime wear in warm weather, try lighter cedarwood scents with citrus and herbal notes like Amyris Homme. Wearing smoky cedarwoods to the office is also best avoided unless your workplace allows liberal fragrance use.
How should I store the fragrance?
Always store smoky cedarwood colognes in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity and direct sunlight. Temperature and light can degrade the quality of the juice over time. Keep the bottles sealed tightly and avoid extremes in temperature. Store them upright to keep the alcohol content saturated in the juice. A dark closet or drawer is ideal for storage.
How can I make the scent last longer?
Using fragrance primer products like scented moisturizers helps layer notes so they waft longer. Apply to neck, chest, and wrists. Let the moisturizer fully absorb before spritzing cologne on pulse points. Reapplying cologne later in the day also refreshes notes as they start to fade. Use an unscented moisturizer or balm as a base to reapply cologne to pulse points for maximum longevity.
How often can I reapply during the day?
Using a light touch, smoky cedarwood colognes can be reapplied every 4-6 hours as needed. Take care not to overdo it, as you want the sillage to waft pleasantly rather than announce your presence a block away. The standard fragrance etiquette rules apply: go easy in close quarters, ask those near you if they mind, and read the room. When in doubt, err on the side of subtlety.
What is the difference between EDT vs EDP for these colognes?
EDT stands for “Eau de Toilette” while EDP means “Eau de Parfum” – this refers to the concentration of perfume oils in the fragrance. EDTs generally contain 5-9% concentration while EDPs contain a higher 10-15%. EDPs last longer (about 8-12 hours vs. 4-6 for EDT), project stronger, and have a deeper, richer scent. However, EDTs are sometimes more affordable. For smoky cedarwood colognes, EDP concentrates typically allow the nuances to develop better on skin.
How should I sample colognes before purchasing?
Always test a new fragrance on your skin before buying if possible. Department stores offer test strips, but these don’t react the same as skin chemistry. Ask for samples or visit a niche perfume store that offers sampling. Dab a small amount on wrist or forearm skin and evaluate how it develops over 30 minutes or more before committing.
Wrapping Up
We hope this guide has illuminated the allure of smoky cedarwood colognes and how to find your perfect match. There’s nothing quite like surrounding yourself with the sensual essence of cracking campfire embers mingled with woody evergreen forests. From the opulent Oud Wood Intense to the brisk, Pacific Northwest vibe of Le Labo Baie 19, quality smoky cedarwood fragrances create an experience like no other. Follow our tips to choose a cologne that complements your personality and tastes. And remember to enjoy the journey of finding your signature scent – it’s a sensory experience that all gentlemen should savor.
