Drakkar Dynamik by Guy Laroche

I picked it up yesterday at a local chemist’s for €29 for 100ml. I didn’t know it existed; I hadn’t seen it in any perfumeries, but it was a total success. I was encouraged because I’ve always been a fan of Guy Laroche—I own Drakkar Noir—and upon seeing it, I searched online: it’s at crazy prices, seemingly discontinued. I’ve seen it for €140, an absolute outrage. I’m not sure if they’ve stopped producing it already; my batch is from mid-2021. I love the scent: fresh and soapy, without being vintage 80s, more 90s and modern, with a complex opening. It has strength and longevity; it lasted 10 hours on my skin and projected well in the first few hours. It’s noticeable and has surprised me. What a pity it’s discontinued and they ask those prices; by aroma, it’s a signature fragrance.

Drakkar Dynamik is a hard-to-find fragrance that I managed to buy at a good price; now it costs irregularly, up to $135 for 100ml. It never really took off in the late 20th-century market and was unjustly discontinued soon after. Despite negative opinions on forums, this is an ode to styrax or benzyl, a resin from humid forests that may seem synthetic but isn’t, just like ambergris. It opens with a tremendous citrus-green blast that dominates the entire life of this resinous, citrusy, and effective scent. The explosive blend has a slight synthetic edge, but it is the benzyl boosted by pink pepper and grapefruit that gives a vibrant, energetic vibe, backing up the word Dynamik. Beware of spraying too much; the potency can overwhelm ten people, but with a moderate application, it’s a hit. It belongs to that segment of fragrances that should never have stopped. What a pity; it brings the best of the house’s DNA and its mother’s. If half of what exists today had this potency, we’d say hallelujah. Perfect for hot or cool days, day or night, formal or informal. Over 8 hours of longevity with excellent projection; if you like compliments, it’s a beast. An excellent proposal from Guy Laroche.