Macassar by Rochas
Men 1980
Main accords
Description
Macassar by Rochas is a men's fragrance from the olfactive family. Launched in 1980, this composition was created by Nicolas Mamounas and Roger Pellegrino. The top notes unfold with pine needles, absinthe, green notes, fruity notes, and bergamot; the heart reveals patchouli, cedar, carnation, jasmine, vetiver, and geranium; while the base notes settle on leather, oakmoss, musk, amber, and coconut.
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When to wear it (votes)
Key notes
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Top
Pine Needles
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Heart
patchouli
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Base
leather
Community
243 votes
- Positive 93%
- Negative 4.9%
- Neutral 2.5%
The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I want it
976 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
243 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Autumn
200 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Night
114 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Macassar
Macassar by Rochas is a men’s fragrance from the olfactive family. Launched in 1980, this composition was created by Nicolas Mamounas and Roger Pellegrino. The top notes unfold with pine needles, absinthe, green notes, fruity notes, and bergamot; the heart reveals patchouli, cedar, carnation, jasmine, vetiver, and geranium; while the base notes settle on leather, oakmoss, musk, amber, and coconut.
Green, herbal and fougère Fruits, vegetables and nuts Woods and mosses Flowers White flowers Musk, amber and animalic
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
More from Rochas
More from Nicolas Mamounas
How it wears
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
Longevity
Leading answer Very long-lasting
129 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Strong
165 votes
Character
Leading answer Traditionally masculine
59 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
49 votes
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Community reviews
16 reviews
Share what you noticed: opening, drydown, sillage and the moments when it works for you.
My olfactory senses surrendered before this masterpiece; although over the years I have tried other fragrances, none can match the sense of well-being it brings me.
I have read hundreds of reviews and learned a great deal, yet I am surprised that anyone would label Macassar by Rochas a ‘macarra’. To each their own taste, but to call it bad is unjust. It is 100% addictive and seductive without equal. I seek perfumes with personality to enjoy myself, not to please others. This is fascinating and, although not the most subtle, elegance is not vulgarity. Sometimes it is better to be a ‘macarra’ than to lack character. I still have a bottle of Eau Sauvage from the 70s, but Macassar, in its vintage version, remains hypnotic, niche-worthy, and the best of all time. I wish they would bring it back, although an original vintage costs a fortune.
Hypnotic. Recently I managed to get a bottle of Macassar from the early 80s; this is a real hunt: very difficult to find and expensive, but the effort was worth it. As I said at the start, there is no better word than hypnotic; I could say seductive or addictive, but hypnosis has a deeper connotation for me. This fragrance is a transition between the musky and woody scents of the 70s and the tough beasts of the 80s. It begins with a powerful green forest accord, with pine at the forefront and oakmoss in the background, with slight citrus reminiscences. Then it becomes warmer and spicier with the typical accord of the era: clove, geranium, and woods (cedar and vetiver). Finally comes the hypnotic, the divine, or the dreamlike: the final accord. A very soft leather, a warm amber, nothing sweet, a sensual musk, and a constant oakmoss that provides a spectacular base. This accord, combined with the heart notes, is truly hypnotic. It has nothing to do with what is currently in fashion, which is why it catches more attention for being different; I associate it with men over 35 or 40. It has very good longevity, over 12 hours; it’s one of those you wear at night, go out to a party, sleep, and wake up wearing it. Its projection is also outstanding, and it’s best used in fresh or cold weather, that is, autumn, winter, and cool spring nights. One of the best perfumes in my collection, without a doubt.
Hypnotic. Recently I managed to find a bottle from the 80s, a difficult and expensive ‘major hunt’, but it was worth every penny. There is no better word than hypnotic; it possesses a depth that ‘seductive’ simply cannot reach. It is the transition between the musks of the 70s and the beasts of the 80s. It begins with a potent green forest, pine and oakmoss, with a citrus touch. Then it warms with clove, geranium and woods. Finally arrives the divine: soft leather, warm amber, sensual musk and that oakmoss that anchors it all. It is distinct from current trends, ideal for men aged 35 to 40. It lasts over 12 hours, perfect for going out partying and sleeping in it. Its projection is beastly and the best thing is to wear it in the cold, autumn or winter. One of the best in my collection.
I recall its potent herbal opening and its dry-down to a soft leather, just like when my father wore it before work. I would not wear it today, as those pine and herb notes no longer suit the times.
I agree with everyone: it is the best perfume I have ever encountered and, like everything lost, it is desired more. I have looked for alternatives and the closest match is Quorum by Antonio Banderas. Has anyone found anything that can replace it? Thank you.
It’s a shame they’ve discontinued it, and even worse that it’s now under Procter & Gamble’s ownership with no plans to relaunch it. Macassar by Rochas is, without a doubt, the finest fragrance I have ever encountered.
It is truly sad that they discontinued it, and even worse, the owners are now Procter & Gamble, who have no intention of relaunching it. Macassar by Rochas is, without a doubt, the best fragrance I have ever encountered.
A beautiful and intense opening, citrusy and green, slightly peculiar and wild. The woods and florals are deep and intoxicating. After an hour and a half, it remains potent, evolving significantly on the skin. Singular and worth immersing yourself in its contrasts. Uncommon longevity, a medium-to-high sillage, and first-class evolution make it legendary. If you bathe in it, it will accompany you for hours. For men unafraid to announce their presence two minutes before arrival.
The name says it all: ebony. Macassar is an intense woody scent, evoking a study from the past and herbal breezes. It belongs to the 1980s, when men wanted fragrances with body, dark and sophisticated, such as Borsalino or Antaeus. It has less leather and a touch of tobacco. It’s lovely, characterful, and performs well, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of other beasts of its era. I adore the woody note, sustained by pine, soapy geranium, and oakmoss. Sometimes it recalls Azzaro or Aramis Tuscany, but dirtier and more skull-like. Its earthiness reminds me of Davidoff Classic. It’s elegant yet ‘macassar-y’, the ultimate fragrance for a discontinued ‘alpha male’.
One of the great woody fragrances of the 80s, super retro and masculine, one of the most sought-after and expensive on eBay. I managed to get some miniatures and it smells incredible. It’s curious, well-structured, and semi-linear. The herbal opening and absinthe give it that eighties touch, while pine, vetiver, and cedar add a dry, carpentry-like character. It smells like a cognac barrel with dry wood and a touch of sweet liqueur. The soft leather base stands out, similar to Russia, along with the oakmoss that gives it texture. Longevity and sillage are excellent. One of the best I have ever smelled from Rochas. Rating: 8.5.
It is one of the great woody fragrances of the 80s, super retro and very masculine. It’s one of the most sought-after discontinued scents, and what’s available on eBay or similar sites is outrageously expensive. I struggled to find some 5ml miniatures, but it smells incredible. It’s a curious fragrance, very well-structured with a good composition; it’s semi-linear with nuances. The herbal opening and rosemary already bring that eighties character, while the pine, vetiver, and cedar, which are noticeable almost from the start, give it that dry, carpentry-like woody touch. In short, it smells like a cognac barrel, but of dry wood with a slight sweet note as if a dash of liqueur had been added, and it doesn’t resemble anything I’ve ever smelled before. I highlight the leather that gives it depth; it’s soft and lingers in the background with an aroma similar to Russian leather, and the oakmoss note, which I adore, adds texture and complexity to Macassar. The longevity is excellent and the trail is very good; without a doubt, it’s an eighties fragrance. One of the best I’ve ever smelled from Rochas. Rating: 8.5
This fantastic scent was my dad’s, especially for weddings or quinceañeras. Having known countless fragrances, I can assure you this is the best perfume I’ve ever tried in my life. For everything: elegance, longevity, and quality. I don’t understand why Rochas stopped making it; it’s a shame. The few bottles available online don’t cost less than $200.
My father used this wonderful fragrance for weddings or quinceañeras. I know many perfumes and can assure you it is the best I have ever tried. Elegance, longevity, and quality. I don’t understand why Rochas stopped making it; it’s a pity. The few bottles available online cost more than $200.
One of the most handsome scents I’ve ever tried. I have several bottles up for sale in case anyone is interested; please message me privately.
One of the finest I’ve worn. I believe they no longer manufacture it. It smells incredibly masculine and elegant.