Alfred Dunhill Pursuit Fragrance Review: A Surprising Classic Cologne

Dunhill Pursuit Composition

With its heady composition of incense and musky notes, Dunhill Pursuit is a distinctively Oriental Woody fragrance.

Head Notes

• Bergamot
• Petitgrain
• White Pepper

Opening with rich and oily bitter sweet citrus notes, Dunhill Pursuit is remarkably reminiscent of Dolce & Gabbana The One. Notes of herbal citrus can be detected thanks to the petitgrain, which are extended by the mild tingle of white pepper.

Between the three there is an evocative Earl Grey accord, which is both alluring and refreshing.

Heart Notes

• Cinnamon
• Ambergris
• Cardamon

Descending into the heart and you can identify a sweet and spicy cinnamon note that playfully accords with some lively cardamon. Meanwhile, a leathery tobacco note of ambergris is beginning to reveal itself from the spicy and oily bouquet.

Base Notes

• Vanilla
• Vetiver
• Guaiacwood

The resulting base is an immersive experience that combines the ambergris and cardamon from the heart with soft vanilla and warm vetivier. Additionally, a note of guaiacwood adds a smokey element with a honey sweet aroma.

Pursuit’s Life-Cycle, Wake & Strength

An overall classic fragrance with a traditional life-cycle, Pursuit transitions in a conventional fashion from the head down to the base. By the time it reaches the base and begins to fade, it leaves a pleasantly smokey skin scent thanks to the guaiacwood note.

In terms of sillage, Pursuit is somewhat fleeting and only leaves a limited trail. Although the projection is slightly more effective, it’s still quite short-lived just like the longevity. In fact, you’ll probably need to reapply this fragrance shortly before your lunch break if you wore it to the office.

What People Think Of Pursuit

Pursuit is a Dunhill fragrance that receives a lot of positive attention when tried by other people. However, it still remains a relatively unknown fragrance! Generally, people find the fragrance both alluring and soothing. Indeed, the sweet and spicy character isn’t regarded as heavy but surprisingly fresh.

Overall, Dunhill Pursuit was more popular among men than women. In fact, it appeared to be a fragrance than men appreciated and would be likely to wear. When tested by women, it wasn’t exactly regarded as offensive but it was often seen as something a little too traditionally masculine.

That said, older women seemed to appreciate it more than younger women. Therefore, it may be a question of a generational gap in terms of taste.

When To Wear Dunhill Pursuit

Like Dolce & Gabbana The One, Pursuit is a quintessential autumn fragrance that also works well during winter. Thanks to its smokey and oily properties, it reflects the season well and reassures both the wearer and his entourage.

I’d also argue that this would be a fragrance best worn during the evening too and would be a great option for dating. However, it’s also a good choice for the office as it’s a subtle yet masculine scent that demands respect in its own elegant way.

As for the demographic, this is probably a fragrance best suited to men in their thirties. However, older men could happily wear it too as well as mature in their late 20s.

Finally, this is a distinctively masculine scent thanks to its rich musky and leathery notes. Therefore, it’s certainly one that leaves an impression!

Presentation and Value For Money

Firstly, I really do love the bottle design by Franz-Rudolf Lehnert. Its short and wide shape is unusual and has presence. It’s also very difficult to knock over thanks to the low centre of gravity. Interestingly, Franz-Rudolf had also designed the instantly recognisable bottle for Montblanc Individuel.

An added detail to the bottle cap is an engraved orange compass that goes well with the flacon’s liquid. Similarly, the packaging is quite elegant with both a retro and contemporary vibe thanks to the alligator-style embossing that’s contrasted against silver.

Additionally, the atomiser works well and produces a thick mist. Unlike most atomisers, it’s not easy to mess up thanks to its wide build that sites neatly in the centre of the bottle.

Finally, the value for money for Pursuit is nothing short of excellent. This is a fragrance that competes well against the likes of Armani Code and Dolce & Gabbana The One. However, it can be picked up online for a mere $35 on Amazon or even less on FragranceX!

Closing Thoughts

Unlike some of Dunhill’s fragrances from the previous decade, Pursuit has barely aged and remains very much relevant even in today’s fast-moving perfume industry. Indeed, it merits more recognition as it’s a fragrance that’s not just overlooked but largely forgotten.

This is a shame as it’s a fragrance that is evocative of a lot of celebrated fragrances that weren’t released until a couple of years later!