Old Spice Original Aftershave Review: A Classic American Fragrance Since 1938

Old Spice History

Pushing 80, Old Spice eternally struggles to stay relevant in the face of a dynamic and changing market. In the 1970s, Old Spice transitioned into a fragrance brand and distanced itself from its shaving heritage.

In 1990, Proctor & Gamble bought the brand from the Shulton Company who founded it. However, times were changing and the iconic sailing ship was taking in water and its future was uncertain.

New products were introduced at the turn of the 21st Century and Old Spice was the subject of an aggressive marketing drive in the early 2010s.

Between Isaiah Mustafa (The Man Your Man Could Smell Like) as brand ambassador and former NFL player Terry “Power” Crews fronting the sports range, Old Spice covered its bases. The campaigns were enormously successful and launched the brand into a renaissance.

Old Spice boasts a vast range of products from colognes and aftershaves to deodorants and shower gels. Even Old Spice shampoos and styling products can be found in certain stores. Whilst simultaneously sticking to a retro nautical aesthetic, the brand has modernised itself to tap into the younger markets.

Despite all its efforts to rebrand and diversify, Old Spice will be forever remembered for its original iconic cologne in buoy-shaped bottles.

Old Spice Original’s Composition

Old Spice is an exemplary specimen of the Oriental fragrance family. Its spicy amber provides a deep, nostalgic foundation to its invigoratingly fresh and citrus notes.

Head Notes

• Blood Orange
• Anise
• Nutmeg

There is a heavy alcohol content as this is Old Spice’s aftershave iteration of the fragrance. This combined with a fresh burst of blood orange and spices on application is reminiscent of mulled wine. The head is notably citric but the hints of anise and nutmeg provide depth to the fragrance’s prologue.

Heart Notes

• Carnation
• Jasmine
• Cinnamon

The citrus fades with the spices leading the nose to a surprisingly floral heart. Discernable notes of carnations and jasmine reveal themselves from the bouquet. These linger for a while until burned away by dry cinnamon notes that emerge as the base’s precursor.

Base Notes

• Cedar Wood
• Vanilla
• Amber Resin

The cinnamon evaporates and introduces us to an accord between fresh cedar notes and a deep, powdery amber resin. A drawn-out vanilla finish tantalises the palate and the echoes of spice provoke a gourmand appetite.

The musky and mineral amber resin is the heart and soul of Old Spice. Its lingering notes are laced with childhood memories and sweet nostalgia.

Old Spice’s secret weapon lies in its ability to provoke strong emotions through olfactory memory. Its composition is deeply rooted into both American and British collective consciousness.

Fans of Old Spice often talk about their associations with the cologne more than the fragrance itself. Most people will whimsically refer to their fathers or grandfathers. Some will even reminisce about their first loves.

Therefore, Old Spice has neatly established itself as a classic cologne and can be defined as one of the most iconic barbershop fragrances in history.

The Life-Cycle Of Old Spice Original

Old Spice has a conventional life cycle, which avoids being entirely linear. It follows a decidedly classic dry down as the notes evaporate. The head, heart and base are clearly discernable whilst laced with transitional notes that pave the way.

Aftershaves are notorious for cooking the head notes away immediately upon application. That said, Old Spice’s head manages to resist and endures for a good quarter of an hour. The resulting heart is an enjoyable and lasting experience until leading to the fragrance’s celebrated musky base notes.

However, some enthusiasts have strongly complained about Proctor & Gamble’s reformulation of the fragrance since their takeover. In the USA, the original fragrance has been replaced with Old Spice Classic. According to them, this allegedly lacks the head and heart’s depth of Old Spice Original.

The Original aftershave tested was purchased in France and manufactured in the UK. During the review, no majorly noticeable difference from historical versions of the fragrance were noted.

Wake & Strength

Old Spice is a surprisingly resilient aftershave. Even when the wearer will think that the fragrance has entirely expired later in the day, it will project faint notes of resin and vanilla.

Its projection therefore is surprisingly delicate for a classic masculine cologne. Similarly, the sillage is very moderate and doesn’t leave much a trace when leaving the room.

However, as an aftershave, the longevity is left wanting even if its hardy. If the fragrance is applied at breakfast, it will have more-or-less wilted away by lunchtime.

Those looking for better longevity are recommended to turn to Old Spice’s eau de toilette version of the original fragrance. This will likely have far better endurance.

When Should You Wear Old Spice Original?

Feedback to Old Spice is overwhelmingly and surprisingly positive. Not only is the fragrance enjoyed by both sexes of all ages, it fares well against luxurious brands.

Old Spice is heralded as a tasteful and elegant men’s cologne despite the modest price tag. Although it makes for an excellent daily fragrance, men have been known to save it for special occasions. Therefore, although best worn at the office, it wouldn’t go amiss at a formal gathering.

It’s a mature fragrance given its association with fathers and grandfathers. Nevertheless, it is perfectly wearable for younger men and Old Spice has been marketing itself thus for several years.

Nevertheless, it’s a distinctively masculine fragrance and its manly connotations denote virility and a certain gruffness.

Old Spice is a versatile year-round fragrance. However, it proves particularly successful during the end of autumn and during the winter months. The combination of citrus and spices make it an ideal Christmas fragrance that evokes potpourri and mulled wine.

Presentation and Value For Money

In Europe, the fragrance still comes in its famous white glass bottle. However, the USA now only features plastic bottles.

Apparently designed to have the appearance of a buoy, it’s always been more reminiscent of a milk bottle. The nautical aesthetic has been downplayed on the newer bottle designs.

The sailing ship logo is only a small icon above the product name and the label consists of red geometric banners. Favouring modern design, the bottle and packing have lost their original charm.

The cardboard packaging features a similar design on the front in grey and white while the rest is a bright red box.

The aftershave comes in a splash bottle rather than atomiser. The plastic stopper, which used to be grey, is now a striking red that matches the bottle’s details.

The splash can be hard to control and its easy to end up with a large puddle in your palm. Nothing comes out as you start to serve until the bottle is horizontal. However, when the bottle does begin to pour, it is exceedingly zealous. Therefore, caution is advised when applying.

Pricing is similar in both the USA and mainland Europe. At the time of this review, Amazon USA offers a 5 Oz (150ml) bottle of Old Spice Original for $15. Otherwise, you can find it also on FragranceX just over $12. However, it appears that it’s the new Classic Cologne version and not the Original Aftershave.

Providing such excellent value, it’s hard to condemn Old Spice for any shortcomings. Therefore, you’ll find it among the best men’s fragrances under $30!

Closing Thoughts

A citrus blast in the head followed by a floral bouquet in the heart and a musky resinous base. There’s something for everyone in Old Spice’s timeless classic.

Even at 80, Old Spice’s complex oriental composition confidently contends with contemporary designer giants. What the aftershave may lack in longevity, it more than makes up for in its unique build.

Despite exchanging authenticity for marketability, the familiarity of Old Spice offers something its competitors cannot, which guarantees it a space on every man’s bathroom shelf.

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