Bijan for Men
Bijan (1981)

This is clearly a misunderstood very strong and masculine offering going back over 40yrs. I currently own 2 bottles, one Vintage and one current. There's little difference between them except the Vintage bottle gets a slight edge because any original doesn't have to experience the emasculation of reformulation which, more often than not, significantly weakens the fragrance and that doesn't sit well with wearers. This juice is heavy in the spice department and the Oakmoss is as authentic as it can be. I've only worn this fragrance a handful of times and every time I do I like it more and more. I'll admit that upon first sniff I turned away in dismay because I never smelled anything like it. I said to myself what is this crap?? Lol

Fast forward 5yrs later and my opinion has significantly changed. It's a very unusual scent with exceptional longevity. I wouldn't wear it to the office however and to me it should only be worn on special occasions. What those occasions are is up to you. Formal gatherings are a plus and the design of the bottle is as cool as a cucumber. It simply looks great sitting next to the rest of my extensive collection. The golf ball that doubles as a lid is a nice touch indeed.

9/10

Bijan doesn't care what anyone thinks--even the wearer. Although, it is willing to make people happy if minds are opened and time is allowed. It's mostly a nutty and sweet incense smoke with mossy cinnamon and powdered sugar bomb from the 80s that is oh so Middle-Eastern. The bottle is luxurious, the scent is luxurious, the $350 suggested retail price direct from Bijan is luxurious too... but don't worry, as it can be had with much less money through other retailers.

Longevity and strength is great, though I'd argue it isn't as much of a monster as others might say. You should be able to pull of 3-4 sprays easy.

Is Bijan dated? In 2023, I'd say not really. Not when we have lots of risks being taken and super obscure niche fragrances and heavy-hitting Tom Fords being the poster children of fine taste. Age-wise, I would say 25 and up. Occasion? Everything but super casual t-shirt wearing, and strictly during fall/winter, though this could work in formal occasions during mild spring or summer nights.

I highly recommend this one.

This new-to-me fragrance is a strong like. It's in my favorite 80s moss-leather neighborhood, leaning spicy leather. I have a vintage mini-bottle and am considering a fullsize of the current version based on others citing similarity and its low price.

Bijan Pakzad immigrated from Iran, eventually opening his own boutique in Beverly Hills. The men's and women's fragrance that bear his name originally came in unique, circular bottles that won a FiFi award for best packaging and examples are on display at the Smithsonian. Current formulations now come in a different 'b' shaped bottle.

Bijan for Men supposedly has some fans of stature, namely George Lucas, Bill Clinton, and Jack Nicholson. Luckily this came out in 1981, so after Stanley Kubrick's movie masterpiece, The Shining (sorry Steven King, truth is truth). The thought of Nicholson as Jack Torrance wafting this warm classic amongst the halls of the Overlook Hotel while terrorizing his family and hacking up the late great Scatman Crothers...

Per it's era, Bijan for Men has a loud opening where the bergamot, lavender, and rosemary jump out. Thereafter it settles in where the patchouli, nutmeg, vetiver and sandalwood blend well with the base of musk, amber and vanilla to create this 'golden glow' that leans towards 'classic' rather than 'dated'. To be clear most people would smell this and guess "1980s". I don't think this is a warm weather scent, but it does speak well for itself as a quality formal scent, although likely better for a more mature person. It isn't a monster but it definitely is representative of it's era in regards to strength and longevity so be mindful. It is not 'youthful' smelling at all.

As far as office wear goes, I think the strength of Bijan deserves a warning about over applying, and a recommendation to 'read the room' before choosing this. This is a pleasant and surprisingly inexpensive classic. For those who enjoy discovering and experiencing the classics Bijan is a worthy add. Thumbs up.

What a pleasent surprise, it's a bit like a golden version of Creed's bois de Portugal, 80's power house in nature but never gets too harsh or heavy handed, notes list reads like an A-Z but what I'm left with is a sort of dusty citrus lavender combo with a golden feel enveloping everything, great projection and it really lasts all day.

I got a bottle for next to nothing as part of an effort to re-acquire the scents I used as a teenager (Pierre Cardin Pur Homme, Drakkar Noir, Polo Green, Kouros & Aramis) to see what they had become post-IFRA. For the price, this one is amazing. A complex, spicy opening followed by a gradual progression to a faintly musky leather in the final stages. It is certainly not in keeping with current trends and that is why I like it so much. Quite wearable. I do not think there is a better value proposition in men's scents today with the possible exception of Fred Hayman's original 273, which is also good and readily available from discounters for less than $10 as I type this review.