Byblos Uomo (original)
Byblos (1993)

An extremely dry herbal cologne with nice fougere bones marred by a touch of dihydromyrcenol as was the style at the time. I really dislike DHM so it's not for me, but it's certainly interesting as a representative of the 80s herbal style taken to its parched (though not totally devoid of sweetness) extreme.

Very loud fougere, typical of scents from the 80's and 90's.

The thing that both draws my curiosity as well as reservation is, as another reviewer aptly calls it, that "metallic sour note" embedded in the citrus-spice mix.

Byblos Uomo (original) is not one that I'd wear except in an experimental way around the house. It just waxes as too different for me personally to grasp and wear regularly.

The first blast is a fizzy and sparkling whiff of citrus (the main role is played by orange) and aromatic green notes. This phase is pungent, herbal and refreshing with a dynamic note of jasmine soaring in the air. A strong and "corporeal" (sweaty/pheromonal-like) note of patchouli starts in a while to get the scene when the initial splashing cocktail slides towards a woodsy base which is a touch spicy, deep in taste of fruit and above all musky. The musk is cool and smooth, without the animal feel and is a perfect final element for this sporting concoction. A nice scent for sport activity and as energizer after shower.

This cologne always has an odd reaction on my body, rather dry, but certainly clean. It doesn't smell synthetic to me – just the opposite – it smells like a mix of natural herbs. The opening has a brief whiff of citrus, and then the herbs begin to awaken. For the longest time, a strong bottom note seemed strange to me, but I couldn't place the smell and then it finally occurred: it smells like celery! Perhaps this is the combination of other herbs (thyme, tarragon and so forth). I wouldn't necessarily mind that note, but it is just too strong.

I'm with chris-p on this one. It's not a terrible scent, but smells very synthetic and all blends together to smell like metallic floor cleaner. Not sad that it is discontinued; there are any number of "designer" scents out there that give a spicy, fresh, citrus scent better and don't have the odd note attached.

A power scent for me. Very professional and alluringly clean. Not strong per se but wickedly fresh! It is not like they typical fruity sweet scents predominant in the marketplace. A must have for the intrigue this arouses.