There are TOO many colognes to choose from. There are colognes for each season, each occasion, and every other situation you can imagine. But what are the most masculine colognes?

What if you just want to narrow the massive list of colognes down to what will make you smell manly? Are there colognes out there that will bring out your masculine aura?

You bet.

In today's article, we're going over the top MANLIEST fragrances, and what you can expect from each one.

1. Egoiste By Chanel

The first entry on the list is light and inoffensive.

Overview

Egoiste is an inoffensive from the house of Chanel. it was created in 1990 by Jacques Polge. His goal was to release a concoction that embodied sophistication – and that meant bringing in dark florals, damp woods, and spices.

Egoiste has excellent projection – you WILL turn heads with this one. It strikes a rare, but satisfying balance between its reach and intensity. Every whiff is pleasant and conservative.

All in all, this is a solid foundational fragrance for beginners.

Fragrance Type: Woody Floral ()

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Mahogany, mandarin, rosewood, coriander.
• Heart Notes: Rose, cinnamon.
• Base Notes: Leather, sandalwood, vanilla, tobacco, amber.

2. Tobacco Vanille By Tom Ford

If you love the smell of cigars, you'll love this.

Overview

Launched in 2007 and developed by Olivier Gillotin, this is an Oriental Spicy EDP (Eau De Parfum). It's not cheap – expect to pay over $200 for this quality fragrance.

It's worth the price.

According to Tom Ford, this is an opulent and luxurious fragrance meant to conjure images of an English gentleman's club: The smell of a cigar humidor complemented with creamy, fruity scents.

Fragrance Type: Oriental Spicy

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Tobacco, spice.
• Heart Notes: Tonka bean, tobacco blossom, vanilla, cacao
• Base Notes: Dried fruits, wood.

What are the heck are top notes? Click here for the .

3. Fahrenheit 1988 By Dior

Controversial, but classic.

Overview

This masterpiece came as the brainchild of Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Michel Almairac. What's unique is how modern it smells despite its age.  It truly has stood the test of time.

It is divisive…

This masculine fragrance brings out the alpha male. It introduces a potent gasoline note that stands out from other fragrances. It's like putting violets on a leather jacket and setting them both on fire.

Fragrance Type: Woody Floral

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Lavender, mandarin, lime, hawthorn, chamomile, nutmeg.
• Heart Notes: Nutmeg, rose, honeysuckle, sandalwood, violet, jasmine, cedar.
• Base Notes: Leather, tonka bean, amber, patchouli, musk, vetiver.

4. Quorum By Antonio Puig

Uncompromising and direct – the classic masculine scent.

Overview

This fragrance was launched in 1981 by Carlos Benaim, Max Gavarry, and Rosendo Mateu. This is a masculine classic – what I imagine Al Pacino and Robert De Niro smell like.

Like all of the , it's a no-nonsense men's fragrance.

Quorum falters slightly in terms of projection and longevity, both of which are average when compared to other powerful colognes. Another possible critique (if you can call it that) is that it's old-fashioned. One thing is for sure: You can't deny its timelessness. It stuck around this long for a reason.

Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Artemisia, caraway, grapefruit, lime.
• Heart Notes: Cyclamen, pine tree, rose, sandalwood.
• Base Notes: Leather, amber, oakmoss, tobacco.

5. Paco Rabanne Pour Homme By Paco Rabanne

This is an all-around gentlemanly scent.

Overview

This elegant scent was developed by Jean Martel and released in 1973. It's meant to embody a gentlemanly character with a differing interpretation from Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille.

Even though it doesn't belong to the Oriental family  – which is known for its seductive qualities, this is nonetheless praised as an alluring and masculine fragrance.

Fragrance Type: Aromatic Fougere

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Rosemary, clary sage, rosewood.
• Heart Notes: Tonka bean, lavender, geranium.
• Base Notes: Honey, amber, musk, oakmoss.

6. Pour Homme De Caron By Caron

This has been around for almost a century – there's a reason for it.

Overview

“Simplicity” is the one word that comes to mind when smelling this fragrance. Developed far back in 1934 by Ernest Daltroff, this is a timeless fragrance perfect for men looking to dip their toes into the world of men's cologne.

Heritage backs this masculine fragrance like no other. Pour Homme De Caron was the first-ever fragrance developed specifically for men.

Fragrance Type: Aromatic

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Lavender.
• Heart Notes: Vanilla.
• Base Notes: Musk.

7. Aramis By Aramis

This woody fragrance is a pure classic.

Overview

This recognizable concoction was released in 1966 – marketed toward men who valued tradition and classic style. In many ways it embodies much of our core RMRS values – it has timelessness at the core of its philosophy.

It was first available only in Harrods in NY and the UK, but it's expanded drastically since then. Its most recent iteration was Aramis Gold, released in 1998. This is a sharp smell that shouldn't be underestimated – you will turn heads, and many of them will be ladies!

Fragrance Type: Woody Spicy

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Aldehydes, artemisia, gardenia, bergamot, clover.
• Heart Notes: Patchouli, sage, orris root, jasmine, cardomom.
• Base Notes: Leather, sandalwood, amber, musk, coconut, oakmoss, vetiver.

8. Kouros By Yves Saint Laurent

Kouros is considered an aggressively masculine fragrance.

Overview

This is a primordial scent if there ever was one. If you ever wanted a fragrance that smells absolutely musky, then this is the one for you. It's what I'd picture the Dothraki from , or Tarzan smelling like.

Though it's not in the foreground, the fragrance definitely looms with a smell vaguely reminiscent of animal sweat. Don't let that deter you, though. This is masculinity at its most primal.

It's also among the more affordable fragrances you can find, the perfect addition to our most masculine colognes!

Fragrance Type: Aromatic Fougere

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Aldehydes, artemisia, coriander, sage, bergamot.
• Heart Notes: Rose, patchouli, cinnamon, orris root, jasmine, vetiver, geranium.
• Base Notes: Honey, leather, tonka bean, amber, musk, civet, oakmoss, vanilla.

9. Polo Green By Ralph Lauren

This is one fragrance you can't go wrong with.

Overview

This is a classic woody masculine fragrance forged by Carlos Benaim in 1978. It's another one of those timeless manly smells that you can't go wrong with. It has all the elements to make you feel like a rugged man from the woods about to change into a tux for the evening.

We've discussed this fragrance before in our article about .

Fragrance Type: Woody Chypre

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Coriander, basil,  juniper berries, bergamot.
• Heart Notes: Leather, rose, pepper.
• Base Notes: Tobacco is dominant, with hints of musk and oakmoss.

10. Zaharoff Signature Pour Homme by Zaharoff

Zaharoff is a modern cologne that harkens back to the classics.

Overview

This is a relatively new fragrance released in 2018 and created by Claude Dir. If there was one word to describe it, it would be “uplifting.” It successfully pays homage to old-school classics while building something new and unique. The most masculine colognes today have to find new ways to be innovative while honoring the classics.

It's also wonderfully versatile – suitable for both day and night. The fragrance yields strong projection and longevity and retails at a decent price for what you're getting. This is an instant classic.

Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic.

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Cardamom, lavender, black pepper, pear, cypress.
• Heart Notes: Ginger, cedar, oud, iris, pimento, balsam.
• Base Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli, black amber, myrrh, frankincense.

11. Noir Extreme By Tom Ford

A fragrance for the agent of chaos.

Overview

Tom Ford launched this EDP in 2012, followed by the EDT in May of 2015. This is the scent of the ballsy man – the man that isn't afraid to delve into the deepest recesses of excess and debaucher. This is the guy who is relentlessly ambitious.

You can't deny the appeal that sort of man has to the ladies – and it shows in its sheer popularity.

where we also discuss Noir Extreme.

Fragrance Type: Woody Oriental

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Mandarin, neroli, saffron, nutmeg, cardamom.
• Heart Notes: Mastic, rose, jasmine, saffron, kulfi
• Base Notes: Woody notes, amber, sandalwood, vanilla.

12. Anthracite By Tom Ford

Don't take this fragrance lightly…

Overview

Back at it with Tom Ford. Anthracite was developed by Honorine Blanc and released in 2017. It reminds one of ash and sharpened pencils. A strange combination, sure, but don't let that deter you.

It also brings to the fore a combination of aquatics, candy, and tonka bean. The amalgamation makes for an undeniably unique fragrance overall. It's a bold entry, to say the least – try it if you dare.

Fragrance Type: Chypre

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Sichuan pepper, ginger.
• Heart Notes: Spices, galbanum, jasmine.
• Base Notes: Sandalwood, cedar, ebony, amberwood, birch, leather, patchouli.

13. Ombre Leather By Tom Ford

A simple, hardcore fragrance

Overview

This is the last Tom Ford, we promise. The name of this unisex fragrance is rather misleading. “Ombre Leather” ushers in thoughts of unadulterated masculinity and power…

But instead, it's wonderfully pleasant, making it perfect for our most masculine colognes.

It carries with it a smooth, fruity accord that balances well with those of leather. There are some reviewers who interpret a smoky, boozy tinge to it. Even though it was designed to appeal to both genders, it's quintessentially masculine. If I were to smell this on a woman, I'd know not to get in her way.

We also bring this fragrance up in our top .

Fragrance Type: Leather

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Cardomom.
• Heart Notes: Leather.
• Base Notes: Patchouli, amber, moss.

14. Eau Sauvage Extreme By Dior

A fragrance that is sure to have the ladies do a double-take.

Overview

This 1984 fragrance intensifies and builds upon the DNA of the traditional EDT. It's heavier and more intense.

It's a daring masculine fragrance that brings citrus to the forefront – definitely suitable for elegant evenings out during the fall or spring. It brings with it a sense of vibrance and energy that is sure to turn heads!

Fragrance Type: Citrus Aromatic

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Patchouli, lavender, dried fruits, basil, bergamot, lemon.
• Heart Notes: Aldehydes, rosemary, coriander, bay leaf, orris root, jasmine.
• Base Notes: Amber, patchouli, musk, oakmoss, cedar.

15. Yatagan By Caron

Don't pass this one by without trying it.

Overview

The Yatagan is reminiscent of, wait for it, the Ottoman Empire. We're talking curved Turkish blades, fine horses, and decadent beauty. A list of the most masculine colognes wouldn't be complete without this one. It's an intense, sensual fragrance but by no means offensive.

It's heavy enough that uncompromising men can appreciate it, but well enough that you can enjoy it as a beginner to cologne.

It won't get you compliments… but this isn't about praise, it's about you. THIS is what it's like to smell like a man.

Fragrance Type: Woody Oriental

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Lavender, galbanum, basil, pine, watercress, mint.
• Heart Notes: Artemisia, oak, oakmoss, patchouli.
• Base Notes: Musk, castoreum, wood, incense.

16. Bentley For Men Intense By Bentley

This cologne is well-suited for a man who loves leather.

Overview

Bentley was released back in 2013 and developed by Nathalie Lorson. One reviewer described it quaintly as “An 80s Powerhouse of Booze.” It's uncompromising in its assault and perfect for the man wanting to establish the badass aesthetic.

It's almost a niche fragrance – meaning it isn't available in as many retailers. The combination of scents here isn't the most unique but still sets Bentley apart from the average men's cologne.

Wear it with confidence.

Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Black pepper, bergamot, bay leaf.
• Heart Notes: Sage, cinnamon, rum, wood.
• Base Notes: Leather, benzoin, cedar, patchouli.

17. Dark Rebel Rider By John Varvatos

Designed for the motorcycle man.

Overview

Harley Davidson in a bottle is how best to describe this potent, ballsy scent. This is all leather and booze with a hint of citrus somewhere within. The fragrance was fashioned by Rodrigo Flores-Roux and released in 2016.

I highly recommend this to gentlemen whose signature look includes a black leather jacket and boots. If you love Harleys along with that outlaw aesthetic, THIS is the scent for you. Leather and boots are the pinnacles of manliness, making this a can't miss of the most masculine colognes.

This men's cologne is also featured in our .

Fragrance Type: Leather

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Orange, aldehydes, saffron, marjoram, hyssop.
• Heart Notes: Resin, balsam, olibanum.
• Base Notes: “Russian” leather is dominant, followed by cacao.

18. Bvlgari Man By Bvlgari

A classy scent for a classy man.

Overview

The nose behind this 2010 men's cologne was none other than Alberto Morillas – a legend in the fragrance industry.

This EDT retails for just under $100. It's all about elegance – encapsulating the modern but aristocratic man bearing a rugged edge. This one deserves a spot on the list of most masculine colognes.

Fragrance Type: Oriental Woody

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Lotus, bergamot, violet leaf, pear.
• Heart Notes: Vetiver, sandalwood, amber, cashmere wood, nargarmotha.
• Base Notes: Benzoin, musk, tonka bean, honey.

19. A*Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler

A scent for men who like their booze.

Overview

If you like whisky, then we have a fragrance for you. Pure Malt was released in 2009 to honor the Scotch whisky industry – and it exudes that in the scent.

This is booze accented with hints of coffee and some lingering fruity notes for a sweeter edge. It doesn't get many compliments – not for its smell which is extraordinary – but for its projection.

It's a deeply intimate and masculine fragrance that no one will smell aside from your partner unless you throw on more than three squirts. It's worth it, my friend.

Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Bergamot, orange.
• Heart Notes: Malted barley, coffee, whisky
• Base Notes: Peat smoke, vanilla, amber, musk.

20. Heritage By Guerlain

This embodies the classic masculine fragrance.

Overview

The nose behind the last most masculine cologne on the list was Jean-Paul Guerlain in 1992. It reminds one of the old school – of tradition, family, and responsibility. This is ideal for the family man who loves a touch of the old. Despite only being released in the 90s, it still seems like something your grandpa would wear in his golden years – and still work.

It's class in a bottle.

Fragrance Type: Aromatic

Scent Profile

• Top Notes: Aldehydes, juniper, lavender, sage, lemon, petitgrain.
• Heart Notes: Coriander, pepper, patchouli.
• Base Notes: Amber, vanilla, wood, tonka bean, cinnamon.

Today's list comprised some of the most masculine colognes we know of – from aggressive outlaws to refined gentlemen. There's something here for every badass.

Check out my list of 25 !

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