Now sporting a modern yet retro look without losing sight of their heritage, the best Dunhill fragrances for men combine masculine woody/smokey notes sprinkled with attention-grabbing florals and spices.
An injection of fresh ideas in 2018 by the new creative director for Dunhill, Mark Weston, has seen the previously rather tired brand completely reborn. The Dunhill fragrance range has been totally transformed with a complete makeover.
From the fresh citrusy/woody Century Eau de Parfum to the rather sumptuous British leather, the best Dunhill fragrances for men have something for every man, season, and any occasion.
- Top 10 Best Dunhill Fragrances For Men
- 1. Dunhill Century Eau de Parfum
- 2. Dunhill Century Blue Eau de Parfum
- 3. Dunhill Icon Eau de Parfum
- 4. Dunhill Icon Racing Eau de Parfum
- 5. Dunhill Icon Absolute Eau de Parfum
- 6. Dunhill Icon Elite Eau de Parfum
- 7. Dunhill Indian Sandalwood Eau de Parfum
- 8. Dunhill Moroccan Amber Eau de Parfum
- 9. Dunhill British Leather Eau de Parfum
- 10. Dunhill Arabian Desert Eau de Parfum
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
Top 10 Best Dunhill Fragrances For Men
With an exquisite selection of warm, woody, smokey notes and a splash of citrus, the best Dunhill fragrances for men offer both refinement and style and feel a little bit niche. Here are 10 fantastic Dunhill fragrances for your consideration.
1. Dunhill Century Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Century Eau de Parfum is an aromatic spicy male fragrance that is both woody and citrusy. Released in 2018, Century has become a firm favourite due to its vintage retro vibe.
This scent opens with the freshness of bitter grapefruit and sweet orange. Bergamot was not detectable to my nose. Neroli is the star of the show in the heart, giving off its rich, bittersweet scent. Lemony olibanum makes a discreet appliance, as does spiced cardamom.
Upon dry-down, a wave of deep sandalwood and earthy cypriol oil surface to create an extremely refined gentleman’s fragrance.
As for when to wear, Century Eau de Parfum screams spring/summer due to the citrus and neroli combo. More of a daytime casual scent, so one to wear when dressed down. Would make a great post-gym/exercise fragrance or even a holiday scent.
Longevity is 4+ hours with moderate sillage and projection, this is very reasonable for such a citrus/woody scent.
The bottle is stunning. Beautifully crafted square-cut glass with a magnetic cap gives a real quality feel—one of those bottles you cannot take your eyes off of.
Overall, Dunhill Century Eau de Parfum is both clean and fresh with a woody retro vibe. Feels very 1980s classic, for that reason alone I think this is a worthy addition to your collection.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange
Mid Notes:
Neroli, Cardamom, Olibanum
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Musk, Cypriol Oil
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
2. Dunhill Century Blue Eau de Parfum
Review
Although you would expect Dunhill Century Blue to simply be a flanker of the original Century, this is an entirely different experience. This woody aromatic masculine fragrance launched in 2019 is fresher all round with a musky base.
Century Blue opens with bright orange, zesty bergamot and black pepper. A hear or powdery iris blooms nicely, whilst spicy ginger and a hint of neroli keep this from being too feminine. Upon dry-down, a more serious base of sweet, musky ambroxan mingles with salty notes that give an almost oceanic holiday feel.
As for when to wear, Century Blue is a sophisticated masculine spring/summer daytime fragrance. It’s fresh and cheerful aroma is perfect as a holiday scent or any casual occasion.
Similar to the original Century, longevity is 4+ hours with moderate sillage and projection. Nothin to complain about for a light and fresh holiday scent.
Presented in the same beautifully crafted square-cut glass bottle as the original Century. The glass is a pale blue that catches the eye. Finished with a magnetic cap that’s pretty powerful and gives a real quality feel.
Overall, Century Blue is a clean, fresh and slightly salty masculine fragrance that’s perfect for spring/summer wear. If I had to choose between Century Blue and the original Century, the original is the out-and-out winner at I love the retro vibe.
Top Notes:
Black Pepper, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Iris, Styrax, Neroli, Ginger
Base Notes:
Sea Salt, Oak moss, Patchouli, Ambroxan
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at FragranceX:
3. Dunhill Icon Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Icon Eau de Parfum is a stylish aromatic fragrance of spices, floral and citrus that oozes class and understated elegance. The nose behind this fragrance is Carlos Benaim (of Frederic Malle fame) and was released in 2015.
The opening of Icon is bright and floral, yet manly, with crisp bergamot and sweet neroli both, dusted in black pepper. A heart of lavender, additional pepper, and spicy cardamom keep things exciting and still masculine.
After an hour, this fragrance reveals a discreet but ever-present base of grassy vetiver, oud, and leather. This is one sophisticated and elegant male scent.
As for when to wear, Icon Eau de Parfum is a classic men’s fragrance that is perfect for any season and any occasion. Would make a refined and modern signature scent.
Longevity is long-lasting at 6+ hours. Not a sillage and projection monster, but you know you have it on and certainly not a skin scent.
Presented in an incredibly heavy metal bottle with an etched surface that is the same as the cap of the signature collection. I would say the bottle makes up half the cost of the fragrance its that well made. Well done, Dunhill, I love it.
Overall, Dunhill Icon Eau de Parfum is a modern, stylish and sophisticated male fragrance that is incredibly versatile. Well worth the investment
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Neroli, Black Pepper, Petitgrain
Mid Notes:
Lavender Black Pepper Cardamom Sage Juniper Berries
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Oud, Leather, Oakmoss, Iris
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Notino:
4. Dunhill Icon Racing Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Icon Racing Eau de Parfum is said to be inspired by the speed and glamour of British motoring. A crowd-pleasing combination of citrus, manly florals and woods that could almost be unisex. Indeed, a fragrance that will attract attention and has an almost Dior Sauvage-ness about it.
The opening of Icon Racing is delightfully bright and zesty. Lemon and bergamot pair well with the spiciness of cardamom. Mid notes of orange blossom and lavender add masculine florals with a hint of black pepper.
A woody/musky base adds male class. It’s quite creamy and sweet once fully settled so perhaps there is some tonka bean lurking in there too.
As for when to wear, Dunhill Icon Racing is an elegant choice for spring/summer/autumn. Does not have the warmth for a full-on winter scent, but don’t let that put you off, this is a fantastic scent.
Performance is 6+ hours for longevity and decent sillage and projection. I have seen this scent available at fragrance discounters for crazy low prices.
Presented in the same bullet-proof metal bottle as Icon but this time in green, with an etched surface the same as the cap of the signature collection. As Icon Racing is pretty much a blind buy for any fragrance lover, this would make an excellent surprise gift.
Overall, Dunhill Icon Racing is a fragrance to fall in love with. A combination of elegant florals, citrus and spices get compliments galore. I could not stop smelling myself when I had it on. Bravo!
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Orange Blossom, Pepper, Lavender
Base Notes:
Guaiac Wood,Vetiver, Musk
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at All Beauty:
5. Dunhill Icon Absolute Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Icon Absolute is a contemporary combination of warm woody, leathery notes for a man with a certain something about him. This sexy yet discreet fragrance was launched in 2015.
The opening is surprisingly bold, with notes of bergamot and black pepper. Earthly saffron and soft black rose are sweetened but a hint of jasmine. The base is sensual and reveals itself quite quickly.
Oud and fresh tobacco leaf delight the senses, and Tuscan leather comes to the forefront and create a dark, intense overall mood.
As for when to wear, with its woody/leather notes with a touch of tobacco is autumn/winter for sure. Feels luxurious and refined, so one to get dressed up for. Think formal engagements where you don’t want to clear the room with your chosen scent, but still smell classy close-up.
Sadly this is, in my opinion, the lowest-performing Dunhill fragrance in the collection so be prepared to keep re-applying every couple of hours. Sillage and projection are only slightly better than a skin scent. That said, the fragrance itself is top-notch and perfect for up close and personal encounters.
Presented in the same delightful metal bottle as Icon but this time in gold, with an etched surface the same as the cap of the signature collection.
Overall, Dunhill Icon Absolute is a suave and sophisticated male fragrance that’s perfect for autumn/winter. Just be aware that this is not long-lasting at all.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Black Pepper
Mid Notes:
Saffron, Black Rose, Jasmine
Base Notes:
Oud, Tobacco Leaf, Leather
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at All Beauty:
6. Dunhill Icon Elite Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Icon Elite is a spicy, woody male fragrance that is different from the run-of-the-mill woody scents. Uses the woody duo of ebony and sandalwood to great effect when paired with cardamom.
The opening is fresh and crisp, with citrus notes of bitter orange, lime and bergamot. Spicy cardamom soon creeps in to greet a heart of smokey/woody vetiver, sage and black pepper.
Perhaps the Elvis Presley tune Wooden Heart could not be more apt here; A wave of ebony and sandalwood add depth and masculinity. Suede is also clearly present. Very sexy, manly and attention-grabbing.
As for when to wear, Icon Elite is pretty much an any-season fragrance. Perhaps not on the hottest day of the year, but the citrus/wood combo works well. Great as an office fragrance and for more formal functions.
Whilst performance is not off the chart, it’s a reasonable 3 hours before becoming a skin scent. Sillage and projection are moderate. If you also apply to your clothing, you will get more like 4+ hours but just be careful of staining.
The bottle is striking, especially being jet black. Looks like the handle of a fancy light sabre. Very classy indeed.
Overall, Icon Elite smells expensive, dark and almost niche. One to wear to stand out from the crowd.
Top Notes:
Bergamot Lime Bitter Orange Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Vetiver Blue Sage Juniper Black Pepper
Base Notes:
Ebony Sandalwood Suede Labdanum
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Notino:
7. Dunhill Indian Sandalwood Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Indian Sandalwood is an addictive woody scent that is part of the Signature Collection and launched in 2019. Sexy and seductive, this fragrance does not shout from the rooftops initially, preferably its a delightfully discreet secret agent that creeps up when you least expect it.
The opening of Indian sandalwood is bright with citrusy bergamot and raw carrot. A heart of floral smelling orris root adds a slight sweetness, and mossy notes give an almost forest-floor feel.
Upon dry-down, creamy smooth sandalwood emerges to coat every single note. Patchouli adds a manly, sensual earthiness. You need to give this scent 30 mins to reveal itself fully.
As for when to wear, such a woody scent is more eveningwear for autumn/winter. Think black tie events, weddings, formal parties and other social engagements. Would also make a classy office scent.
Longevity is excellent at 6+ hours with good sillage and projection. Certainly not a skin scent, but will get you noticed for all the right reasons.
Presented in true Dunhill style, the classy stout bottle displays the amber coloured fragrance inside and is finished with a metal cap with fancy etching. Classy
Overall, Dunhill Indian Sandalwood is a classy masculine scent that can give Tom Fords Santal Blush a run for its money. Not overly complex but still a winner.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Carrot
Mid Notes:
Orris Root, Moss
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cypriol Oil
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Notino:
8. Dunhill Moroccan Amber Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Moroccan Amber is an aromatic and luxurious scent that is part of the Signature Collection launched in 2019. This Oriental Spicy fragrance is warm and beautifully spiced for a deep, luxurious feel.
Opens with a multitude of spices; black pepper, coriander, cardamom and even ginger are all clearly present. After a few minutes, these settle to reveal a heart of saffron combined with a hint of hazelnut.
I personally could not detect the burnt sugar scent of Immortelle. The dry-down reveals warming amber that becomes the main notes, together with saffron and coffee. Very sexy and confident.
As for when to wear, Moroccan Amber makes an excellent autumn/winter evening scent. Classy and refined with a real gentleman vibe. Ideal as a date fragrance.
Performance is good with longevity of 5+ hours and decent sillage and projection.
Presented in the Signature Collection style bottle that displays the amber coloured fragrance inside and in finished with a metal cap with a black top and fancy etching. Very manly
Overall, Dunhill Moroccan Amber is a sexy oriental fragrance that gets lots of compliments from both sexes. Makes a fantastic date fragrance.
Top Notes:
Black Pepper, Coriander, Cardamom, Ginger
Mid Notes:
Saffron, Immortelle, Hazelnut
Base Notes:
Oud, Leather, Coffee, Amber
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Dunhill:
9. Dunhill British Leather Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill British Leather was launched in 2019 and is one of the classic Dunhill scents and part of the Signature Collection. This spicy woody fragrance enticingly warm, perfectly spiced and incredibly addictive. Perhaps one of the best Dunhill fragrances available.
The opening is zesty citrus combined with spicy cardamom and crisp juniper. The heart is more floral than I expected, with lavender and orange blossom providing a lighter, sensitive side.
These floral notes are balanced with spicy pepper and the earthy, bitter scent of mate. A formidable base of expensive leather and intoxicating patchouli soon become the stars of the show. Wow.
As for when to wear, although many reviews suggest this is an autumn/winter scent, I felt this is just as happy in spring/summer but more for the evening in the warmer months.
As for performance, longevity is brilliant at 8+ hours, sillage and projection are nearly on the beast scale.
Presented in the Signature Collection style bottle that displays the amber coloured fragrance inside. A metal cap with a black top and fancy etching finishes the look. Every serious fragrance lover should consider this scent for their collection.
Overall, Dunhill British Leather is arguably one of the best leather fragrances out there. If you are in the market for a classy leather fragrance, give this a try as it will not disappoint. Can be picked up for a great price if you shop around.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Cardamom, Juniper, Hazelnut, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Violet Leaf, Orange Blossom, Pepper, Mate
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Cypress, Leather, Patchouli, Sandalwood
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Dunhill:
10. Dunhill Arabian Desert Eau de Parfum
Review
Dunhill Arabian Desert is one of the classic Dunhill scents and part of the Signature Collection launched in 2019. This oriental floral fragrance uses amber and incense to stunning effect to capture the majesty and mystery of the Arabian desert.
Dunhill Arabian Desert has a fresh opening of crisp bergamot entwined with pink pepper and sweet/musky saffron. A floral heart of sweet jasmine and powdery rose really capture the imagination and are an excellent addition.
The base is to die for, with smokey incense and warm, spicy amber adding depth and richness. This is one extremely glamorous masculine fragrance.
With warm and spicy notes, Arabian Desert is perfect for autumn/winter evenings. One to wear for an undercurrent of extravagance.
Performance is incredible, 12+ hours of longevity and heavy sillage and projection—excellent value even at list price.
Presented in the Signature Collection style bottle that displays the deep brow coloured fragrance inside. A metal cap with its black top and etching feels good in the hand.
Overall, Dunhill Arabian Desert is a hypnotic, smokey, yet slightly floral attention-grabbing fragrance that oozes luxury. Highly recommended.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Saffron
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Rose
Base Notes:
Agarwood, Oud, Amber, Incense
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
Conclusion
An injection of fresh ideas in 2018 by the new creative director for Dunhill, Mark Weston, has
The Alfred Dunhill brand has seen many changes in its long history. Established in 1893, the luxury goods maker started as a saddle manufacturer in the West End of London. The popularity of the motor car saw the nimble Dunhill pivot and begin producing car accessories and clothing for the stylish motorist.
With the boom of smoking that started in the early 1900s, Dunhill opened a small tobacconist’s shop. Their own cigarette brand and associated luxury items such as lighters and smoking pipes soon followed and became globally popular.
A steady decline of smokers that begun in the 1990s saw the brand begin to flounder. Although by now, the Dunhill had already expanded into men’s ready to wear fashion, changes were needed. Being as adaptable as ever, Dunhill carefully appointed several designers from 2005, and the road to recovery gained momentum.
The brand continues to produce modern masculine fragrances of a quality to rival that of Tom Ford and Creed. You might want to grab a bargain while you can.
Further Reading
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