Our take
What does Zino smell like?
Davidoff launched Zino in 1986 as Zino Davidoff, a tribute to the cigar merchant who founded the brand. Michel Almairac composed it. The opening is aromatic. Bergamot, lavender, clary sage and rosewood follow the masculine style of the time. The heart is more surprising for its flowers. Rose, geranium, jasmine and lily of the valley form a fairly dense bouquet. Patchouli darkens it. The base is what made it famous. Sandalwood and cedar meet amber, vanilla and tonka bean. The effect is warm and creamy, with a wooden cigar box quality that suits the name. Next to Cool Water, which the same house released two years later, Zino is the exact opposite. It is dark and powdery where the other is marine. It wears its era openly and can feel dated. For fans of old-school woody ambers it remains a great bargain.
When to wear it
A winter scent for evenings or the office, with a tweed jacket. Two sprays at most, as it projects strongly.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Zino is one of 4 creations by Davidoff in our encyclopedia.
