Our take
What does Rocabar smell like?
Hermès launched Rocabar in 1998 as a men's eau de toilette. The name comes from the striped blanket the house makes for horses, a reminder of its saddlery roots. Perfumer credits vary between sources, so we won't pick one. The opening is green and aromatic. Artemisia brings a herbal bitterness and coriander a dry spice. Bergamot and lemon brighten everything. The heart is a surprise, with powdery violet and iris next to peppery carnation and cardamom. It smells like thick, clean fabric more than a bouquet. The base leans chypre. Oakmoss and patchouli add earth while benzoin and vanilla soften without making it sweet. Gentler than Équipage, the house's other classic men's scent, Rocabar stays quiet and comfortable. It deserves more attention than it gets.
When to wear it
An autumn scent for the office or a Sunday walk. Three sprays on the chest under a flannel shirt suit it well.
It belongs to the Woody, Spicy family. Rocabar is one of 47 creations by Hermès in our encyclopedia.
