Special No. 127 / Original Gentlemen's Cologne by Floris

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Special No. 127
Original Gentlemen's Cologne
Floris 1890

7.7 / 10 83 Ratings

A popular perfume by Floris for women and men, released in 1890. The scent is floral-fresh. It is still in production.
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Main accords

Floral

Fresh

Citrus

Green

Spicy

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Petitgrain Orange

Orange

Lavender

Bergamot

Heart Notes

Ylang-ylang

Geranium

Orange blossom Rose

Rose

Base Notes

Musk

Patchouli

Ratings

Scent

7.783 Ratings

Longevity

6.665 Ratings

Sillage

6.061 Ratings

Bottle

7.971 Ratings

Value for money

6.830 Ratings

Submitted by Muenchner, last update on 01/26/2025.

Interesting Facts

The scent is said to be created specially for the Russian grand duke Orloff - then called "Orloff Special" - and later added to the Floris Collection. It was renamed according to the book page that containted its recipe.
A special edition of the scent was handed out to British Airways First Class passengers under the title "Original Gentlemen's Cologne" about 20 years ago.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

No. 89 Eau de Toilette

Colonia Eau de Cologne

Sandalwood Cologne

Masculin 2 Eau de Toilette

Sartorial

Reviews

9 in-depth fragrance descriptions

09/03/2023

8Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

Wayofscent
62 Reviews

Wayofscent

3

Timeless beauty of a bygone era

Diving into Special No. 127 is like stepping into a vintage dream, a nod to the allure of old-fashioned eau de cologne. The robust citrus notes command attention, delivering a burst of invigorating freshness that dances alongside the subtle herbaceous and aromatic facets, creating a multi-dimensional symphony of scents.

Imagine this: as the fragrance graces your skin, the initial rush of zesty citrus is like a sunlit morning, intertwined with the soothing lavender and petitgrain that provide a touch of refined herbaceous greenery. This harmonious blend is akin to a beautifully composed melody.

However, the magic doesn't end there. As the initial zest mellows, the scent gradually evolves. Geranium, neroli and delicate florals, such as rose and ylang-ylang, emerge gracefully, painting an olfactory canvas that's both gentle and sophisticated. Now, while the heart notes may seem traditionally feminine, the fragrance effortlessly embodies the essence of a timeless gentleman.

Transitioning to the base notes, a fusion of musk and patchouli takes center stage. The musk, though not overwhelming, contributes an enigmatic depth and allure, like a whispered secret As for the patchouli goes, it's not a standout star but rather a masterful brushstroke that adds a sense of richness and complexity to the composition.

In essence, Floris London Special No. 127 is a fragrant tapestry that beautifully weaves together classic citrus notes with refined herbal undertones. It's as though the fragrance captures the elegance of yesteryears and translates it into a contemporary masterpiece. An enchanting, mature scent that resonates with those who appreciate the timeless beauty of a bygone era.

08/27/2024

Rgc
13 Reviews

Rgc

2

There is old school and then there is OLD school.

Floris created this scent for Russian Grand Duke Orloff in the 1890's but did not release it to the public until 1934 when it became known as Special 127 (as that was the page number it was on in the Special's book). This is a Eau de Cologne with a very orangey citrus opening on a bed of herbals, in this case geranium. This is quickly taken over by the heart of florals. My noes is not sophisticated enough to give you the main florals here, however, they are the majority of this scent as it dries down with a slightly musky base.

Heck, this is so old that it may be in vogue again in the spring and summer as now we have no gender fragrances for all. It is just funny to be that back in the day this was created for a military man and then worn by women and men alike before we ever termed the phrase unisex.

It is to floral for me to buy a bottle again, however, there are bright sunny spring days where I would still appreciate a spritz of this to greet the day with.

10/14/2024

7Scent 7Longevity 6Sillage

Missk
1357 Reviews

Missk

1

Beautiful Herbal Citrus

I'm truly glad that I went to the effort of tracking down a sample of Floris Special 127. Citrus scents aren't usually my cup of tea, however this fragrance is more of a citrus aromatic, meaning that it's less sour and citrusy, and more herbal.

I find this fragrance quite unique, and easily unisex. It opens with an invigorating and green burst of bergamot, petit grain and soothing, masculine lavender. Oh, how I adore lavender! The lavender accord is what makes this fragrance so lovable.

The more this fragrance settles, the more herbaceous it becomes. A tart-like geranium accord works beautifully alongside the lavender and citrus. Concentrated rose oil can also be smelt, adding a rich floral texture.

On a really hot day, Floris Special 127 reaches its full potential. I quite enjoyed wearing this fragrance during the heat wave we experienced in February. It's one citrus scent that I find myself reaching for time and time again.

Not many perfume enthusiasts talk of Floris, and I personally think this needs to be remedied. It's a classic house with many quality scents on offer. Floris Special 127 is seriously underrated. I would say it's special indeed.

The only unfortunate thing about this fragrance is its lack of lasting power. Sometimes I can only manage three hours wear out of Floris Special 127. The lady whom I bought the sample from, encouraged me to layer this fragrance with bergamot essential oil to increase the longevity and to amp up the citrus notes. I am yet to try this, but I second her suggestion.

Original review written: March 2013.

12/08/2013

9Scent 7.5Longevity 5Sillage

Seerose
775 Reviews

Seerose

Farina

"Special No. 127" remembers me to EdC like "Farina gegenüber" and "4711". Especially with the top notes. The Bergamot and the petitgrain are causing a tangy citrous impression. The orange is stressing the similarity to the mentioned frangances. Nevertheless this scent is fine composed with best ingredients. Unfortunately my personally memories - which I will not describe now - do not allow to like the top notes of "Special No. 127.
After a certain time the rose and ylang ylang are trying to change "Special No. 127" into a more florish scent. But the Neroli and the harsh top notes together with the lavender do not let them coming out clearly.
Instead of a full scented fragance there is appearing an aquatic note which is calming down the harsh and dominating citrus. At least "Special No. 127 is changing into a more soapy scent. And yet the musk and patchouli are supporting the clean touch. If I am not mistaking with my perceiving: There might be a touch of jasmine? I consider "Special No. 127" not as an innovation of perfume. It is a traditional cologne carefully created and first class despite of my negativ memories.

07/08/2020

9Scent 8Longevity 7Sillage

Taurus
1162 Reviews

Translated · Show original

Taurus

Top Review 21

No. 127 lives

For a long time, I contemplated whether I should really share how I came by my bottle. But since every fragrance acquisition has its own little story, I don't want to withhold this one. Just over a year ago, I discovered a three-quarters full bottle of Floris No. 127 at a flea market from a, let's say, more mature woman who was selling a few valuable items from her household. It was early in the morning - so there weren't many people around, and the impeccable bottle wasn't sitting in the blazing July sun - and after a quick test, I was able to call the fragrance my own for just eight euros.

Initially, I considered either selling it for a profit or trading it for another valuable perfume. However, over time, I found myself sniffing the sprayer repeatedly and ultimately decided to keep it and use it the following summer.

This current summer of 2020 is certainly different from what was usual and planned, but I still enjoy my No. 127. What recently convinced me for personal use is this concentrated top note of bitter oranges, petitgrain, and bergamot with that typically English lavender touch. Beautifully classic and valuable, as if one were enjoying their Earl Grey in a shady spot in the garden on a summer day.
Surrounding me are blooming lavender, geranium, and ylang-ylang, whose scent is subtly carried into the nose by a refreshing breeze.
A little later, the fruity impressions fade, but what remains is this noble, soapy presence with a hint of patchouli.

The fascinating thing about No. 127 is this simultaneous refreshment of the spirits through orange and petitgrain, as well as the calming effect of the delicate soapy lavender-rose-ylang-ylang combination. Especially in this quality and intensity without being overdone. Even though the projection fades relatively quickly, the longevity easily lasts for 8 hours.

Now one might naturally wonder how authentic the current version is compared to 1890, that is, over 130 years ago. I do think that they have reformulated it quite a bit, yet the Eau de Toilette still feels just as classic as it does contemporary. No question: a vibrant gentlemen's fragrance that seems more suited for the more mature crowd with a sense of nostalgia and poetry.

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