The Metallics

Herod Parfums de Marly 2012

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Ranked 5 in Unisex Perfume

8.6 / 10 4932 Ratings

A popular perfume by Parfums de Marly for women and men, released in 2012. The scent is sweet-spicy. It is still in production.
Pronunciation

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Main accords

Sweet

Spicy

Oriental

Gourmand

Woody

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Cinnamon

Pepperwood™

Heart Notes

Tobacco

Osmanthus

Cistus

Frankincense

Base Notes

Vanilla

Cedarwood

Musk

Cypriol

Patchouli

Vetiver

Perfumer

Olivier Pescheux

Ratings

Scent

8.64932 Ratings

Longevity

8.04629 Ratings

Sillage

7.64620 Ratings

Bottle

8.54441 Ratings

Value for money

6.93273 Ratings

Submitted by DonVanVliet, last update on 07/26/2025.

Interesting Facts

The fragrance is part of the "The Metallics" collection.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Hercules

Divine Vanille

Arabian Horse Parfum Extract

King of Judea Attar

Havana

Delphinus

Reviews

171 in-depth fragrance descriptions

01/12/2017

10
Bottle 8
Sillage 10
Longevity 10
Scent

JCopelandSFP
10 Reviews

JCopelandSFP

Top Review 11

A phenomenal blend of the highest quality

Scent: going to take a slightly different approach, and do a comparative analysis:
-comparing it to Spicebomb Extreme, they certainly have a similar vibe. SE is sweeter and more aggressive (spicier) in the opening, while Herod is also sweet but much smoother (not as spicy).
-As the initial blast dissipates, SE definitely reveals itself to be fairly fresh (there's lavender). Herod is a warmer fragrance.
-The main accords I get in SE are "cinnamon" (there's no cinnamon, here, but perhaps the mix of tobacco, caraway, and black pepper seems to create the accord), and not long after that the scent calms a bit and becomes a little smoother (thanks to the vanilla). Herod's cinnamon accord is actually cinnamon, and definitely comes off as more than just a representation of it.
-The tobacco note is so smooth (as compared to SE and also DG The One, in which the accord is a bit dirtier, harsher, though not off-putting); though smooth, the tobacco it is definitely the most detectable accord. The vanilla provides a smooth sweetness, that seems to calm the black pepper and cinnamon here (those two can come off as extremely spicy, I find it astounding at how smooth the scent is in light of that). The foundation of the sweetness is definitely the cinnamon, which seems to stay a while. There is a tiny, tiny hint of freshness, which probably comes from the vetiver in the base (though the actual scent of vetiver is virtually undetectable, it's just the vibe).
-Overall, if comparing Herod to SE, it is clear that Herod is a niche fragrance. The quality of the ingredients and their blend is so well done. It is very difficult to truly distinguish the other notes, like the incense (slight vibe), osmanthus, and labdanum in the heart, or even the woods in the base. The only other presence I can detect outside of the main accords is a bit of muskiness.
Performance: lasts 12+ hours on my skin, projects ok for the first 3 or so, seems to get a little stronger during that time, then basically a skin scent after 8 hours, but I didn't have to dig my nose into my arm to smell it. Definitely stays on my skin much longer. I took a shower the next morning (almost 20 hours later), and as my skin started to heat up from the hot water, I started smelling it again.

02/07/2025

6
Pricing 7
Bottle 8
Sillage 9
Longevity 9.5
Scent

LuisFelicio
4 Reviews

LuisFelicio

Top Review 10

Parfums de Marly Herod is definitely one of the most accurate

Parfums de Marly Herod is definitely one of the most accurate interpretations of a smooth, pipe-type (but with a further more sophisticated glorious floral-woodsy articulation) and subtle soapy-floral tobacco's acception out there. This fragrance firstly strikes due to its claim to represent an idea of super silky (almost rubbery in one of its fleeting effects as well as we see in the central Gianfranco Ferrè for men's stage of development) vest/consistency of pipe tobacco-dominant fragrance which in this case projects also the luxurious (almost liquorous) noble facet a quality tobacco tends as well to express (namely a sparkling/intoxicating, super sophisticated, kind of aristocratic and baroquely floral sort of aura). Soapy frankincense, mild-freshly peppery spices, smooth vanilla, cypriol oil, a silky and languid osmanthus and a general widespread muskiness are all key elements revolving around this dominant pipe-soapy tobacco and working sinergically in order to turn it as a musky, well rounded and soapy affair. I have to say anyway that this rounded tobacco (and I suppose a tobacco flower works as well on its side) is really central in this fragrance and is supported by floral patterns, a touch of toasted smoke and fluidy-mild spices (cinnamon and cardamom in particular) in order to switch a sophisticated and prickly kind of velvety floral undertone under our noses. I don't get in particular any vetiver or patchouli but more properly a sort of suedish/pipe/soapy/plummy-figgy/rubbery/musky woodsy aura which is particularly chic as I equally perceive on others glorious spicy tobaccos a la E. Marinella Tabacco Imperiale (or several floral decadent tobaccos). Vanilla and cinnamom in particular provide an almost gourmandish honeyed twist a la Tom Ford Tabacco Vanille (in particular along the central stage of the trip), turning the tobacco in to an almost edible form (but never overwhelming the final dominant pipe tobacco vibe). I have to say anyway that Herod is more subtle, sophisticated and well calibrated than the more yummy/vanillic Tobacco Vanille under my profane nose. Along dry down the floral notes recedes and a drier noble (vintage and "cultured") pipe/cigar tobacco vibe (a la Teatro Olfattivo di Parma Bell'Antonio or Montagne Tobacco Noir) keeps lording alive and kicking. Performances (in particular its projection) are moderate on my skin. An adulthood refined fragrance perfect to be worn in front of a fireplace while reading a book with a glass of whisky and talking confidentially with profound and learned persons.

12/06/2021

4
Pricing 9
Bottle 6
Sillage 7
Longevity 9
Scent

Elysium
887 Reviews

Elysium

Very helpful Review 10

The Ottomans And Their Love Of Horses

I received a sample of this niche perfume, and I must say that from the very first notes, Herod turns out to be an intriguing fragrance that is well suited to my tastes in terms of perfumes. A brief introduction before diving into the cologne. One of the most accomplished racehorses of 18th century Europe, Herod was a horse of uncommon achievement descended from a famous line of Turkish warhorses. To honour him, Parfums de Marly has created a genuinely spectacular fragrance. So, they named Herod after a prodigious horse and not after Herod the Great, the client king of Judea or Herodian Kingdom.

Tobacco fragrances are fantastic, in particular, if well blended and not sweetened a lot. Herod is a warm fragrance with hints of cinnamon, tobacco, and vanilla that envelop you and give you that warm spicy sensation. It opens with those two spices on display. An explosion with a waxy flavour, especially in the first few minutes, and earthy accords combined with a woody note in the background. The waxy softens and transforms almost as fast as it appears. The spiciness of the pepper is notorious: if I hold my nose too close to the skin, it pinches my nostrils as the tobacco wakes up. Then, after a few more minutes, the fragrance becomes drier and woody. A timid presence of hot and spiced cinnamon appears and lasts until mid-growth, sitting on a smoked vanilla base.

Slowly, the tobacco develops, is not very strong, and blends well with the other notes already present in the composition. The tobacco note here is superb, and the perfumer used a slightly different type of tobacco than the other fragrances. Here I don’t feel it too aromatic nor too fragrant. There is no scent of honey or cherry pipe tobacco, at least not at first. Instead, I perceive pure and dry tobacco, almost humid, used to produce Tuscan cigars. And this imposing tobacco plays and contrasts with the sweetest spices and notes. I distinguish a mild smoky church incense, almost powdery scent, with leathery labdanum and peach osmanthus, the latter adding a fruity touch and more delicate nuance. Despite the osmanthus flowers, the perfume never crosses the female territory. Still, the incense is never complicated. The mild smoking of the incense ensures that the spice is not like a punch in the face and simply adds a soothing texture to the aroma. It’s a fabulous combination, but I’m torn about how I feel about it. Just an aside, thinking of Herod as a dominant tobacco fragrance is misleading for me because tobacco is never the most pungent note. It mixes well with other notes and, in fact, loses its power as the fragrance runs out.

The fragrance loosens up, and the base pushes it further into the traditionally masculine area, especially when the cypriol takes the stage. Cypriol comes from a plant of the papyrus family and has a smell similar to dried and smoked parchment. It is an earthy, dirty, vegetal, and green smell and a cross between dry cedar, patchouli, and vetiver. It’s an important note that I don’t think is highlighted enough in fragrances. And it’s a real shame because I love particularly bizarre and unusual notes. Oddly enough, a friendly vibe of cherry tobacco mixed with creamy smoked vanilla appears. The smoked cigar turns into sugary pipe tobacco. Tobacco, labdanum and vanilla create a soft, slightly sweet trio that grows in strength as you use it. In the end, it enhances the woodsier and earthier aspects, and I get a bit of woody from the cedar and Iso-e Super, and a hint of earthiness from the vetiver, patchouli, and musk, perhaps the same earthy impression I got in the opening.

Herod is unisex with a masculine slant, and seasonally, it is a perfume suitable for cold weather. I wear it on the heavier days of fall and then the colder days of winter, and it fits perfectly, even on cool spring nights. It is not a scent that screams out for attention regarding the performance. If you’re looking for a powerhouse, this is not it. Projection stays around your arms, though it lasts several hours as a skin scent. It’s a type of fragrance that can fit well during the day at the office. It’s not stuffy or pushy, but it also has a level of sensuality that makes it suitable for a night out or date. Herod is very cosy and warm with just the right amount of sweetness which is fine, seeing as I prefer scent with a masculine slant.

I base the review on a decant I have owned since November 2021.

-Elysium

05/23/2013

7.5
Bottle 10
Sillage 10
Longevity 10
Scent

Mojtaba
5 Reviews

Mojtaba

Helpful Review 7

A modern fragrance

A masculine fragrance smells so good and modern. A perfect blend of cinnamon, vanilla & tobacco.And vetiver and cedar notes make this fragrance so masculine.
Suitable for parties at night.Sillage&Longevity so good.

03/03/2015

ColinM
516 Reviews

ColinM

Very helpful Review 4

Trendy tobacco

Herod opens with a sweet, sugary, soft and mellow accord of tobacco, resins, candied notes, sweet spices (cinnamon) and pleasant whiffs of myrrh, vanilla and light vetiver. Few notes and all quite detectable. Halfway some “candied” Lutens (like Arabie) and soft-sweet tobacco scents like Tobacco Vanille or Tabacco Toscano by Santa Maria Novella (to which the tobacco note in Herod resembles quite much; I am pretty sure they used the same aromachemicals here too). The head notes provide a light fresh breeze, I smell something halfway silky bergamot and a greenish-balsamic note (I guess this may all be due to osmanthus, which is in fact a tea-ish sweet-fresh note a bit balsamic and a bit floral). But most of all it’s tobacco and resinous spices. The tobacco note is close to the smell of fresh and humid tobacco right out of the bag, so nothing “dark” or too masculine – on the contrary, slightly humid, quite plushy and sweet. Among the Parfums de Marly range, which for what I’ve tested so far I always considered below mediocre, this is one of the nicest for sure; derivative and quite uncreative, but crisp, rich and pleasant, not (too much) synthetic, with a nice set of nuances which work fine. Good persistence and quite bold projection. Just a bit tacky perhaps, but a nice “Christmas tobacco” scent which I’d (moderately) suggest to all tobacco fans.

6,5-7/10

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