Kouros

Kouros, composed by Pierre Bourdon for Yves Saint Laurent in 1981, is a powerful, animalic men's classic that people tend to love or avoid. Wearers describe it as floral first, most add sweet, and about half call it spicy, green or woody, which only hints at how much is going on.

It opens with aldehydes, bergamot and coriander, a bright, soapy, slightly fizzy start, sharpened by the bitter herbal notes of clary sage and artemisia. The heart is a dense floral-spicy blend: carnation and cinnamon give a clove-like warmth, geranium and lavender a barbershop cleanness, orris a powdery softness, and vetiver and patchouli an earthy depth. The base is where its reputation lies, as civet, honey and leather bring a warm, musky, distinctly animal character, cushioned by amber, vanilla, tonka bean and oakmoss.

Most wearers report it as long lasting or eternal, with a strong sillage for the largest group. It is voted for winter and autumn and equally for day and night, suggesting a bold, old-school scent for confident, sparing use.

Kouros — for men fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent (released 1981). Top notes: Aldehydes, Coriander, Clary Sage, Artemisia, Bergamot. Heart notes: Patchouli, Carnation, Jasmine, Vetiver, Geranium, Orris Root, Cinnamon, Lavender. Base notes: Civet, Musk, Leather, Honey, Oakmoss, Amber, Tonka Bean, Vanilla. — Parfica open fragrance database