Floris London Vert Fougere Review + New Twist On a Classic Draw

Floris London Vert Fougere Review

Fougere (pronounced Foo-JhAIR) means fern in French, photos via Floris London and  Unsplash

Fougeres are said by many experts to be the most popular fragrance style of all time.This classification heralded the arrival of modern perfumery in 1882 (Houbigant Fougere Royale) by synthesizing the synthetic ingredient, coumarin from tonka beans. Meaning fern in French, most contemporary Fougeres use citrus, lavender, coumarin, and nowadays because of IFRA a substitute for oakmoss, (usually patchouli) at the base. Floris London Vert Fougere leans masculine and is a new twist on the classic genre, with a bit of smoke and the intense greenness of galbanum  

Floris at Turnbull & Asser London New York

Photo of Floris  London Fragrance  Display at Turnbull and Asser by Hernando for CaFleureBon©

Floris London is the most storied and oldest of British houses, started by Juan Floris in 1730 at 89 Jeremyn Street. It is still run by the family today.  

Master perfumer Roja Dove included Floris in his article “The History of British Perfumery” which he wrote  exclusively for CaFleureBon here.

Floris perfumes are now carried in the upscale British men’s store, Turnbull and Asser (the first was also on Jeremyn Street in London and was established in 1885). Next time you are in New York City, be sure to visit at 50 East 57th Street.

Floris Vert Fougere is reviewed by CaFleureBon Editor Sebastian Jara

Floris Vert Fougere Review

Floris Vert Fougere photo by Sebastian

Thanks to Amerikas, The US distributor we have a draw for a 100 ml bottle of Floris Vert Fougere for a registered USA CafleureBon reader and Smelling Great subscriber in the USA ONLY (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid). To be eligible please leave a quality comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review, as well as Michelyn’s introduction and  if you are a fan of Floris fragrances. Draw closes 1/6/2020.  You can follow us @cafleurebon @lookfeelsmellgreat on Instagram. Check out @Amerikasnyc and @florislondon on Instagram as well.

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63 comments

  • Shamrock1313 says:

    I really enjoy fougeres and by Sebastian’s great review this sounds like a winner.
    Pennsylvania USA

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Thanks for this review, Sebastian! I enjoyed how he explained how this scent provided a little spin on the standard fougere formula, adding smoke. I agree it can be a repetitive genre (even though that original accord smells so good), and I like variations. Or Black reminds me of a leathery/smoky fougere, and it makes me wonder if there is any resemblance. I also appreciated the historical context in Michelyn’s intro. I am not really familiar with Floris–Sebastian is right in that they are underrated and underrepresented on blogs and other review sites. Thanks for the draw–I’m in the US!

  • I love Floris. Among my favorites are Santal, no 89 and thanks to Sebastian Honey Oud. I haven’t tried Neroli Voyage yet. I like Sebastian’s description, walking through a fern forest with smoke in the distance. A smokey fougere, what’s not to like? Next time I go to New York, I will definitely visit the store Michelyn mentioned in her introduction.

  • Andrew Lowley says:

    I always love the extensive knowledge Sebastian has on fragrances… what got my attention most was history of the house, and also that we both are new the perfumers. He sampled then requested the bottle which tells me he likes it which makes me most curious aswell. Thank you to Cafleurebon and Sebastian for your work on introducing me to fragrances I would have never heard of being theres not much to get my nose on where I’m from lol happy new year!! 🙂

  • Smoky/green/bitter scents sound niche and interesting combo. I always like Sebastian’s detailed review. Haven’t tried any Floris fragrances. Hope I get to try this gem. Greetings from IL, USA.

  • I have never smelled a fougere cologne before. Neither have I heard of a cologne that has a smoke note in it. I liked Sebastian’s analogies of how to describe the scent of the cologne. For example walking through a fern forest and smelling fire smoke in the winter. It gave me something to picture of what the cologne would smell like. Michelyn’s introduction was educational for me to know the history of this cologne. I love that ginger is a note in this fragrance. I do wish to get a smell of this cologne.

  • I like that Sebastian clarifies it’s a soft smoke because I don’t like heavy smoke. I don’t want to smell like a campfire. I also like that Michelyn’s intro included a link to Roja Dove’s exclusive article, interesting read! I enjoy Floris 1962. Cheers from Indiana, USA.

  • Really enjoy Sebastian’s reviews, modern fougere’s are really starting to be my favorite. Adding the smoke sounds like a fun twist. California, USA.

  • BunnyEatWorld says:

    Michelyn’s intro was very informative and I always enjoy how Sebastian describes the progression of a how the fragrance notes evolve over time. I have yet to try any Floris fragrances, but I love bitter notes, so Vert Fougere sounds lovely. I’m in the USA.

  • Sebastian is so easy to listen to; he presents his review so well. I appreciate him listing the notes. The heart (floral and herbal) and base notes particularly call my attention. I am drawn to every base note.
    Michelyn gives a nice overview of Floris London and the French meaning of fougere. It is all new to me so I’m learning and loving it.
    A fern forest with a nearby fire sounds wonderful. Quite intriguing. Take me away!

  • patrick_348 says:

    I liked Sebastian’s description, as usual, of the different phases of experiencing Vert Fougere and Michelyn’s background that she gave about the house of Floris. I don’t know any Floris fragrances, but I would like to try some. I am in the US, in NC.

  • Sebastian never fails to deliver solid reviews. For this one, I especially enjoyed his insight of fougeres and how this one differs from traditional types as the added notes of soft smoke help compliment it nicely. Michelyn’s historical introduction helped better understand the impact of the perfumer and the house. Thanks!

  • I am curious about the smoke note that Sebastian mentioned. That’s an interesting twist for a Fougere. I didn’t know that Patchouli is a substitute for Oakmoss. I’ve only sampled Floris’ Honey Oud. So, I’d like to try more of their fragrances. I live in Michigan, USA.

  • I’m somewhat familiar with the Floris brand via Turnbull and Asser and thanks to Sebastian’s review I now know of Vert Fougere. This fragrance sounds like something I would wear.

  • Andrew Scott says:

    Fougeres have always been my favorite fragrances, and I’m a huge Anglophile, so I must add this Floris fougere to my collection!

  • I love Floris, mainly their vintages. I still want Limes. I like Sebastian’s explanation of how the smoke weaves into the fragrance. I did NOT know the family still runs the house today!!!! I liked that part of Michelyn’s intro. I’m in USA.

  • Kr1ms0nk1ng says:

    As always, Sebastian is quite articulate when it comes to conveying his impression of fragrances — their feel, and their scents. The smokiness he is describing piques my interest, and perhaps might ultimately recall Van Cleef and Arpels Tsar or Floris’ own Elite.

    Watching Sebastian has turned me on to great houses like Jovoy (own and love Pavillon Rouge and loving Les Jeux son Faits so far) and Rania J. (Lavande 44 is fantastic — just ordered T. Habanero from Luckyscent!

  • Sebastian’s review was quite informative. I always love when he comes across a style of fragrance that he’s never stumbled upon before, especially since he samples so many scents. And Michelyn’s intro featuring the backstory of fougeres was quite timely (at the start of the New Year), being the the passing of each year makes history that much more appreciated. I have never smelled any of this brand’s offers. (USA)

  • History lesson was really interesting.
    Smoky aspects of Vert Fougere on top of a classic fougere base should make the smell unique, but pleasing.
    Eau de Santal I own, bought it because it’s in the same vane with the long gone Envy for Men Gucci.
    My girlfriend loves it on me , and she always complimenting me when I’m wearing it.
    Thanks for the draw. USA

  • Very detailed review by Sebastian. I love a.good fougere. The addition of smoke sounds interesting. I’m in the US

  • Kr1ms0nk1ng says:

    As always, Sebastian is quite articulate when it comes to conveying his impression of fragrances — their feel, and their scents. The smokiness he is describing piques my interest, and perhaps might ultimately recall Van Cleef and Arpels Tsar or Floris’ own Elite.

    I currently own J.F., Elite, No. 89, and Special No.127 — Floris fits for my formal occasions in general, and is a class house in my mind.

    I appreciate Michelyn’s introduction as well – concise and well written. I have sampled Fougere Royale a few times, but was never quite smitten. My go-to’s have been in the vein of YSL Jazz, YSL Rive Gauche pour Homme, Ralph Lauren’s Safari, VC&A Tsar, Cartier Pasha, Aramis Tuscany, MFK Masculin Pluriel, etc.

    Watching Sebastian has turned me on to great houses as well like Jovoy (own and love Pavillon Rouge, and loving Les Jeux son Faits so far) and Rania J. (Lavande 44 is fantastic — & I just ordered T. Habanero from Luckyscent!)

    Appreciate the opportunity to win — Southern California here.

    ** P.S. sorry for the re-post — first time commenting and cannot figure out how to edit my premature send — if moderator can delete previous post to get rid of my congestion on the thread, it would be appreciated. Thank you!

  • Sunny Chaudhary says:

    I always love the extensive knowledge Sebastian has on fragrances… what got my attention most was history of the house, and also that we both are new the perfumers (half of the names I can’t pronounce).

    He sampled then requested the bottle which tells me he likes it which makes me most curious as well. Thank you to Cafleurebon and Sebastian for your work on introducing me to fragrances I would have never heard off.

    Wish you all a happy new year.

    I am from USA
    Sunny

  • Zamen Farhan says:

    Great review Sebastian for a new unique foger!! It sounds very Intriguing! I would love to put my nose on master piece. Please include me in the give away!! Salt Lake City, Utah

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Smoky and green, interesting scent profile Sebastian discusses in his video. I think this genre of juice is one that every man has to have in his collection…timeless and classic with a modern take. Thanks for the opportunity to win this fragrance.

  • I was able to smell Vert Fougere in London, and I completely agree with Michelyn statement that it leans masculine. There’s gentlemen-ish vibe in it , and even though some ladies could pull it off, most won’t be able to. It’s really green, herbal, mossy , acerbic and smoky.
    Not a crowd pleaser, but if you like vintage fougeres you’ll absolutely enjoy it.
    My favorite Floris fragrance is without a doubt Honey Oud . It’s sweet, but not clubbing sweet, more like gentlemen in a suit kind of fragrance.
    Thank you, just followed @Amerikasnyc on Instagram, Cafleurebon and Sebastian of course I follow for years.
    Virginia

  • I like that the introduction included a bit of information about fougeres, and I like that Sebastian talked about where you can find this fragrance in his review. I’m not a fan, in fact I’ve never heard of this house before, but I’d love to try a fragrance from them! Washington, USA.

  • a modern, smokey green fougere! terrific review. i guess i am a fan of floris, if you count how many small bottles i own—but not vert fougere. nice fitting intro, too

  • Gabriel Garcia Leyva says:

    Great review spotlight Sebastian.
    I enjoyed fougères from the past, now this sounds interesting with that smoke accord, ive sampled very limited floris, like honey oud, which is outstanding.
    Thanks
    Las Vegas NV USA

  • There are not many smoky fougeres. As Sebastian says, smoky fragrances are trendy again. I have few from Floris including new and classics and my fav. may be N. 89. I am in US

  • I’ve never tried Floris fragrances, but Sebastian’s review makes me most interested. It is also always wonderful to get a bit of a back story which Michelyn has so kindly provided. I”m looking forward to trying this out. Thank you for the review and the most generous draw. I’m in the USA

  • bigscoundrel says:

    I’m a big fan of fougere fragrances like Sebastian, and I could feel his enthusiasm for this unique fougere. Great intro by Michelyn that gives a nice background into this category of fragrances. I haven’t tried Floris yet, but they are on my list of houses to sample. I’m in the USA.

  • Fougere fragrances are, by far, my favorite style of fragrance. Sebastian put my mind at ease when discussing the smokiness of this one since some smokier fragrances tend to smell like a tire fire on my skin. I’ve been lucky enough to sample some fragrances from Floris but must’ve over looked this gem.

  • Thanks for this great review, I Sebastian! I always love your reviews! A smokey, bitter, fougere sounds interesting, I’d like to try it. And I completely agree with what Michelyn said – ‘Fougeres are said by many experts to be the most popular fragrance style of all time.’ Thanks for this opportunity. – CA, USA

  • Sebastian have a great nose I have a lot of complements thanks to him and this one sounds like. Kansas USA

  • As always I enjoyed Sebastian beautiful review! Thanks!
    I like fougeres, for example Bracken Man Amouage.
    But unfortunately, I am not familiar with Floris perfumes.
    US

  • Thank you Sebastian for this revew! I’ve never tested Floris perfumes, but after this I wish to test all Floris perfumes.
    I like fougere perfumes, but can not imagine it with smokiness.
    US

  • f14dh26y2wtd says:

    I do like fougère perfumes in general (Azzaro PH, Kouros etc.), but I’m intrigued by the smoky notes in this one. It sounds like a good scent for winter. The review convinced me to place an order for a sample from Floris.

  • Firstly, I would like to say that Michelyn’s introduction was very detailed in giving us a history of the company, as well as fougeres themselves. Lastly, I always enjoy Sebastian’s take on fragrances. There wasn’t much that could be said (in my opinion) about the fragrance, except that it was very green (especially with that galbanum), so he did an excellent job highlighting the standout accord, “Smoke”, that comes with (and pervades) the fragrance. I hope to be able to get my nose on this fragrance. As of yet, I haven’t tried any Floris fragrances.

  • Carlos R Rodriguez says:

    Thanks Sebastian the only review of Vert Fougere I have found. As a fougere lover I was very intrigued about Vert Fougere when Floris launches it last year. It wasn’t until now that I was able to hear and watch of a video how the perfume smells. I don’t have access to Floris where I live so I rely on people like Sebastian to guide me through blind buys. This one seems to be like a winner I’d love to wear.

  • I love fougeres and it’s usual notes. I haven’t smelled anything from this iconic house and it would be a great win to start the year. US

  • Never had an experience with Floris house frag but Vert Fougere seems like to have very interesting notes. Smoke and fern… Can’t wait to try it! Nice clean looking bottle! Love Sebastian’s taste.

  • Other than watching some YouTube video reviews, I have no experience with Floris London.
    What’s masculine or feminine is matter of personal preference. As a woman in her mid thirties I like green, bitter and smoky fragrances.
    Thank you for the giveaway.
    USA

  • Very interesting introduction to the fragrance and house as I’m a big floris have 3 but that are roja nice to find another house that has a long history of perfumery that’s why I like Sebastian YouTube channel always having something new and always describes the fragrance very good that’s why I like and liked his video about this floris Smokey fragrance sounds very pleasing for the cold weather

  • Floris Honey Oud I sampled , and later bought because of Sebastian and his review on YouTube.
    Smells really similar to traditional Russian honey Cake with maybe some added rose Water. I can’t say it’s the best fragrance ever, but it really pleasing, and fine representation of the actual Russian Honey Cake smell. I feel like I’ve put my nose into the cake every time I’m wearing it.
    Vert Fougere is completely different, green, zingy and bitter with right amount of smoke.
    Fougeres and of course Vert Fougere I do associate with formal occasions, when I have to dress up.
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • Love Sebastian’s YouTube review of Vert Fougere being a smoky green scent, especially since I have plenty of green scents but not one with smoke in it. Michelyn’s introduction is very helpful too with her description of Vert Fougere as “a new twist on the classic genre.” Look forward to sampling this next time I am in either NY or London. Regards from Boston USA.

  • I have smelled some of Floris fragrances while in Germany, and the quality and blending are on point. I just think the house is focused primarily on one particular democratic, well dressed man at least 45 years old, or older. With the exception of Honey Oud , most Floris fragrances are leaning a bit too mature for me. I have to say Honey Oud was the best Floris fragrance to me , and like I said really different compared to all others I’ve smelled.
    My dad is a die hard Fougere fan , and If I win I’ll give him the Vert Fougere bottle.
    Thank you all . In USA

  • m.r.everything says:

    Floris is a brand that I definitely need to dive more into. I have, and absolutely love Honey Oud by Floris, but they have so many other offerings that I need to get my nose on. A Rose For is supposed to be excellent… Leather Oud is supposed to beautiful as well… there are a few others I have read many great things about that I need to check out also. This one is now added to my list thanks to Sebastian’s review! He described it as being smokey but not smokey in a way we would think…. it is there but not in a heavy, smokey kind of way. I love smoke in fragrances, as long as it doesn’t smell straight up like a cigarette…. a hint of it, and I am fine. I also really enjoy fougere scents and this being a fougere with a hint of smoke just sounds divine! I will have to get a sample either way! Fantastic mini review Sebastian! Thank you team Amerikas, for this generous opportunity and thank you to team CaFleureBon for putting this together! This is awesome to be able to potentially try a “new twist on a classic”! I live in Delaware, US.

  • Excellent review. The fragrance sounds super interesting. A forgere with a soft smoke. Sounds like a dream come True!! Fougeres are one of my favorite types of perfume profiles. Thank you for the opportunity.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Sebastian, great review of Floris Vert Fougere and Michelyn great introduction on Fougere fragrances.
    It sounds like a modern take on a classic Fougere fragrance. I like prominent green presence along with ginger and smoke would greatly appeal to me. I have never heard of Floris fragrances, but would like to try this one. I am from the USA.

  • One of the best parts of getting into an interest is deep diving into the history. Michelyn provided a history lesson with some links to check out and it fits well for such a longstanding house.
    Sebastian really explains the nuance of smoke in this scent. It seems the smoke here is more of description of how it hangs in the air, with a thickness but not a choking component. Seems like it would be like standing in citrus grove on a warm summer day. The heat causing bursts of scent that waft in the air. Very good review as usual and I’m off to check those links Michelyn provided

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Vert Fougere is a fragrance I would wear at work. Being in tailoring business I think its green and mossy foundation would be perfect for the atelier . Without a doubt interesting juxtaposition between dark green notes and smoky, velvety, woody scent accords, both fresh and warm in equal measure.

    I know Floris is old, and traditional British niche brand , but I have not tried any of their fragrances yet.

    Michelyn and Sebastian, nice job both of you.

    Thanks. USA

  • Early December I was on a business trip in London, and out of curiosity I had to go to all UK branded niche boutiques , some of which brands not available, or poorly represented in US.
    Floris boutique is such a special place. Warm, cozy and somehow from a bygone era. Everything was real wood inside, classic feel was all over there.
    What about Vert Fougere? The masculine beauty appears in a tart metallic green at the start and unmistakably as a fougere. Herbs and green freshly cut to pieces fruits was the start. Somewhere smokes are showing up, but Vert Fougere also offers leaf green, aromatic conifers .
    Strikingly masculine and concise – this is how a flagship fougere must be done.
    I end up buying something else called A Rose For… It’s a special fragrance from Private Collection , you can only get at boutiques.
    Velvety feel with subtle sweetness resides in this rose, with nicely blended subtle, smoky hints of black tea and gently sour currant fruitiness. Vanilla underlines and reinforces both the iris creaminess and the sweetness, which in turn is picked up by sandalwood in a balsamic-spicy-woody way. Oud smokes and warms the background at most, but by any means NOT a typical oud rose fragrance here.
    An adult, both classic and contemporary rose full of elegance and sensuality.The quality of the fragrance is outstanding, it is of an admirable harmony and smells precious. An extraordinarily beautiful rose, which lovers of this flower , and fragrances such as Paestum Rose by Eau d’Italie, Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Velours, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady absolutely must try!
    Words can’t describe how I feel about A Rose For… It’s like I was working with a perfumer to create a bespoke fragrances for me.
    I’m excited for Vert Fougere Giveaway . Thank you. USA
    Regards

  • Love fougeres and loved Sebastian’s description of the smokey quality. Never tried Floris

  • Thank you Sebastian you are one of my favorite reviewers on YouTube. The only Floris London perfume I own is Spencer Hart Palm Springs. It’s a fantastic scent. I can’t wait to smell Verte Fougere! My YouTube name is
    VetiverBoy.

  • Anthony Telano says:

    The draw is over, but regardless of that I wanted to say I throughly enjoyed the review Sebastian did and I’m looking forward to putting my nose to this luxurious smokey fougere fragrance.