Floris No 89 Cologne

Details and Care for Floris No 89

Floris of London has been making scent since 1789, which puts it among the oldest fragrance houses still standing. No. 89 showed up in the 1970s, a fresher spin on the house's old-world craft with a crisper, more modern edge. Men reach for it when they want a cologne that stays quiet but still holds attention. As for the bottle: a plain rectangular glass stamped with the Floris crest, the sort of thing that just belongs on a shelf without trying.

Cedarwood and a soft musk anchor the base, giving this its warmth and its staying power, with oakmoss adding an earthy edge underneath. Up top, lemon and bergamot open things cleanly and without fuss. Lavender and geranium show up in the middle and soften the whole thing into something refined rather than sharp. Mornings suit it well and it never turns heavy by afternoon. Projection stays moderate and close to the skin. That makes it a fit for the office, for daily wear, for anyone who'd rather not announce themselves when they walk into a room. Damp skin helps it last.

Fragrance Family:

Fresh, citrus, woody

Scent Notes:

Top Notes: Lemon, bergamot

Middle Notes: Lavender, geranium

Base Notes: Oakmoss, cedarwood, musk

Questions And Answers

What does Floris No. 89 Cologne smell like?

Lemon and bergamot start things off clean and citrusy. Underneath, lavender and geranium bring a soft floral heart, while oakmoss and cedarwood give the base a woody, earthy pull with a touch of musk for warmth. Classic in feel, never sweet, never overly floral.

How long does Floris No. 89 last?

Five to seven hours is typical on bare skin. It clings close to the body instead of projecting outward, so it feels longer-lasting than most colognes despite the light formula. Moisturized skin helps, and a scent-free balm underneath stretches wear time further. The base notes are the last to fade.

What is the fragrance concentration?

This is an eau de cologne, sitting around 3 to 5 percent fragrance oil. Lighter than an eau de toilette, which is exactly why it feels so fresh and clean in warm weather. That low concentration also means reapplying through the day works well and doesn't feel excessive.

What season is best for Floris No. 89?

Warm weather is where this one earns its keep, thanks to the citrus lift and the lavender running through the heart. The cedarwood base, though, keeps it from feeling out of place in colder months. Daytime wear and office settings suit it in any season.

Is Floris No. 89 suitable for all occasions?

Yes, for the most part. Casual days, office hours, smart-casual dinners all work fine, and the moderate projection means it won't take over a room or a date. Black-tie events are the exception; something richer, like an eau de parfum, fits that setting better.

What smells similar to Floris No. 89?

Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet is a close cousin. Trumper's Extract of Limes shares the same citrus backbone, and Geo F. Trumper's Eucris leans into that same oakmoss-and-lavender territory. All four share a certain old-school British grooming sensibility.