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Forget the sterile aisles of mass-market fragrance counters where every bottle smells like a variation of the same synthetic lemon. If you are searching for a scent that feels like a well-worn leather jacket, a backstage pass to a legendary concert, or a quiet sunset over the Mediterranean, you have found your tribe. John Varvatos doesn't just make colognes; he bottles a specific brand of rugged, masculine soul. At Near Store, we’ve curated the definitive list of the nine best John Varvatos colognes that every man—from the corporate rebel to the weekend adventurer—needs to experience.
Why John Varvatos Colognes Are So Popular
The magic of John Varvatos lies in the "perfectly imperfect." While other luxury houses aim for clinical perfection, Varvatos leans into the textures of real life: the grain of wood, the scuff on leather, and the smokiness of a late-night lounge. This rock-n-roll philosophy is what makes the brand a standout in the crowded world of perfumery.
- Classic Meets Modern: Every fragrance feels like a vintage masterpiece reimagined for the 21st century. It’s the smell of a man who knows his history but isn't stuck in it.
- Artisanal Craftsmanship: From the hand-woven rattan on the Artisan bottles to the high-quality ingredients inside, there is an attention to detail that feels human and intentional.
- The "Rodrigo Flores-Roux" Factor: Almost all Varvatos scents are composed by the legendary perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux. This consistency creates a "signature" DNA across the brand—sophisticated, slightly dirty, and undeniably masculine.
- Versatile All-Rounders: Whether you are wearing a tuxedo or a plain white tee, these scents adapt to your chemistry, never feeling out of place.
At Near Store, we see it daily: customers don't just buy a Varvatos bottle; they start a collection. It’s a brand that inspires loyalty because it feels authentic.
How to Choose the Best John Varvatos Cologne
Selecting the right Varvatos scent is about matching the fragrance's "vibe" to your lifestyle. Because these scents range from ultra-fresh citruses to heavy, resinous ouds, a blind buy can be a gamble if you don't know what you're looking for.
Consider the Season: John Varvatos fragrances are highly seasonal. The Artisan line, with its citrus and herbal focus, is tailor-made for the heat of summer and the freshness of spring. Conversely, scents like Oud or Vintage have a "heavy" presence that can feel overwhelming in July but perfectly cozy during a winter snowstorm.
Match the Occasion: Are you heading to the office or a dark cocktail bar? For professional settings, you want "clean" and "polite" scents like Artisan Pure or JV x NJ. If you’re going on a date, you want the magnetic, slightly mysterious draw of the Original or Vintage, which sit closer to the skin and invite someone to lean in.
Understand Longevity and Projection: It is an open secret in the fragrance community that some Varvatos colognes are "short-lived" but beautiful. If you need an 8-hour beast, look toward Oud or Artisan Blu. If you enjoy the ritual of reapplying or only need a scent for a 3-hour event, the lighter Artisan flankers are perfect.
Quick Comparison Table of the Top 9 John Varvatos Colognes
| Cologne Name | Best For | Season | Longevity | Projection | Rating |
| Artisan Acqua | Beach/Casual | Summer | 4-5 hrs | Moderate | 7.5/10 |
| John Varvatos (Original) | Dates/Evening | Fall/Winter | 5-6 hrs | Soft/Intimate | 9/10 |
| Artisan | Daily/Office | Spring | 3-4 hrs | Moderate | 8/10 |
| Artisan Pure | Summer Signature | Spring/Summer | 6-7 hrs | Strong | 9.5/10 |
| Artisan Blu | Vacation/Pool | Summer | 5-6 hrs | Moderate | 8.5/10 |
| Artisan Black | Night Outs | All Season | 4-5 hrs | Soft | 7.5/10 |
| Oud | Special Events | Winter | 8+ hrs | Strong | 9/10 |
| JV x NJ (Blue) | Active/Sports | All Season | 5-6 hrs | Moderate | 8/10 |
| Vintage | Mature Style | Fall | 6-7 hrs | Moderate | 9/10 |
Best 9 John Varvatos Colognes Ranked
Here is the breakdown of the elite lineup available at Near Store. Each of these scents tells a different story.
1. Artisan Acqua
🌊 Nautical, Herbal, and Breezy
Notes: Pomelo, Mastic, Lavender, Fir Resin
Artisan Acqua is a departure from the "blue" aquatic tropes. It opens with a bitter, juicy pomelo and tangerine burst, quickly transitioning into a Mediterranean herbal garden. The fir resin in the base gives it a "forest-by-the-sea" vibe that is incredibly refreshing.
🌟 Loved for: Its unique take on freshness—it smells like an expensive Italian vacation.
⚖️ Might not appeal: If you want a sweet, "shower gel" aquatic. This is much more botanical.
2. John Varvatos (The Original)
🥃 Rich, Sophisticated, and Leathery
Notes: Medjool Date, Leather, Tamarind, Vanilla
The one that started it all. This is a masterclass in using "date fruit" to create a dark, boozy sweetness that isn't cloying. It settles into a soft, buttery leather that smells like success. At Near Store, we refer to this as the "ultimate date night" fragrance.
🌟 Loved for: Its incredible distinctiveness; nothing else on the market smells quite like it.
⚖️ Might not appeal: If you need a fragrance that projects across a room, this is a "skin scent" for close encounters.
3. Artisan
🍊 Zesty, Uplifting, and Handcrafted
Notes: Clementine, Ginger, Orange Blossom, Amber
The classic wicker-bottle scent. It’s an explosion of orange groves and fresh ginger. It feels artisanal, like something mixed by a chemist in a small coastal village. It’s the perfect "pick-me-up" for a sunny Saturday morning.
🌟 Loved for: Its pure, natural citrus realism.
⚖️ Might not appeal: Due to its notoriously short longevity. You’ll need a travel atomizer.
4. Artisan Pure
🍋 Crisp, White, and Rugged
Notes: Lemon, Petitgrain, Ginger, Orris Root
Widely considered the best in the line. Inspired by the hills of Xalapa, Mexico, it smells like clean white linen and citrus groves. The addition of Orris root gives it a "starchy," high-end feel that rivals niche perfumes costing three times as much.
🌟 Loved for: Its exceptional performance and "expensive" aroma.
⚖️ Might not appeal: If you dislike "green" or "herbal" citrus scents.
5. Artisan Blu
🌀 Deep Sea, Pine, and Soapy Clean
Notes: Bitter Orange, Basil, Pine, Pistachio
This is the "Blue" fragrance for people who hate generic blue fragrances. It’s salty, herbal, and slightly woody thanks to the pine and cedar. It has a "soapy" dry down that keeps you smelling like you just stepped out of a luxury hotel shower all day.
🌟 Loved for: Being a more mature, complex alternative to scents like Sauvage or Bleu de Chanel.
⚖️ Might not appeal: If you are looking for a sweet, "youthful" clubbing scent.
6. Artisan Black
🌑 Dark, Mysterious, and Floral
Notes: Blood Orange, Neroli, Leather, Watermelon
Take the original Artisan and dip it in ink. This version is woodier, muskier, and has a noticeable leather note that makes it suitable for evening wear. The watermelon adds a strange, watery transparency that keeps the "black" notes from becoming too heavy.
🌟 Loved for: Its complexity—it's a fresh scent that works in the dark.
⚖️ Might not appeal: It can be hard to find as it is frequently out of stock.
7. John Varvatos Oud
🤍 Smoky, Regal, and Powerful
Notes: Tobacco, Oud, Incense, Juniper Berries
Varvatos’ take on the Middle Eastern trend. This is a beast. It’s a "dry" oud—not the "barnyard" or "sweet" kind. It smells of expensive tobacco pipes and ancient resins. If you want to project an aura of authority, this is your bottle.
🌟 Loved for: Having the best longevity in the entire John Varvatos house.
⚖️ Might not appeal: To those who prefer light, airy, or citrusy scents. This is "heavy metal" in a bottle.
8. JV x NJ (Nick Jonas Blue)
🏙️ Urban, Dynamic, and Fresh
Notes: Cascalone, Mandarin, Mint, Sandalwood
A collaboration that actually worked. This is a very "modern city" scent. It’s aquatic and minty but grounded by a smooth sandalwood base. It’s energetic and youthful, making it the perfect "grab-and-go" fragrance for the gym or a casual hangout.
🌟 Loved for: Its mass appeal—this is a verified compliment-getter.
⚖️ Might not appeal: If you are looking for the "vintage" or "rugged" DNA Varvatos is known for. This is more mainstream.
9. Vintage
🍂 Masculine, Spicy, and Earthy
Notes: Rhubarb, Tobacco, Quince, Suede
Vintage is for the man who appreciates heritage. It’s a "Chypre" fragrance, meaning it’s mossy and woody. The rhubarb and quince provide a tart, mouth-watering opening, while the tobacco and suede base keep it firmly masculine.
🌟 Loved for: Its "old-school cool" vibe that never feels dated.
⚖️ Might not appeal: To younger guys who prefer "blue" or "sweet" fragrances. This is a "grown-up" scent.
Which John Varvatos Cologne Lasts the Longest?
One of the most frequent questions we get at Near Store is about the staying power of this house. Let's be honest: because Varvatos uses many natural-smelling citrus and herbal notes, they aren't all 12-hour performers.
- The Heavy Hitters: Oud is the undisputed king of longevity, lasting 8-10 hours. Vintage and Artisan Pure also perform well, typically giving you a solid 6-7 hours.
- The Lighter Spritzers: The original Artisan and Artisan Acqua are lighter and may fade after 4 hours.
- Near Store Pro Tip: To increase longevity, apply an unscented moisturizer to your skin before spraying. This gives the perfume oils something to "grip" onto. Also, don't be afraid to spray your clothing—fabrics hold onto the base notes (like leather and amber) much longer than skin does.
Best John Varvatos Colognes by Occasion
To make your shopping at Near Store easier, we’ve categorized these based on where you're going:
Best for the Office
- Artisan Pure: Clean, professional, and non-offensive.
- JV x NJ: Fresh and energetic for a long day of meetings.
Best for Date Night
- John Varvatos (Original): Intimate and magnetic.
- Vintage: Confident and ruggedly handsome.
Best for Summer/Vacation
- Artisan Blu: The ultimate poolside or beach-club companion.
- Artisan Acqua: Perfect for an outdoor brunch or a stroll by the water.
Best for Winter/Evening
- Oud: To cut through the cold air with smoke and spice.
- Artisan Black: For a night out when you want a "dark" fresh scent.
Are John Varvatos Colognes Worth It?
In a world where "designer" scents often cost $150+, John Varvatos offers incredible value for money. You are getting niche-level compositions (thanks to Rodrigo Flores-Roux) at a fraction of the price.
The brand is perfect for the man who doesn't want to smell like "everyone else." While every other guy is wearing Dior Sauvage or Bleu de Chanel, the Varvatos man stands out with textures of rhubarb, medjool dates, and artisan leather. At Near Store, we believe these are the best "entryway" into high-end perfumery. They are complex enough for a connoisseur but wearable enough for a beginner.
Final Verdict: Which John Varvatos Cologne Is the Best?
After years of testing and feedback from our Near Store community, here is our final breakdown:
- Best Overall: Artisan Pure. It’s the perfect balance of performance, uniqueness, and versatility.
- Best for the Romantic: John Varvatos (Original). It remains a masterpiece of "intimate" perfumery.
- Best for the Bold: John Varvatos Oud. A powerful statement scent that commands respect.
- Best for Summer: Artisan Blu. It’s the most "interesting" fresh scent in the collection.
Ready to find your signature? Visit Near Store today to explore the John Varvatos collection. We guarantee 100% authenticity and the fastest shipping, so your new favorite scent is only a click away.