Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico By Night: The Dark Horse of Discontinued Gourmands
Unveiling the elusive, seductive essence of JPG's nocturnal masterpiece.
Jean Paul Gaultier has long been synonymous with audacious, theatrical fragrances that challenge convention. From the iconic Le Male to the voluptuous Classique, the brand consistently delivered scents with distinct personalities. In 2011, JPG introduced Kokorico, a bold masculine fragrance that aimed to capture the essence of a man''s victorious cry. A year later, in 2012, the brand launched its darker, more intense counterpart: Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico By Night. This flanker was designed to plunge deeper into the realm of seduction, offering a nocturnal interpretation of the original''s unique DNA.
Kokorico By Night positioned itself as a sophisticated evening scent, a departure from the fresh, marine, or vanilla-heavy offerings often found in the designer market. It aimed to cater to a confident, mature man seeking a distinctive aroma for intimate settings and special occasions. While the original Kokorico, with its prominent fig leaf and cacao notes, was already a unique proposition, By Night pushed the boundaries further, amplifying the gourmand and earthy facets to create a truly memorable experience.
The inspiration behind Kokorico By Night delves into the allure of the night. If the original Kokorico was the energetic crow of a rooster at dawn, By Night represents the same rooster''s captivating presence after dusk – mysterious, alluring, and undeniably sensual. The fragrance concept revolves around an intoxicating blend of dark, rich notes like cacao and coffee, designed to evoke a sense of warmth, intimacy, and sophisticated charm. The iconic bottle, shaped like a man''s head, further reinforces the masculine and sculptural artistry inherent in Gaultier''s vision.
Despite its relatively short production run and subsequent discontinuation, Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico By Night has cultivated a formidable reputation within the fragrance community. It''s often lauded as a hidden gem and a prime example of a discontinued masterpiece. Its unique blend of green, earthy, and gourmand elements, anchored by a rich cacao note, sets it apart from its contemporaries. For many enthusiasts, it remains a highly sought-after collector''s item, celebrated for its distinctive character, impressive performance, and undeniable seductive power.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Crafted by the esteemed perfumers Olivier Cresp and Annick Menardo. Olivier Cresp is a master of gourmand compositions, famously behind Thierry Mugler''s Angel and Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. Annick Menardo is celebrated for her bold, often dark and sensual creations, including Bvlgari Black and Dior Hypnotic Poison. Their combined artistry resulted in Kokorico By Night''s complex and intriguing depth.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a surprisingly fresh yet intriguing burst. You''ll notice the distinct green, slightly milky aroma of Fig Leaf, complemented by the bright, zesty lift of Bergamot. A subtle, tart tang of Rhubarb adds a unique vibrancy, setting a complex stage for the darker notes to follow. This opening is vibrant and inviting, hinting at the depth to come.
As the fragrance settles, typically within 15-30 minutes, the heart notes emerge, defining the ''By Night'' character. The rich, bittersweet aroma of Cacao takes center stage, blended seamlessly with the deep, earthy facets of Patchouli. A subtle hint of dark, roasted Coffee bean adds an intriguing bitterness and an extra layer of nocturnal sophistication, creating a warm, inviting, and slightly mysterious core.
The drydown, which unfolds over several hours, is where Kokorico By Night truly shines in its longevity and comfort. The Cacao and Patchouli persist, softened and sweetened by the creamy, vanilla-like warmth of Tonka Bean. Dry Cedarwood provides a grounding, elegant woody backbone, while Vetiver adds a subtle smoky earthiness, ensuring a smooth, sophisticated, and utterly addictive skin scent that lingers for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Expect 8-10 hours of noticeable wear on skin. It holds strong through an evening and often remains a beautiful skin scent well into the next morning.
Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a confident scent bubble. It''s noticeable without being overwhelming, drawing attention in close quarters.
Leaves a moderate, inviting trail. It''s not a beast mode sillage, but it''s consistent and noticeable enough to leave a memorable impression as you move.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
A consistent compliment-getter, particularly from women. Its warm, unique, and sensual profile often sparks curiosity and positive remarks, especially in intimate or evening settings.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and distinctive cacao-centric scent profile that stands out.
- ✅ Excellent longevity, ensuring it lasts through an entire evening or workday.
- ✅ Seductive, warm, and inviting character perfect for evening and intimate wear.
- ✅ Versatile within its designated cool-weather and evening categories.
- ✅ High-quality blend with discernible natural-smelling notes.
- ❌ Discontinued, making it difficult to find and often very expensive on the secondary market.
- ❌ Can be overpowering if over-sprayed, requiring careful application.
- ❌ The unique scent profile is not a mass-pleaser and might be polarizing for some.
- ❌ Not suitable for warm weather or casual daytime wear due to its richness.
Price & Value
“Given its discontinuation and rarity, Kokorico By Night commands a premium price. For collectors or those who deeply connect with its unique scent, it''s a significant investment, but one that delivers on quality and distinctiveness.”
📜 Reformulation History
No widespread reports of significant reformulations or batch variations for Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico By Night, likely due to its limited production run and status as a discontinued fragrance.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men aged 25-50
- Confident and sophisticated personalities
- Those who appreciate unique gourmand and woody-earthy scents
- Individuals seeking a distinctive evening fragrance
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer light, fresh, or aquatic fragrances
- Office environments or settings where strong projection might be inappropriate
- Individuals sensitive to richer, heavier scent profiles
The Family
The original fragrance in the line, offering a lighter, more energetic and greener take on the fig leaf and patchouli theme with a less pronounced cacao note.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a sophisticated, gourmand-spicy warmth with a prominent Kulfi accord, creating a similar sensual evening vibe.
While featuring iris, its powdery, slightly sweet, and sophisticated dark character shares a similar elegant, dressy evening appeal.
Features a rich, sweet tobacco and cacao accord, offering a warm, gourmand, and slightly earthy masculine profile.
💡 Clone Alternatives
While not a direct clone, it offers a budget-friendly warm, sweet gourmand profile with prominent rum and vanilla notes that can evoke a similar comforting, inviting aura.
Known for its warm, spicy, and sweet gourmand profile with dates and tonka, offering a luxurious feel at a fraction of the cost, appealing to lovers of rich, cozy scents.
Provides a rich, boozy, and woody-spicy warmth that, while different, shares a sophisticated and bold masculine evening presence at a lower price point.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who appreciate the sophisticated, dark, and slightly sweet leather and iris blend.
Offers a rich, boozy, and woody take on a modern classic, perfect for evening wear.
If you enjoy a sweet, spicy, and resinous gourmand with a playful edge.
For a modern, aromatic, and woody scent with a unique mineral twist, retaining a confident evening presence.
More from Jean Paul Gaultier
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Vanilla-based fragrances to amplify sweetness and warmth
- Light musks to soften and add a clean undertone
- Amber-heavy scents for enhanced richness and longevity
- Subtle patchouli oils to deepen the earthy aspects
🏆 Final Verdict
Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico By Night is not just a fragrance; it''s a statement. It''s a testament to the brand''s willingness to experiment and create truly unique olfactory experiences. While its discontinuation has cemented its status as a rare gem, for those fortunate enough to acquire a bottle, it offers an unparalleled journey into sophisticated sensuality.
Its masterful blend of green fig leaf, rich cacao, and earthy patchouli, underscored by warm tonka and woods, creates a scent that is both distinctive and incredibly alluring. It performs admirably, projecting confidence and leaving a memorable, inviting trail. For the man who seeks to stand out in the evening, who appreciates depth, warmth, and a touch of gourmand sophistication without being overly sweet, Kokorico By Night remains a top-tier choice.
Despite the challenges of finding it and its premium price on the secondary market, if its notes resonate with your style and your occasions, this fragrance is a worthwhile investment. It''s more than just a scent; it’s a piece of fragrance history, offering a unique character that modern releases often struggle to replicate. Don''t just wear it; experience it, and let its nocturnal charm captivate you and those around you.