Thoroughbred by John Henry c1985

The fragrance Thoroughbred by John Henry was brought out for fall 1985.

Thoroughbred was inspired by a horse, owned by John Henry, who won the racing industry's 1984 Horse of the Year and first horse ever to win more than $6 million in purses.

Thoroughbred is the first product that was created by the then newly formed Parfums America, Inc. The company described their fragrances as "veritable elixirs of success for the man or woman determined to reach for the top."

Fragrance Composition:

The perfume was described as a floral fragrance for women with notes of violet, rose and jasmine. A men's cologne was described as a woodsy, citrus version. 

Product Marketing for Beauty Industry Retailers & Manufacturers, 1985:

"This August, a new fragrance for both men and women, called Thoroughbred, will debut in department stores marking Parfum America's initial foray into the beauty arena. Aroma Disc System (launched by Charles of the Ritz) announced the formation of Parfums America Inc., a company created to manufacture and license a wide variety of fragrance products and technologies. Thoroughbred consists of  men's cologne for $20 (suggested retail price); a two -ounce EDT Spray, $25; and a one-ounce perfume, $150. The women's fragrance is a floral blend, while the men's scent contains citrus, aromatics and a woodsy base."

For women, Thoroughbred was available as a parfum & an eau de toilette. For men, it was available as a cologne.  The men's cologne cost about $30 while the woman's eau de toilette retailed at $25 and the parfum at $150.

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Thoroughbred" sounds like a fragrance with a rich history and a unique inspiration. It's fascinating how the success of the horse John Henry was translated into a fragrance meant to evoke ambition and achievement. The differentiation between the men's and women's versions based on scent profile is also intriguing – floral for women and woodsy-citrus for men, reflecting traditional gender norms in fragrance but also providing options for different preferences.

The pricing seems to position it as a luxury product, especially with the parfum priced at $150. It's unfortunate that it was discontinued, as it seemed to have a compelling narrative behind it. It would be interesting to know more about its reception and popularity during its time on the market.