I blind bought the modern version of this, I'm not familiar with the original and can't comment of the mossiness or lack thereof. I will say this though it's satisfied my recent desire to put some masculine powerhouses back in my wardrobe, as I realised this was an area I'm sadly lacking. Sure I've own polo/kouros/pacorabanne etc...in the past but I was hoping this might be a bit like VC&A Tsar or something but it isn't really. Neither is it like Azzuro pour homme or Quorum which was a relief. I find it softer and more manageable than any of the aforementioned fragrances but don't be fooled this is no slouch and I think can still quite easily be referred to as a powerhouse. I'd say it's a sharp and pungent opening of lemon and aldehydes which settles to fern and pine with a heart of spiced powdery geranium and carnation, not too musky but with facets of oakmoss and animal qualities. I like the way it dries down too, changing all the while and settling (after several hours) to a quiet skin scent. For me this is a good example of the aromatic fougere and more wearable and toned down than it's counterparts. Good longevity too even from this new formula, so all in all a pretty good blind buy.