Mankind Ultimate by Kenneth Cole

It’s been a minute since I have posted a new cologne review, so I figured that I’d jump back into the routine by reviewing a new men’s fragrance. I got a hold of a sample of Kenneth Cole’s new scent, Mankind Ultimate and being that it feels like a good summer scent, I decided to test it out a bit and put up this post.

Edit: I am now updating this post some 4 years after its initial release, in order to add more thoughts and experiences with this fragrance.

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What does Mankind Ultimate Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, vetiver, cucumber, sandalwood, oakmoss, cashmere wood

Click here to try: Kenneth Cole Mankind Ultimate, 3.4 Fl oz

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My Full Wear Review

My first impressions of this cologne upon first sniff were that it had a very clean and crisp air to it. It’s a very pleasant fragrance right out of the gate and just seems like a scent that you couldn’t go wrong with in just about any situation.

I was also struck by its familiarity. While it was a very pleasant smell, it seemed like a rehash or very close relative to some other men’s colognes out on the market.

It has a similar smell to both Mont Blanc Legend and Abercrombie Fierce. Is it exact? No, but if you’re familiar with either of those colognes, it’s about what you should expect. Sort of like close cousins, of one another.

Similarities aren’t a bad thing necessarily. However, if you can get one scent over the other for cheaper, and the performance and experience is pretty damn close…

Mankind Ultimate opens up with an aquatic citrus blend with a bit of cucumber. The top notes sort of remind me of a less spicy Eternity Aqua, as it is bright, crisp, and watery. I like it, Ultimate is cool and refreshing to spray on, particularly on a warmer day when the humidity is up.

Another difference between this and the comparable colognes, is that Ultimate has a bit of a sweeter profile overall. The especially feels true at the top to middle part of the wear, as I do get some tonka bean.

As it dries down, Mankind Ultimate gets a fresher woodsy smell. It’s still mostly aquatic with the citrus notes lightening up, but sandalwood and vetiver really start to come through. These notes add a dry masculine base, to balance out the juicy aquatic notes from the top.

This is pretty much what you’re going to get from the entire rest of the wear. A sandalwood/vetiver aquatic with citrus notes surrounding this main core.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Performance wise, Mankind Ultimate is very solid across the board. The sillage is pretty good, solid at the beginning, but lightens up quite a bit a few hours into it.

It’s not a marathon fragrance but it isn’t one that peters out after fifteen minutes either. Seems to last in the 6+ hour range, on my skin.

I really do like this scent, and completely appreciated the fresh and energetic feeling that I got, while wearing it.

I think it’s a good choice for spring or summer months, not that it holds up brilliantly in searing heat (hardly anything does), but it seems to match the mood of those seasons.

It is an easy to wear, fairly aquatic cologne, which can fit right in to a variety of situations. It’s safe for work, to wear casually, and is attractive enough to wear out in the evening. Not a club beast or super sexy, but Mankind Ultimate, is very pleasant.

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Overall Impressions of Mankind Ultimate

I really do like this scent and think that it smells wonderful. Then again, there are lots of other colognes that smell just as wonderful, so this isn’t one for someone looking for a unique or signature scent. It’s a really good cologne with lots of versatility and will garner complements.

Just understand that it might not stand out from the crowd. I will say, that I actually like it better than Mont Blanc Legend, because of the opening act.

If you can pull a bottle of this at a good price, it’s one that you’ll be able to get plenty of use out of.