Azzaro Wanted by Night vs. Spicebomb Extreme

When it comes to wintertime fragrances, the original Spicebomb was legendary. Azzaro Wanted has also developed a ton of popularity in the past few years. Each of those fragrances spawned flankers, Wanted by Night and Spicebomb Extreme. For this post, I want to compare these two, how they smell, how long each lasts, and declare which one is the better buy.

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Extreme vs Wanted by Night

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

Wanted by Night

Notes include: cumin, cinnamon, lavender, tobacco, lemon, orange, cedar, cypress, patchouli, fruits

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted by Night Eau de Parfum for Men – Mens Cologne

Read my full review: Wanted by Night

Opening

To kick things off, Spicebomb Extreme gives you a hefty dose of tobacco, lavender, sweet vanilla, and some spices. It’s not actually a heavy spice, but still quite noticeable cumin and cinnamon. I actually don’t think that this one is nearly as spicy as the original Spicebomb. 

Extreme is more about that tobacco note. It is smooth, warm, with that nice sweet touch. There is a great saffron note, which freshens things up, but plays a bigger role later on.

Meanwhile, Wanted by Night starts off with citrus and fruity notes up top. The spices are the same, cumin and cinnamon, but probably a bit more intense than in Extreme. Also, the tobacco note, which isn’t as good as Extreme’s. 

Which is better? While I really like Wanted by Night, I prefer the Spicebomb scent. It’s smoother, with a nicer blend of spice and sweetness.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off strong and then settle more into the moderate range. However, Extreme has the better sillage and it stays at that powerful level for longer. Wanted by Night is no slouch, is above average, but doesn’t climb to the same heights.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Longevity

Wanted by Night is a very solid performer, clocking in at around 7-9 hours, on my skin. Nothing to complain about.

However, in comparison, it isn’t even close between these two fragrances. The V&R scent, goes above and beyond what you get with the Azzaro.

Spicebomb Extreme goes over 10 hours for me. It can get into the 12-13 hour range, on the right day. The Viktor & Rolf takes another category.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are built for autumn and winter. I would avoid both during the warmer months. Also, I’d much prefer to wear both in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. 

The only real distinction, is that Spicebomb Extreme is a bit more mature. It has greater depth and has more refinement. For that, I’ll give it a slight edge.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme (slightly)

Overall Scent

It’s easy to see why these two fragrances, often get compared to one another, what with all the overlap in their notes.

To me, one of them clearly stands above the other, from smell through how each performs.

I was never a huge fan of the original Azzaro Wanted, so, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Wanted by Night all that much. I was wrong. I actually do like it and have worn it around, more than I was expecting to, after testing.

It’s a nice fragrance. I especially enjoy the opening hour or so. It has it’s charm, but it’s not something I’d want to reach for all of the time during the fall and winter. Update: The Most Wanted and Parfum are even better than Night.

The problem is, it doesn’t hold up when compared to Spicebomb Extreme. It’s just a better fragrance all around. From it’s strength, to its tobacco note, to the saffron touches. I’ll gladly wear either cologne, but I’m going with the Viktor & Rolf here.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.