Fragrances

Spicebomb is a long-time favorite of fragrance fans. It always delivered a great experience and a nice masculine smell. As such, anytime a flanker is released, people will love to give it a go to see if Viktor & Rolf have improved upon the formula. Spicebomb Extreme is once such flanker cologne that the brand has released. How does it smell? Which is better? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme

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

Spicebomb

Notes include: cinnamon, saffron, bergamot, pink pepper, pimento berries, white leather, tobacco, grapefruit, vetiver

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.04 Ounce

Read my review: Spicebomb EDT

Opening

Spicebomb starts out as the name implies, with its spices out in full force. However, there is also a light citrus blend up top of grapefruit and bergamot. It’s more noticeable after the initial spray, but it does stick around for a while.

The cinnamon is the leader, a bit of pink pepper, and some underlying saffron,. After a few minutes, you will start to pick up hints of the tobacco and leather.

Spicebomb Extreme actually starts out much sweeter. The tobacco is the main attraction here, with vanilla and lavender. The spice is there, but secondary, and led by the same cinnamon and the additional cumin.

Which do I like better between the two? It’s awfully close in my opinion. However, I think I like the sweet/spice blend of Extreme somewhat more than the spicier original. Both are really great, though, I’ll give the edge to the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

As I recall, older bottles of Spicebomb used to have pretty heavy sillage. You could spray and the projection was really good, though, short of being elite. Now, it’s more moderate. Though, I still get a nice wear from this latest batch. Any rumors of its full decline have been greatly exaggerated.

Spicebomb Extreme is the stronger and better projecting of the two. It also is more consistent in its power for a longer duration. Extreme also isn’t the elite of the elite, with its sillage, but it doesn’t disappoint.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

This latest sample of Spicebomb will go for 6-7 hours on my skin. The last hour or two, it’s pretty much a skin scent. The performance isn’t bad, just not as good as it used to be. Still very usable.

Spicebomb Extreme can go anywhere from 10-13 hours, depending on the day, skin, and climate conditions. It really is an awesome performing scent, especially for a more mainstream designer cologne.

Extreme takes this one, easily.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both scents do have plenty of similarities. Seasonally, I’d stick to the autumn and winter for both of them.

For either, I’d generally wear both casually or for a night out versus any sort of a formal event. I don’t really see much of a distinction between them, in terms of how versatile each is.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Despite how the categories have shaken out thus far, this is actually a tough call for me, as I really like each of these Viktor & Rolf fragrances.

The original Spicebomb is always an enjoyable wear. It has a lot of overlap with another favorite of mine, Man in Black, so it’s an easy one to love. Yes, newer bottles have lost a step, but it’s really not as dire in my experience, as some have said.

The longevity is still pretty good and it can project itself moderately well. It’s just not an absolute beast.

Spicebomb Extreme is a beast. The performance is among the best, in terms of how long it will last on my skin. It also develops differently, with a greater emphasis on tobacco and sweetness, versus just being a spicy monster.

In terms of smell, I might give a slight edge to Extreme. Though, it’s close.

Performance is an easy win for Extreme, also. So, it’s going to be the overall winner here. But, bottles of Spicebomb can be found for much cheaper, if that’s a big factor for you…go with Spicebomb.

If the cost doesn’t matter, Spicebomb Extreme is the better bet.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

bestmenscolognes.com/

Acqua di Gio continues to spawn off flankers, 25 years after the original was released. The latest is the Profondo side of things, with the awesome original, and 2021’s Profondo Lights.

Being a big fan of AdG Profondo, I was excited to be able to try out Lights and see if I had another one to enjoy. Which of these fragrances is better? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: AdG Profondo vs. Profondo Lights

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Profondo Lights

Notes include: cardamom, mandarin, patchouli, cedar, marine accord, vetiver, lavender, cypress, rosemary

Read my full review: Profondo Lights

Opening

Acqua di Gio Profondo starts off with its citrus notes in the lead, bergamot and mandarin orange. The bergamot is the more dominant of the two ingredients. It’s a good deal amount like the original AdG. However, it doesn’t have the same floral focus, is more marine, and has a resinous quality.

It’s not too salty of a marine accord, rather it gives an aquatic impression, versus being a oceanic  scent.

Profondo Lights goes in a different direction initially. I’ve said that Profondo is a blue fragrance with green-ish qualities, well, Lights reverses that.

It opens up with a bright use of the mandarin, a heavy bit of cardamom, and cypress coming through as the main bout of woody freshness. All of this is sitting on top of the marine accord.

Which is better? I prefer the opening of Profondo versus Profondo Lights. The initial few minutes of Lights, really doesn’t work well on me. It actually reminds me of having a less harsh apple cider vinegar aroma.

That does change and it gets better, but that alone doesn’t let it get to the same level of enjoyment as Profondo.

Edge: Profondo

Projection

Profondo starts out in the stronger sillage camp, but settles fairly quickly into the moderate. It’s got decent projection but isn’t ever super powerful.

Profondo Lights starts out as a moderate, never has the same strength, and sits much closer to the skin for a majority of the wear. Not completely weak, but fairly average overall.

I was actually kind of surprised, since they have such similar formulas, but Lights never hits the same level as the original Profondo.

Edge: Profondo

Longevity

AdG Profondo gives me a consistent 7-8 hours of wear. Admittedly, it’s not amazingly long lasting, but that’s a workday’s worth of wear. It’s solid.

Profondo Lights is again, a step behind. This stuff is gone from my skin in 5-6 hours. Not a complete waste, but it’s outdone by its competitor and Profumo.

Edge: Profondo

Versatility

I don’t really feel that there is much of a difference between these two, in terms of when they can be worn. Seasonally, I’d stick to spring and summer for both. Beyond that, they’re both fine in casual to semi-formal situations.

Easily can be daily wear sorts of fragrances for the right guy. At least, during the warmer parts of the year.

This one is an even split for me, no real advantage to either fragrance.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is an easy win for the original Profondo. Lights tries to go in a new direction, does some things well, but ultimately doesn’t really provide too much that is interesting to me.

Profondo Lights opening act is pretty bad. I don’t know if it’s just something with how it works on me, but I actively dislike the start. The blend of the mandarin, cardamom, and cypress just feels off to me.

Although, I like the latter stages, when it settles down…it’s never a love. It becomes more like Profondo, but Lights has a greener and more marine depth to it. One problem that I have with it, is that is has an underlying bitterness to the scent, that I don’t enjoy.

Overall, Profondo Lights isn’t a bad cologne. It ends up being okay, but that’s about it. The performance doesn’t do it any favors either.

Meanwhile, I am a big fan of Acqua di Gio Profondo. Along with Profumo, it is a favorite of mine from the series. It’s smooth, blue, with a great citrus opening and it’s a fragrance that I have loved wearing during the summer.

This isn’t a contest for me, I’d rather wear Profondo over Lights every time. The cardamom doesn’t add much for me and actually throws off the composition, in my opinion, and I’m someone who likes a good cardamom note. Here, it’s all just mehhh.

Update: Profondo Lights is now discontinued. To me, it’s still not worth tracking down and paying a high price for.  So, now, Profondo really is the clear winner.

Winner: Profondo

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

bestmenscolognes.com/

Bay Rum is a classic scent for men. Most of the use, however, lies in the past. For many, it brings about thoughts of their grandfathers or some pirate sailing around the Caribbean. Despite any of that, it’s still a type of fragrance with many fans and others who’d like to give it a try. In this post, i’d like to present you some options to get the bay leaf experience in either aftershave or cologne form.

What are the Best Bay Rum Colognes and Aftershaves for Men?

St. Johns Bay Rum– St. John’s is a powerful example of bay rum and one that is heavily weighted towards the spicy notes. Seriously, this stuff is a clove and cinnamon experience in a bottle.

The bay leaf and rum won’t be taking over, but, this is an exhilarating aftershave for guys who want the spice bomb treatment.

Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum– Pinaud is a very inexpensive option for guys looking for this kind of scent. The rum here is strong, but surprisingly good for the price point. Plenty of spice and booze with Virgin Island bay rum, but less of the leaf.

This one can be used as either an aftershave or cologne. Bold and masculine, with a cinnamon rum kind of aroma.

Royall Bay Rhum– Royall Bay Rhum fits in the aftershave category, more than the cologne end of things, as it doesn’t have a huge longevity. That being said, the smell itself, is that classic sort of fragrance that we’re looking for.

This one leans heavy on the bay leaf, with less clove and spices than the other, but it does include a really great mint boost.

C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum– A nice and affordable bay rum, with a big hit of clove, for those who are a fan of that ingredient. It’s spicy and bold up top, with a light citrus finish.

It does settle down somewhat, from its intense introduction, and you will get more of the bay leaf and booze soaked smell.

Yes, a clove bomb at first, but it will balance out and provides a fantastic example of a bay rum scent.

Havana by Aramis– Havana is a fragrance that has a bay rum feel, while taking things in a slightly different direction. As its name would suggest, you’re going to get a tobacco note in spades, with this one. It’s less smoky and more of a cured tobacco.

Woody? Yep. Spicy? Yes. Bay Leaf? Some, but not a huge amount. Not really as boozy as it is herbal and woody. Dry and masculine in the dry down stage, with a deep fir note and classic oak moss aroma.

Havana straddles the line in two types of scent categories, but does a very good job of it.

Island Life by Tommy Bahama– Not as much of a boozy fragrance than the other offerings on the list, no bay leaf, but this does still manage to fit the bill in many ways.

Island Life is a tropical offering, with plenty of nutmeg spice, an oceanic/island vibe, and a fresh and clean cedar base note.

A nice scent, if you can still get a hold of a bottle, as it has been discontinued for a while. I figured that I may as well include it on this list, for those who are interested.

Man In Black- This cologne from Bvlgari isn’t a bay rum, really, as it doesn’t have a bay leaf note. However, it brings the spices and rum, in spades. It’s one of my favorites to put on in the autumn and winter months and it does a good job at getting close to what we’re looking for.

Add to the booze, tobacco, leather, and woods with a mix of spices including cinnamon.  This is a winner, and one I suspect many guys looking for bay rum, will enjoy. It has more depth and feels darker than typical bay rum.  Man in Black Review

Bentley for Men Intense– As far as colognes go, this is a really close example of that bay rum sort of aroma. It checks all of the boxes: rum, bay leaf, spices. Add to that, a nice leather note and woody base.

The opening of Bentley Intense is quite rum soaked with a plenty of cinnamon, bay leaf, and pepper. As it dries down, this one becomes smoother, with the boozy rum and leather pairing up. You still get the spices and bay leaf, but they are more reserved in the latter stages.

Agua Brava– This is kind of borderline, but close enough to bay rum, that I thought that I should include it on the list. Agua Brava is a classic scent from Antonio Puig, that doesn’t have the rum, but gives you plenty of spice and a woody base.

Pine and bay leaf combine to give you a masculine aroma, in the base, but you get a nice citrus and spice kick off up top. Again, not an exact match, but definitely shares many characteristics of what we’re in the hunt for.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

bestmenscolognes.com/

David Beckham has put out a bunch of different fragrance for men over the years. In the celebrity perfume space, they are both quite popular, and highly affordable. Two of the best sellers from his line are, Intimately Beckham and Instinct. As such, these are the two guys have to decide between most often. Which smells best? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Instinct or Intimately Beckham?

Instinct

Notes include: Amber, mandarin, orange, anise, bergamot, cardamom, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: David Beckham Instinct EDT Spray For Men, 2.5 Ounce

My review: David Beckham Instinct Cologne

Intimately Beckham

Notes include: Amber, sandalwood, cardamom, grapefruit, star anise, nutmeg, violet

My review: Intimately Beckham for Men

Opening

Instinct kicks things off with its citrus notes, taking center stage. It is a blend of mostly orange, but with some bergamot. It smells super clean with some spicy anise and a slight soapy quality, thanks to the vetiver added in.

Intimately Beckham opens up with a woodsy/spicy/earthy sort of aroma. It features sandalwood, violet, and cardamom as the main trio up front. Along with that there is added spice from nutmeg and a very light citrus smell from grapefruit.

Which is better? I much prefer the start to Instinct versus Intimately Beckham. The citrus and fresh cleanliness are very well done. Intimately, gets better with some time, but I’m not much of a fan of the opening. Too much violet and spice.

Edge: Instinct

Sillage

Which fragrance projects itself better? While neither fragrance is a beast, Intimately Beckham does have more strength than its competitor.

Instinct starts off as a lower tier moderate scent, becoming pretty much a skin scent, in its latter stages. Meanwhile, Intimately starts off a notch above Instinct, but also ends up as a lighter perfume. Again, not a huge difference, but Intimately does hit a higher peak.

Edge: Intimately Beckham

Longevity

On my skin, Instinct lasts about 3-4 hours. Intimately Beckham will go 4-5. Obviously, neither is going to be elite, but Intimately is a little bit better. Considering both are available in the $10-15 range, I wouldn’t expect crazy performance.

Putting down a layer of unscented lotion on the skin before spraying, can help add some longevity, but it won’t work miracles.

Edge: Intimately

Versatility

I think that either of these can work in a variety of social situations. They’re non-offensive, can be worn by the younger crowd, and are versatile for daily wear or an evening out. Equal in this regard.

Climate wise, Instinct has much better versatility. It can be worn year round, performs well in heat, and isn’t out of place in the wintertime. Intimately, doesn’t hold up well in heat. It becomes cloying and not too pleasant. In the cold? Really nice, but not so, in the summer.

Edge: Instinct

Overall Scent

Thus far, it has been an extremely tight race between these two fragrances. Both have their strengths and negatives. For the price, I think both smell really good, and have a higher quality than most others in the same range. However, the sacrifice comes on the performance end of things.

Intimately Beckham has better performance, and I thin, that it’s dry down smells much better than how it opens. I like the sandalwood and amber notes, with a blend of spices like anise, surrounding it.

The violet also gets better. Though, I’m not crazy about the smell. It’s certainly pleasant, but not outstanding.

Instinct doesn’t quite measure up performance wise, but it has the better versatility. It’s a true year round scent. Plus, I ultimately think that it smells better than Intimately Beckham.

I’d be willing to give up perhaps an hour of wear for the better aroma. Thus, it’s going to win this battle, for my tastes.

Winner: Instinct

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

bestmenscolognes.com/