Men’s Fashion

Armani Code EDT vs EDP

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Armani has done a great job keeping its two most popular fragrances alive, that being, Code and Acqua di Gio. Over the recent years, they have released a bunch of different flanker fragrances with these names, that have really raised the bar when compared to what others have come out with for their own popular colognes.

The latest, is Code Eau de Parfum. How does it compare to the EDT version? Which lasts longer? Which is a better buy?

Quick Overview

Armani Code Eau de Parfum is the clear overall winner because it offers the smoother opening, stronger performance, and more satisfying dry down.

It keeps the citrus, lavender, tonka bean, and dark sensual character associated with the original, but replaces the EDT’s sharper leather and star anise with suede, cedar, and a creamy vanilla finish.

The original Armani Code EDT opens with citrus and apple before tobacco, star anise, leather, and powdery spices emerge. It remains an attractive cold-weather fragrance, but the current formulation is weaker and less polished than the EDP.

Both work best during cooler weather for dates, evening wear, and nightlife. However, the EDP projects better and lasts around 7–8 hours, compared with roughly 5–6 hours for the modern EDT, making it the better purchase unless you specifically prefer the original’s sharper spice and leather.

Category Armani Code EDT Armani Code EDP Winner
Opening Opens with citrus and apple before tobacco, star anise, leather, and fresh spices appear. It has a sharper, powderier character with a classic masculine feel. Starts with citrus, lavender, tonka bean, and smooth suede. It feels like a richer remix of the original, with a creamier and more polished opening. Armani Code EDP
Projection The modern EDT has moderate-to-light projection. It remains noticeable at close range, but lacks the strength associated with older bottles. Projects more strongly than the EDT while still staying within the moderate range. The difference is clear, though it is not a powerhouse. Armani Code EDP
Longevity Current bottles usually last around 5–6 hours, which is noticeably weaker than older formulations that could reach roughly eight hours. Generally lasts around 7–8 hours, giving it a clear advantage in total wear time and reliability. Armani Code EDP
Versatility Best suited to cooler weather, dates, evening wear, and nightlife. Its leather and spice give it a slightly sharper character. Occupies almost the same cold-weather and nightlife role. Its smoother vanilla and suede profile makes it equally attractive and easy to wear. Push
Overall Scent A classic citrus, tobacco, leather, and star-anise fragrance with a powdery spicy quality. Still enjoyable, but surpassed by newer releases in the line. A smoother interpretation with lavender, tonka bean, suede, cedar, and a pleasant vanilla finish. It better captures the spirit of classic Code while improving the overall experience. Armani Code EDP

Tale of the Tape: Code EDT vs. Eau de Parfum

Armani Code

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my review: Armani Code

Code Eau de Parfum

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, cedar, lemon, vanilla, suede 

Read my review: Code EDP

Opening

Code EDT opens up with some fruity top notes, consisting of citrus and some apple. The citrus is the main attraction, but quickly joined by tobacco, star anise, and leather. It is freshly spiced with a powdery quality. This is all, while it still has that citrus aroma, which gets progressively weaker.

EDP, on the other hand, strikes me as if you took the original Code and blended it with Luna Rossa Sport by Prada. Tonka bean and lavender are both overlaps between those two fragrances. Also, you get the citrus opening and suede in lieu of leather.

Which do I prefer? I like Code EDP’s opening act more. It is difficult for me to recall what older formulations of EDT smelled like, but Code eau de parfum is a nice approximation, but ‘remixed’.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Eau de parfum has the greater concentration and therefore the stronger sillage, correct? Yes. However, it isn’t actually a powerhouse and is a fairly moderate fragrance overall. It projects better than the modern EDT, but it’s not miles better.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

With the current bottles of the original Code, it will last on my skin for 5-6 hours. It used to go 8 hours. Meanwhile, 7-8 hours is what Code EDP will get me. Neither is amazing, but there is a clear difference.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

These two colognes, essentially occupy the same space, as you’d expect. Both are best worn when the temperatures are cooler and are great as nightlife scents. Yes, the both have an attractive and sexy scent. No clear winner, here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Armani Code is a classic fragrance, there’s no doubt about that. However, it has been surpassed in terms of smell and performance by its flanker fragrances.

I personally prefer Absolu and Profumo versus either of these two. Note: Those two have since been discontinued. Code Parfum is another better option.

That being said, if you want something that’s closest to the original formulation of Code EDT, the EDP is going to give you that…with some changes. It doesn’t have the star anise spice, which is disappointing, but EDP is inherently smoother with a very nice vanilla finish.

For me, Code EDP is the clear winner. Frankly, I don’t see why you would even bother with EDT any longer. It had it’s day in the sun and the newer releases are just better than what is left. Code Eau de Parfum is a worthy successor.

Winner: Code EDP

Creed Aventus Vs Green Irish Tweed Cologne Comparison

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I have already reviewed a bunch of the men’s fragrances by Creed on this site including both Aventus and Green Irish Tweed. Now, I want to do a bit of comparison between the two colognes to see which one is better.

So, I want to present my opinions on each of these colognes in this post and weigh as to which one is the better bet and why I think that.

Quick Overview

Creed Aventus is the overall winner because it has the more versatile and broadly appealing scent once the opening settles. It begins with a sharp blend of pineapple, black currant, dry birch, and lighter touches of citrus and apple, before becoming smoother, woodier, and better balanced.

Green Irish Tweed has the more tolerable opening, combining violet leaf, lemon verbena, mossy earthiness, sandalwood, iris, and ambergris. Its greener and more mature character works especially well in spring, though it is less suited to dates, parties, and younger wearers.

Both fragrances offer strong projection and roughly 7–10 hours of longevity. Aventus projects slightly more strongly and works across a wider range of seasons and occasions, making it the better choice for most men.

For cheaper ‘inspired by’ alternatives to each you can also try: Vert Gentilhomme and Poseidon’s Elixir  by The Dua Brand.

Category Creed Aventus Green Irish Tweed Winner
Opening Opens sharply with pineapple, black currant, dry birch, and lighter touches of apple and citrus. The first 15 minutes can feel harsh and overly intense. Starts mossy and earthy with violet leaf, lemon verbena, and green aromatic notes. It is not especially exciting, but feels less pungent than Aventus. Green Irish Tweed
Projection Strong projection that can become loud with more than a couple of sprays. It has the slightly larger and more noticeable scent trail. Also projects firmly within the strong range, though it is slightly less forceful than Aventus. Creed Aventus
Longevity Usually lasts around 7–10 hours across different climates, with heat and humidity pushing it toward the lower end. Also delivers roughly 7–10 hours of wear and remains resilient even in warmer conditions. Push
Versatility Works during spring, early summer, mild summer days, and even winter. It can handle casual wear, dates, parties, and more sophisticated occasions. Best suited to spring and has a more mature character. It works well for everyday or refined wear, but feels less natural for dates and parties. Creed Aventus
Overall Scent Becomes much better after the opening, with pineapple, birch, oakmoss, ambergris, vanilla, and softer citrus creating a balanced woody-masculine scent. A green, earthy, citrus-tinged fragrance built around violet leaf, lemon verbena, iris, sandalwood, and ambergris. Pleasant, but more style-specific. Creed Aventus

Tale of the Tape: Green Irish Tweed vs Aventus

Green Irish Tweed (GIT)

Notes include: violet leaf, sandalwood, iris, ambergris, lemon verbena 

Click here to try: Creed Green Irish Tweed Eau de Parfum 3.4 Oz/100 ml New In Box

Read my original Review: Green Irish Tweed

Aventus

Click here to try: Creed Aventus for Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 4.0 Ounce

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Read my original Review: Aventus Review

Opening

Now, as I’ve stated in my original reviews (Aventus and GIT), I’m not really a fan of either cologne’s opening scent. To me, the opening 15 minutes or so of Aventus is akin to a dulled down version of Lemon Pinesol. Meanwhile, GIT has a pretty earthy and mossy type of opening which doesn’t really wow me either.

Aventus kicks off with a sharp mix of pineapple and black currant. It’s pretty darn harsh to my nose, quite dry with the super dry birch note coming through. The citrus and apple notes, aren’t too prevalent but you can pick them up.

While, I don’t like this opening act of Aventus, I do enjoy it once it settles down. The birch strengthens, with oak moss, and the intensity of the fruity notes fade. This makes it much more balanced and tolerable to me. 

Green Irish Tweed, is pretty mossy and earthy in the beginning, to my nose. I get plenty of violet leaf, lemon verbena, and other assorted notes giving it that flair. I don’t particularly enjoy the opening, but like Aventus, it gets much better.

I enjoy GIT more, once it takes more of a turn toward the citrus, but this follows that earthy violet leaf start. 

If I had to choose the better opening from two which I’m not fond of, I’d give the nod to GIT. It doesn’t blow me away but it isn’t as pungent and intense as the opening of Aventus. So, during this initial stage it is a better fragrance.

Edge: GIT

Longevity

Both of these fragrances are very good in terms of how long each of them lasts.  There really is no edge here as both of them have about the same wear time of somewhere in the 7-10 hour range in most cases.

I’ve worn each many times, in a variety of climates, and I always get them to fall in this same range. Yes, heat and humidity, can diminish the results more toward 7 hours. Though, they are very resilient compared to a lot of other men’s fragrances, in such scenarios. 

Edge: Push

 

Projection

Just as both of these fragrances have good longevity, they also project very well too. I would say that Aventus is the stronger of the two in this regard, as I usually won’t apply more than the equivalent of two sprays, after that I think it just becomes too loud.

Neither of them, has an absolutely massive sillage, compared to others on the market. However, I view each as being firmly in the strong category. 

Edge: Slight Aventus

Versatility

I view GIT as more of a spring scent and Aventus as a spring/early summer scent. However, Aventus could be used well during the winter and in the summer as well, if it is not too hot.

Also, I think Aventus has more uses in terms of the occasion than does Green Irish Tweed. GIT doesn’t feel like a date night cologne to me or one that I’d one to wear out to a party or something.

Whereas, I think Aventus can pull both of these situations off. Aventus seems sophisticated but not necessarily something a younger guy couldn’t wear and GIT comes off as more mature in its use.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

I like GIT but I’ve never been blown away by it. I understand why some people swear by it but it really isn’t my style and I feel like that’d also be the case for many other guys.

While the opening of Aventus has never sat right with me, once it settles down it does become a really great scent that is quite woodsy and masculine with the undertones of citrus, instead of its initial overwhelming citrus notes.

I really like the woodsy tones of Aventus, once separated from the fruit, and when paried with the ambergris and vanilla. Both add a touch of sweetness, without the tart feeling of pineapple and black currant in conjunction.

Pineapple, birch, and oak moss are still the strongest in the end, however. Though, have a much more balanced scent than before. 

Updating this page: Creed has since release Absolu Aventus and Aventus Cologne, if you want different takes on this original style.

Again, this is all subjective to my personal tastes and experiences. But, I simply think that Aventus is the better choice between the two, for most guys. Even if, there have been a ton of Creed Aventus alternatives hitting the market the past however many years.

Winner: Aventus

K EDT vs. EDP by Dolce & Gabbana

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Dolce & Gabbana have released two fragrances under the K banner over the past two years. They have gained some popularity, despite getting mixed reviews from the fragrance community as a whole.

But for those who are into this sort of cologne, you are still faced with choosing between the original K eau de toilette and the newer eau de parfum. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Quick Overview

K Eau de Parfum is the overall winner because it offers the more complete scent from opening through dry down.

It begins with a warm, spicy blend of pimento, cardamom, fig, and patchouli, while K EDT is fresher and more citrus-driven with blood orange, juniper, and a slightly gin-like character.

The EDT has the better opening and is slightly more versatile in hot weather. However, its dry down is less enjoyable, while the EDP maintains a richer and more distinctive woody-spicy profile.

Overall, choose the EDT for freshness and summer daytime wear, but choose the EDP for the better scent and stronger performance. You can get also try the cheaper ‘inspired by’ Aromatic King from the Dua Brand, for the EDT style scent.

Category K EDT K EDP Winner
Opening Opens fresh and clean with blood orange, citrus, juniper, pimento, and aromatic herbs. The juniper gives it a slightly green, gin-like quality. Starts warmer and spicier with pimento, cardamom, fig, and earthy patchouli. The citrus is much less noticeable than in the EDT. K EDT
Projection Projects above average and remains noticeable with only a few sprays. It performs well without taking over the room. Also delivers above-average projection, but comes across as slightly more powerful and maintains its presence a little better. K EDP
Longevity Usually lasts around seven hours. Solid enough for regular wear, though it rarely pushes much beyond that point. Generally lasts between seven and 8.5 hours. It is not an extreme performer, but it has a noticeable advantage over the EDT. K EDP
Versatility Works from casual through semi-formal situations and can be worn during the day or at night. Its fresher profile makes it better for hot summer days. Fills a similar casual-to-semi-formal role, but its warmer and spicier character is better suited to evenings when the weather becomes very hot. K EDT
Overall Scent Has the better opening, with fresh blood orange, juniper, lavender, pimento, and geranium. However, the later dry down is less enjoyable. Its opening is less immediately appealing, but the fig, spice, patchouli, and stronger woody qualities create a better and more distinctive fragrance overall. K EDP

Tale of the Tape: K EDP vs EDT

K EDP

Notes include: pimento, fig, juniper, blood orange, lemon, cardamom, lavender, sage, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana K for Men Eau de Parfum Spray, 5 Ounce/150ml

Read my Review: K Eau de Parfum

K EDT

Notes include: juniper, blood orange, citrus, sage, pimento, cedar, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Dolce and Gabbana K Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Fl Oz for Men

Read my review: K EDT

Opening

K Eau de Parfum really opens up with the pimento note going full blast. It is partnered with cardamom and a nice fig note. It is spicy, warm, and earthy with the patchouli coming up from the base. The citrus notes aren’t too prevalent, I get a bit of blood orange, but not much beyond that.

The original K is pretty darn similar to the EDP version. However, the citrus here is stronger and it feels less spicy/warm and more fresh. The juniper note pairs with the citrus notes to give it somewhat of a gin effect, the pimento is still there, but no fig.

Which opening is better? It’s a close call for me, because I enjoy different aspects of each, and they still overlap with one another. The fig note in EDP is great. The fresh/greenish start to the EDT is also very nice…and I think I prefer it slightly.

Edge: EDT

Projection

Neither of these fragrances are monsters on my skin. They each project well, I’d say above average, and you will notice them with only a few sprays. Nice ability to project with each, just doesn’t take over a room.

Between the two, the eau de parfum seems to be a bit more powerful. Though, it isn’t by very much.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Testing out K EDT, it lasted for about 7 hours on my skin. It’s solid, just not amazing. It doesn’t seem to want to go beyond that for me.

K EDP can range from that same 7 hours, all the way to about 8.5. It does have a slight boost here, but it isn’t a marathon runner, but it’s enough for the edge.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

To me, both of these fragrances are best for casual wear to semi-formal. You can wear them during the day or venture out at night.

The only real difference to me, is that the EDT version is a bit better in the heat. Both are great in spring or summer, but the EDT is better in the daytime of summer. While, I’d save the EDP for nights only when it gets really hot.

Edge: EDT (slightly)

Overall Scent

I must admit, that I’m not loving either of these fragrances, but I do enjoy them each somewhat. I don’t know why they have gotten such seemingly bad reviews from people.

K EDT has a very enjoyable opening act. It’s fresh, clean, and the blood orange note is really given time to shine, unlike in the EDP. Plus, that juniper note is almost always a nice addition to the fragrance. The lavender, pimento, and geranium all further develop that freshness.

You can get also try the inspired by Aromatic King from the Dua Brand, which is their take on the EDT style.

However, the dry down isn’t as enjoyable to me. I’m not even sure what it is exactly, but it’s just not nearly as good as the start.

I think K EDP smells betters in its totality, even with a weaker start. Some might not like the woodiness and spice that is stronger here versus the EDT, but I think Dolce & Gabbana did a nice job developing a rather unique men’s fragrance.

It’s not a huge margin, but I’d go with the EDP. If you want a fresher and more citrus laden version, go with the EDT.

Winner: K EDP

Spicebomb Infrared vs Night Vision EDP

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Viktor & Rolf have put out some newer Spicebomb flankers over the past year or so under the Infrared and Night Vision banners. As such, people are always comparing them or simply wondering what’s the difference between these colognes.

For this post, I’m going to compare Spicebomb Infrared to Night Vision EDP (it’s better than EDT), and declare a winner of which one is best.

Quick Overview

Spicebomb Infrared wins this comparison because its hot, sweet opening has more personality and stays closer to the original Spicebomb DNA.

The combination of cinnamon, red berries, habanero pepper, and tobacco is more engaging than Night Vision EDP’s cooler blend of lemon, fir, spice, and balsamic freshness.

Overall, Night Vision EDP is pleasant but never becomes especially memorable. Infrared has the more enjoyable scent, creates a better outdoor scent bubble, and is the easier choice in this head-to-head.

Category Spicebomb Infrared Spicebomb Night Vision EDP Winner
Opening Opens hot and sweet with cinnamon, red berries, habanero pepper, and tobacco. Spicy, distinctive, and reminiscent of the original Spicebomb. Starts cooler and fresher with lemon, red pepper, fir, sage, and balsamic woods. Pleasant and lightly sweet, but less immediately engaging. Infrared
Projection Reaches the upper end of moderate projection before gradually settling. It can create a strong scent bubble, especially outdoors. Starts strong and settles into moderate projection. It reaches slightly farther overall, though the difference is not dramatic. Night Vision EDP
Longevity Usually lasts around 6–7 hours, giving it average to slightly above-average wear time. Lasts around 7–8 hours, although the final two hours sit very close to the skin. Night Vision EDP
Versatility Best for fall, winter, casual wear, and nightlife. It also performs surprisingly well outdoors in mild warm weather. Also suited to fall, winter, casual situations, and nightlife. Neither fragrance is an ideal formal option. Push
Overall Scent A lively blend of berries, cinnamon, pepper, tobacco, and saffron that feels closer to the classic Spicebomb style. More memorable and enjoyable overall. A fresh, woodsy, and lightly sweet fragrance with fir, spice, powdery notes, and a balsamic finish. Good, but it never fully holds my attention. Infrared

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Night Vision vs Infrared

Night Vision Eau de Parfum

Notes include: black spices, sage, lemon essence, fir balsam 

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Night Vision EDP

Night Vision Infrared

Notes include: red berries, tobacco, habanero, cinnamon, saffron

My Review: Infrared

Opening

Spicebomb much like it’s green bottle color suggests, does open up with a woodsy freshness and cooler profile. It’s got red pepper for spice, not as much sweetness as the EDT or Infrared, but also a lemon essence to separate it.

The fir and maybe some light benzoin give this a fresh and balsamic aroma, but when I move away from the skin, it can hang in the air as a fresh sweetness.

Infrared starts off hot and sweet. The cinnamon note pops, along with the red berry oil, and habenero pepper. I like that initial punch, very reminiscent of the original Spicebomb, but unique. The tobacco note from Extreme is also running around in this mix.

Which is better? It was fairly close at first. However, the more I tested Infrared, the more I gravitated toward it instead of Night Vision’s opening.

I love the spicy and sweet mix of notes. The cinnamon is a favorite spicy note of mine and the red berries is a nice touch.

Edge: Infrared

Projection

Night Vision is an eau de parfum with a higher fragrance concentration, while Infrared is an EDT. The sillage in the Night Vision is marginally better, but I don’t find there to be a huge difference.

Night Vision EDP starts off strong and settles into a moderate. While, Infrared probably reaches the upper limit of what could be considered moderate, and then settles.

Neither is a bomb, but both can reach that 4-6 foot radius mark without issue. Night Vision reaches a little further, on the whole.

Edge: Night Vision

Longevity

With Night Vision EDP, I get 7-8 hours of wear. Now, the last two hours or so, it’s very close to the skin. Still there, just not projecting very much at all.

Infrared seems to hit the 6-7 hour range, on my skin. Both of these are well within what could be called average to maybe slightly better than that.

Night Vision has the edge, but not by much even as an EDP.

Edge: Night Vision

Versatility

So, both of these fragrances are geared more towards autumn and winter. But, I’ve tested both of them in 75-80 degree Fahrenheit weather, with pretty high humidity and they held up well. I wouldn’t go much beyond that, but they’re pretty equal.

Actually, Infrared gets better when worn outdoors. It was actually what started me getting more into the cologne.

Neither of these is a formal wear. Can both be worn casually, more for younger guys, and can venture into the nightlife. Not really much difference.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Night Vision Eau de Parfum is a nice fragrance. It does have its moments during the wear, when I really enjoy it. When compared to Night Vision EDT, it absolutely is better (that’s my least favorite Spicebomb).

However, like its predecessor, it doesn’t run the table. The fir note is nice, giving it that woodsy feeling. The greenish freshness, the slight powdery and balsamic finish are good too. It just doesn’t completely hold my attention or wow me.

It’s fine, but not something I’m clamoring to own.

Spicebomb Infrared is my pick here. Since the original Spicebomb has lost much of its performance over the years, Infrared might be my second favorite now behind Extreme.

In fact, I might just pick up a full bottle of Infrared, since I don’t get enough cold days around here to justify owning another pure winter wear like Extreme.

I really love the opening act of the berries, habanero, and cinnamon. It reminds me of other ‘red hot’ style fragrances and it still has more of that original Spicebomb DNA when compared to the Night Vision scents.

It almost lost me during the dry down the first time I work it, as I was getting more tobacco and saffron with a sweet touch. But, when I wore it outside, Infrared created an awesome scent bubble around me.

The performance is okay and I hope they make a worthwhile EDP version of this cologne. As of now, I’ll happily take Infrared as is, and pretty easily in this head to head.

Winner: Spicebomb Infrared

Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme Comparison

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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?

Quick Overview

Spicebomb Extreme is the overall winner because it takes the original’s spicy character in a sweeter, richer direction while delivering much stronger performance. Its opening emphasizes tobacco, vanilla, lavender, and cinnamon, while the original Spicebomb is sharper and more spice-forward with cinnamon, pink pepper, saffron, citrus, leather, and tobacco.

The original still smells excellent and remains the more affordable option. However, newer bottles generally project at a moderate level and last around 6–7 hours, with the final portion of the wear sitting close to the skin.

Extreme projects more strongly and consistently, while longevity can reach roughly 10–13 hours. Both work best during fall and winter for casual wear or nights out, but Extreme wins for scent and performance when price is not the deciding factor.

Category Spicebomb Spicebomb Extreme Winner
Opening Opens with cinnamon, pink pepper, saffron, grapefruit, and bergamot. Tobacco and leather emerge shortly afterward, creating a sharper and more spice-driven scent. Starts sweeter with tobacco, vanilla, and lavender leading the way. Cinnamon and cumin provide spice, but the overall blend is warmer and smoother. Spicebomb Extreme
Projection Newer bottles generally have moderate projection. It remains noticeable and usable, but is not as powerful as older versions. Projects more strongly and maintains its presence for longer. It is not overwhelmingly loud, but its performance is consistently impressive. Spicebomb Extreme
Longevity Usually lasts around 6–7 hours, with the final one or two hours becoming mostly a skin scent. Can last around 10–13 hours depending on skin, weather, and wearing conditions. It easily outperforms the original. Spicebomb Extreme
Versatility Best suited to fall and winter, particularly for casual wear, dates, and nights out rather than formal occasions. Fills almost the same role, working best during colder weather for casual situations and evening wear. Push
Overall Scent An enjoyable blend of cinnamon, pepper, saffron, citrus, leather, and tobacco. It is the spicier option and offers better value at discounted prices. A richer tobacco-and-vanilla fragrance with cinnamon, lavender, cumin, and bourbon-like warmth. It smells slightly better overall and performs far more strongly. Spicebomb Extreme

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 extreme edp

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. You could also try the cheaper inspired by version: Spice it Up Extreme

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

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme