Gentleman Intense EDT by Givenchy

Gentleman Intense eau de toilette is a popular edition of the now long-running Givenchy series. It was released back in 2021. It’s one that I’ve tried numerous times before, but never posted my full review of. Well, I received a sample of Intense with a recent order, so let’s dive into it now.

How does it smell? Does Gentleman Intense last long? Is it actually worth a try?

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What does Gentleman Intense EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: blue iris, bergamot, cedar, basil, cardamom, cypress, coumarin

Click here to try: Gentleman Intense EDT

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My Full Wear Review

Gentleman Intense often gets compared to the Dior Homme series, from the last decade. Yes, many of the scents from this Givenchy line have overlap in notes and style with those colognes.

Mainly, the notes they share are: bergamot, iris, and cedar. Gentleman Intense EDT particularly favors Dior Homme Eau, that was discontinued a long while ago. Mainly because, they are the woodier fragrances of the bunch that still have a strong iris.

However, Gentleman Intense does manage to stand apart on its own. It opens up with a mix of the bright bergamot, a strong cedar, and a nice kick from the basil note. Here, it smells more to me like Dior Homme 2011, just without the leathery aspect.

Still, they’re fairly close. I do enjoy how this Givenchy opens up. The basil and the cedar really work well together. But, you also get a decent amount of the cardamom here for some further depth and spice.

As we head into the middle act, it gets less spicy more woodsy fresh. The cardamom stays around the longest, but even it will fade.

Iris will be at its powdery peak, once the spice happens. But, it’s splitting a lot of the workload with the cypress and especially the cedar.

Cedar, iris, and tonka bean in the base. A touch powdery and creamy. Yet, the cedar and remaining cypress note pull this one towards the woody side of things. It feels fresh, crisp, and here’s where it has a closer aroma to Prada L’homme.

I’d say it’s more like the original than the more powdery L’eau.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While not being a heavy sort of cologne, this Givenchy scent does have some sneaky strength in terms of how it projects.

Not a massive cloud of fragrance following you around. However, the scent bubble that it does create will be substantial and it performs well above average overall. After 2-3 hours, this one is more intimate, but isn’t weak until deeper into the back half of the wear.

On my skin, I will get 8-9 hours of wear from Gentleman Intense. Not really anything beyond that, unless I sprayed it on a t-shirt directly. It’s quite good for most purposes, but doesn’t hit a truly elite level.

Seasonally, Gentleman Intense EDT can be worn pretty much whenever, outside of the height of summer. Even then, you could wear it inside. It’s actually not great in the heat. I like it best, when it is sort of chilly outside and it can venture deep into springtime as well.

It’s great strength is its versatility. This is one that can be worn in a wide variety of scenarios, from casual to more dressed up to date night or out at to a bar. It doesn’t scream for attention, but just works well with that chill, woody iris aroma.

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Overall Impressions of Gentleman EDT Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I do. I’m not even a massive fan of the Gentleman series from Givenchy, but Intense strikes me as being one of the best of them.

Sort of like Dior Homme Eau, but, just going off of memory this might be the better scent. I really like the opening with the basil, cedar, and cardamom coming out. The basil and cedar pairing is great to go along with the signature iris.

It does hold up well throughout, also. When it becomes like a Dior Homme Eau/Prada L’Homme hybrid sort of scent. Though, it doesn’t hold my attention as much towards the back half.

Still, for the price you can get this at, it is well worth a try. I see it for sale in the $70 range, currently, which is a good deal versus a lot of its comparable designer fragrances. Some of which, aren’t even around any longer.

If you like the Gentleman series or want an easy to wear, super versatile woody-floral for men, given Intense EDT a go.