Gentleman EDP Reserve Privee by Givenchy

Givenchy’s Gentleman series continues to churn out flanker fragrances. For 2022, the brand has introduced Reserve Privee, as its latest edition. Based on the notes alone, it looks like it could be a winner. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Gentleman Reserve Privee Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, iris, benzoin, whiskey absolute, chestnut, cedar, vetiver and patchouli

Click here to try: Reserve Privee at Macy’s

My Full Review

Tried it? Use the comment section below to rate and review this cologne.

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: The sensuality of ambery wood is faceted by luminous ethereal iris for an utterly addictive, heady duet. Infused with smooth natural whisky absolute, this fragrance has been crafted in grasse using aromatic barley from refined scottish distillery.

So, immediately upon spraying, I am instantly reminded of three fragrances: Dior Homme 2011, Dior Homme Intense, and Uomo by Valentino. Each of these shares a part with this new Givenchy in the opening stages.

I will say, it is closest to the way that Dior Homme Intense opens, and least like Dior Homme.

It shares that opening bergamot with Dior Homme and Uomo. But, within this Givenchy composition, the citrus feels much lighter. Instead, you get a nutty iris aroma, which kind of turns into a somewhat chocolatey scent. Though, it is mostly smelling like chestnut early.

This is like DHI with the nutty part of Uomo (except not creamy hazelnut) and none of the leather of Uomo of Dior Homme.

Anyway, focusing on Reserve Privee alone, the whiskey from the base does give it a nice distinction and I really enjoy the way that it plays off of that chestnut and iris. It still has that usual iris powder, but it doesn’t ever develop into a baby powder overload. Warm and tempered.

After this first stage, the chestnut plays much less of a role here, and Gentleman Reserve Privee is more of a distinct scent from the others I’ve mentioned. The whiskey early on, gives this a darker feeling, but that lightens up when this shifts.

The wood from the base and the amber really step up to basically split duties with the iris note. Those three are going to dominate the rest of the wear, with some of the remaining whiskey/chestnut playing a role.

Like I said, the fragrance has more of a chocolatey dry down version the nuttiness of the initial spray. But, that smell is like the fifth weighted out of the ingredients at this point.

Benzoin is here too, but I don’t really get much of the patchouli note. The resinous quality of the benzoin is more apparent in the dry down. Hitting the fourth most dominant note here, at its peak.

Eventually, this just becomes a woody amber aroma with some remaining iris. Everything else has pretty much burned off at this point.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one starts out moderate, but will become a lighter and near skin scent for much of the wear.

Initially, you will get nice projection and a scent trail out of this one. That opening is pretty good in that regard. But, thereafter Gentleman Reserve Privee is going to be rather intimate with how it presents.

That being said, the fragrance doesn’t just fade away. It will actually last on the skin for 8-9 hours. You do get a long lasting fragrance, just not a powerhouse one.

Seasonally, this one is best in colder to moderate temperatures. Autumn and winter, mainly, with some ability to venture into the spring.

Well suited for the nightlife. It is attractive and sexy. I am sure this one will have a mass appeal, like the Dior Homme’s and Valentino’s. It can also be worn during the day, since it has a refinement and isn’t overly boozy.

While it is mature, this isn’t one that should scare away younger guys from trying it. It’s very wearable, just not begging for attention.

Overall Impressions of Reserve Privee

Overall, do I like Gentleman Reserve Privee? I do. But, it isn’t as good as either of the Dior Homme’s I mentioned nor is it as good as the Valentino Uomo line.

Sure, this one smells nice. I particularly enjoy the opening 30-45 minutes or so. But, it’s like a mimic of the other colognes that I’ve mentioned, while not hitting the same level.

I do like the whiskey and chestnut, which help to somewhat distinguish it (particularly the boozy). It’s warm, attractive, and one that will draw plenty of complements. On that front, I really have no complaints.

The sillage isn’t massive, especially past that first stage. However, I will give it credit for sticking around for a fairly long time, even in that lighter state.

The dry down is probably the weakest part. It’s pretty boring. The iris, wood, and amber is the vast majority of what you’re going to get. It smells fine, but nothing too groundbreaking.

Overall, I can recommend to give Reserve Privee a try. But, I’m not going to be buying a full bottle personally, when I can pick up the others that I mentioned (or already have bottles of).

It’s a really good cologne, that doesn’t quite hit the great or classic level. Still, it’s one of the best releases of 2022.

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.