Givenchy Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

Givenchy’s Gentleman line has spun off in a few directions is seems. Society is one of the newer iterations of these fragrances from the brand, which has now also spawned, Society Extreme.

I’ve tested out both of these scents numerous times and am now ready to do my full comparison between them. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is a better a buy for most people?

---

Tale of the Tape: Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

Gentleman Society

Notes include: sage, cardamom, daffodil, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

Read my review: Gentleman Society by Givenchy

---

Gentleman Society Extreme

Notes include: sage, peppermint, nutmeg, iced coffee, narcissus, iris, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society Extreme

---

Opening

Gentleman Society starts off with a sweet, spicy, and seemingly nutty mix of notes. Sage is a strong note up top, with some cardamom also coming through. That’s the spice of the mix.

Not too spicy, but tempered by the vanilla note and daffodil, that has it shine in the early stages of the wear.

Meanwhile, Extreme starts off cold and with a fresh spiciness. The sage is still present, just not as strong as in the original. Here, we get a great peppermint note and some further nutmeg.

The nutmeg and peppermint go well with the newer coffee note and the vanilla. Yes, very much like an iced coffee. Yet, it isn’t too intense with that accord and still gives you the emerging woods and iris, in particular.

Which is better? I like Extreme a lot more than Gentleman Society. The iced coffee element and the stronger orris root give this one a balance and captivating aroma.

Still plenty of overlap, between them but the vanilla, sage, and daffodil are toned down with Extreme.

Edge: Extreme

---

Projection

Projection wise, each of these is above average in totality, with a strong start initially.

Society Extreme seems to hit a higher mark and maintain that power for longer. Neither is a super heavy scent, but they’ve each got a nice reach, and can create a good scent trail.

Gentleman Society isn’t weak and it isn’t too far behind Extreme, but there is a clear edge here for the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

---

Longevity

Both of these are great performers, with how long they last. Gentleman Society EDP lasts for 9 hours on my skin. Really, no complaints there.

Society Extreme does outdo the original, however. I get 10-11 hours of wear out of this newer flanker fragrance.

It’s not a massive difference and the two smell quite a bit alike in the dry down, but Extreme takes this category.

Edge: Extreme

---

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are better in colder to moderate temperatures. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about how either of them react in the heat. Outside of that, they wear quite well.

Either of them can be worn day or night, both as a daily wear or something that is good for nightlife.

I think the distinction is that Extreme feels like a more mature and balanced scent. Gentleman Society seems geared more towards men in their 20s, while Extreme has more refinement, even with that greater power.

Edge: Extreme

---

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

Gentleman Society Extreme.

The original Society release was just fine. Had some elements that I grew to like, such as the opening act, but then was a bit too sweet and irritating at times.

In fact, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about trying out this newer release.

Surprisingly, I think Society Extreme is a very good fragrance. It’s one of the better mainstream designer releases, in my opinion.

The ‘iced coffee’ elements, even the peppermint, are really good together. The shift in focus away from cardamom and vanilla toward the coffee and iris just works.

In the end, the both have a woody and earthy finish, but Extreme is more substantial. Givenchy managed to produce one of favorites from this line, without me even caring much about the previous entry.

Winner: Gentleman Society Extreme