Mont Blanc Legend vs. Legend Spirit

For this head to head match up, I want to take a closer look at two of the options from Mont Blanc’s lineup: Legend vs. Legend Spirit. Which of these smells the best? The original or its 2016 flanker release? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? As usual, I will cover each in a variety of categories before declaring an ultimate winner. I have also included my original review of each cologne below, for further info, and my personal experience wearing them.

Tale of the Tape: Spirit vs Legend

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Legend Spirit

Notes include: grapefruit, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, aquatic accord, lavender, cardamom, oak moss, wood

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

Read my review: Legend Spirit

Opening

Legend opens up with a trio of fruit notes: bergamot, apple, and pineapple leaf. There is also a creamy tonka bean and lavender which eventually takes over. It has a citrus aroma, but it does have a drier undertone to it.

Spirit opens up with grapefruit, as the citrus note, but it sits within an aquatic accord. There is also a warm and spicy cardamom note. Plus, a dash of pink pepper.

Which is better? Legend Spirit’s grapefruit aquatic blend is great and better than the original. Plus, the cardamom and pink pepper really separate Spirit, giving it a very nice starting aroma.

Edge: Spirit

Projection

Both Legend and Legend Spirit have pretty moderate sillage. They can project themselves fairly well for an hour or so, before moving much closer to the skin. Neither is bad, but they aren’t beasts.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, these two are very close competitors, and near identical in terms of how long they last. The original will do 5-6 hours. Spirit will do 4-6 hours. About the same.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these scents are extremely versatile and can fit in, in just about any situation. Both are best in the spring/summer months, but can go year round. Casual wear, to the office, school, or even on a date without problem. These are simple crowd pleasers and there isn’t a real distinction in this category either.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Alright, in terms of their performances and uses, these two fragrances are quite similar. However, how each smells is actually quite different, even with some obviously shared DNA.

The original Legend is a pretty simple blend of lavender and fruit notes, with dry sandalwood and tonka bean notes, bringing up the base. It’s nice and pleasant and one that will fit in anywhere. It’s not a scent that will offend anyone.

Legend Spirit has the better smell and is the more interesting fragrance, in my mind. Like the original, it dries down with plenty of lavender. However, it is also heavy with that great cardamom/pink pepper combo, an aquatic accord, and the still present grapefruit. When all put together, you get an aquatic scent that has dry elements, warmth, spices, and citrus.

It’s really fresh and attractive. It is a cologne that will gather complements. It would be better, if the longevity was top notch, but it is still the better of these to Mont Blanc’s.

Winner: Legend Spirit

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.