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Spicebomb from Viktor & Rolf, is a fragrance that I was sure that I reviewed on the site many years ago. While recently posting reviews on the Night Vision flankers to this cologne, I realized that I never actually did. So, it’s time to rectify that mistake, and I’ll be doing so based on the current formulation from a sample that I bought. How does it smell? Is it still worth a buy?
What does Spicebomb EDT Smell Like?
Notes include: cinnamon, saffron, bergamot, pink pepper, pimento berries, white leather, tobacco, grapefruit, vetiver
Click here to try: Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce
My Full Review
Before we get into my review, let’s see how Viktor & Rolf describes it: Spicebomb is an instant olfactory detonation. An overturning convention which reveals a fragrance that makes no concessions. An explosive concentrate of masculine sensuality.
Spicebomb opens up with that ‘detonation’ of spices and a quite noticeable mix of the grapefruit and bergamot. It’s for sure not a tropical or citrus-laden fragrance, but those notes are present for much of the wear, especially in the initial stages.
Beyond that, the pink pepper note comes through with the cinnamon blend in a pretty even split early on. It’s like a 60/40 deal, to my nose, but the cinnamon will increasingly become dominant.
As it moves along, the sharp blast of spice will settle and be smoothed out by the notes emerging from the heart. I get a lot of saffron and vetiver, which gives Spicebomb a bit more maturity from that youthfully energetic opening act.
Leather comes in, very lightly in the middle, adding to the smoothness and character of this cologne.
At this point, you pretty much get everything you’re going to with this one. It’s cinnamon, saffron, vetiver, leather, and the remaining grapefruit. Finally, it’s the cinnamon, saffron, and vetiver to finish things off until it disappears completely.
Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility
Sillage wise, the EDT version still has some punch, but it’s more of a moderate fragrance nowadays. Older bottles projected better for longer, but this latest batch wasn’t bad in terms of its overall power. Just not the same level.
On my skin, I get 6-7 hours of wear from Spicebomb. Yeah, that’s also taken a hit. It went from very good longevity, to solid. If you want a monster performer from this series, Spicebomb Extreme delivers that. Though, it’s a different sort of scent.
Seasonally, this is a autumn and winter wear. The citrus and spice can not only melt in the heat, but can also give off a body odor sort of smell. So, if you live in a more tropical area, you may only get some use from this at night.
Also, it’s more of a casual or nightlife scent. Yes, it has a sexiness to it and is attractive. However, Spicebomb isn’t a formal fragrance and might not be someone’s daily wear cologne. You can get plenty of use from it, it’s just not a jack of all trades.
Overall Impressions of Spicebomb
Overall, do I like Spicebomb? I do. I really enjoyed coming back to this fragrance, after years of not using it. That aroma is still there and still great. I did use Man in Black by Bvlgari during this interlude, which has a very similar albeit boozier profile to Spicebomb EDT.
Spicebomb is still fresh with that great spicy kick, especially up top. As it dries down, you do get a smoother experience with the additional saffron, tobacco, and white leather. The saffron is pretty noticeable during the middle act, which is a good thing, as it is a highly underrated note.
The performance is decent, in its latest incarnation. Is it as good as it used to be? No, but not terrible either. I wish it had its older performance levels, though, it wouldn’t deter me from getting a bottle of the newer batches.
Spicebomb EDT is a classic and one that is well worth getting if you want a dynamic and spicy fresh cologne. The good news, is that, you can usually find really affordable bottles of this stuff online and any change in performance becomes much less of an issue.
I still love how this one smells and will recommend trying it out, if you have yet to ever smell this Viktor & Rolf creation.
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User Review
( votes)
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.
Spicebomb is the great fragrance smells awesome to my sniff