creed aventus

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense vs. Aventus

by

Creed’s Aventus has been so mega-popular over the past decade, it has created its own sub-industry of fragrances trying to mimic or outright match its appealing formula. The most popular of these fragrances is Armaf’s Club de Nuit Intense EDP. But, how do these two scents actually compare? Does Club smell better? Last longer?

Tale of the Tape: Club de Nuit Intense vs. Aventus

Creed Aventus 

creed aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Click here to get Aventus: Aventus by Creed

Club de Nuit EDP

Notes include: lemon, apple, blackcurrant, birch, jasmine, rose, vanilla, musk, ambergris, patchouli

Click here to try: Club de Nuit Men EDP

Opening

The sharp pineapple note, with the other citrus and woodsy elements of Aventus has never been something I enjoyed all that much.

That opening isn’t a favorite of mine, but Armaf is the same as well, so no luck in getting something different for me.

The pineapple, blackcurrant, and the dryness of birch can be a bit much at first. However, I do like what it settles into.

Fresh and lively, very enjoyable to wear. Next, you get less pineapple, and more of the birch wood and oak moss. This is where Aventus comes into its own. Plus, a little vanilla sweetness and the remaining apple note.

With Club EDP, I find it to be a smoother version of the EDT from Armaf. I get more of the apple note too, from this version.

The differences here are that Club has a fruitier start. Less smokiness and the birch wood doesn’t have the leathery facets, until later on in the wear. At least on my skin.

Which is better? While I don’t personally enjoy either’s opening act all that much. The Creed quality is higher and I do like the birch wood note better in the original.

Obviously, these two are going to be quite similar, but Aventus still has a nicer balance of its notes and a more engaging scent from the get go.

Edge: Aventus

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off with a good deal of strength and project quite well off of the skin. For the duration of the wear, they are both above average, in this regard.

I’m not sure that Aventus is actually any stronger than Club de Nuit Intense. There may be a slight difference here, but I’m not really getting it.

I’ve tested both of them on skin and have applied to clothing. Putting each fragrance onto a shirt and placing it on a chair, I can detect either of them from about the same distance, when I’ve done this.

No massive difference here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Club will last for 7-9 hours, on my skin. The more I try it, the more it seems to settle closer to the bottom of that range. Still, very good.

Aventus is a 7-10 hour fragrance. Overlapping with the Armaf. However, I usually get 8-9 hours from the Creed version. It has a higher ceiling and more consistency.

Club de Nuit Intense EDP does give you plenty of wear for the money. That’s why it’s one of, if not the most popular of the Aventus-like colognes out there. Armaf didn’t dilute the idea with a bad performing scent, yet it still is a step behind.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

There’s no distinction here. One’s mimicking the other, so they cover the same ground.

Mostly all-season fragrances that can be worn dressed up or even more casually. I’d avoid the hottest days of the year with either and both are better in the autumn and early spring, in my opinion.

Really great at being ‘jack of all trades’ sort of fragrances. But, this category is a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Between these two, I do still think that Creed Aventus is the better fragrance overall. It has a greater depth and more little facets of different aromas than does Club. It’s the original, has higher quality, and slightly better performance.

However, if I were in the market for Aventus and didn’t want to spend $200-400+ (or whatever the latest pricing is), Club de Nuit Intense from Armaf would be an option, that I’d probably go with.

It gives you much of what you’d get from the Creed in terms of smell. Really, only some minor details are missing, but you save so much money.

If you’re going based on smell alone, I still like the Creed more. Is it that much better, to justify the price for most people?

No, for the vast majority of guys, the cheaper Armaf will do the job just fine. There’s a reason it has become so popular, even in a sea of other Aventus inspirations.

It’s a nice choice. Personally, I went with one of the Poseidon’s Elixir scents by Dua (there’s a ton of varients). It does a very close rendition of Aventus, even if I got the version with added berry notes. Dua is around the same price point at the Armaf, also.

Winner: Aventus

17 Fragrances Similar to Creed Aventus

by

Despite its lofty price, Creed’s release from earlier in the decade, has been a constant best-seller. Aventus really captured people’s imagination and took on a life of its own, becoming legendary.

Nonetheless, there are still plenty of guys who want to smell like this perfume, but want to find a cheaper alternative that can come close to its performance. What are the best options for a potential dupe? Which colognes are similar to Aventus?

Why Creed Aventus?

Again, this stuff was released back in 2010 and completely changed the men’s fragrance game. It’s one of those once per decade fragrances that helps to define an era of scent.

It’s balance, sophistication, while still retaining a mass appeal all lend to this Creed enjoying a seemingly never-ending runway of success. Probably for decades to come.

Another aspect of this, is that Aventus has now been copied or attempted to be duped by almost every brand big or small. So, while this list that I’m writing here has plenty of options, it is by no means exhaustive. There are probably hundreds of Aventus wannabe’s at this point.

They’ve also come out with Aventus Cologne and Absolu Aventus. To me, the original is still the best of them, and I don’t get the hype with Absolu.

Favorite Colognes Similar to Creed Aventus

Most Popular Similar Scent

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man EDT Men New in Box, 3.6 Fl Oz- This is the best-selling offering from Armaf, and that is likely because of it resemblance to, Creed’s Aventus. I totally understand the comparison, which is definitely intentional.

Between the two, Club de Nuit Intense is much heavier with lemon, than the Creed is, and doesn’t have the same level of pineapple.

Also, while it does share the birch note, Aventus always struck me as a much drier scent with a heavier smoky quality.

Both are still present in Club Intense, just not to the same extent. Performance wise, this Armaf is pretty top notch. Club de Nuit Intense EDT vs. EDP

Update: They’ve released so many variants of this, it’s hard to keep up. But, these two originals are easy to go with.

A More Accurate Cheapie

Supremacy Silver by Afnan– So, Supremacy Silver is a cleaner and more accurate representation of an Aventus like aroma than is Club de Nuit Intense. However, with that, the performance isn’t all that great. You might get 5 hours with heavier sprays.

But, it’s also in the $30-40 range, which  is a pretty good deal, even with subpar staying power. Personally, I’d probably go with one of the next two options in the $50-60 range, and get the better longevity and sillage.

The opening here is probably the closest with feeling like Aventus. The dry down to me, doesn’t have the same level of fruitiness and lacks some of the nuance. For $30? It’s pretty much a gem.

Dossier Alternative

Musky Oakmoss by Dossier– This doesn’t 100% smell comparable to Aventus, but it gets really close. It lacks some of the smokiness, vanilla, and black currant that the Creed has. But, since those are details in the original, it’s not a big deal.

What it does have is a slightly spicier vibe and a more distinct oakmoss, at times. So, fresh with that dryness, that really highlights the later stages of Aventus.

This one is around $50 per bottle and gives you a scent that hits all the basic notes of the Creed well, with a few of the details missing, but not overly noticeable.

Inspired Fragrance

Poseidon’s Elixir by Dua Brands– So, the Dua Brand’s fragrance is a closely similar scent. Probably not the exact same depth, but for $50-60 per bottle, it’s as close to the Creed scent that you’re going to encounter. (Note: it’s often on sale for much cheaper, I’m just showing the retail price).

I linked above to Poseidon’s Elixir 2.0 on their site. This is a fruitier version of an Aventus sort of aroma, if that’s your thing.

They also have like close to 60 different remixes and blends with other famous colognes. So, you might spend a while sorting through the list, and wanting something a little different.

However, the Dua version have beast mode longevity and great projection, as they are Extrait de Parfums. High concentration of the fragrance oils.

You can get blends with their inspired takes of Virgin Island Water, Sauvage, and a bunch of others that may be worth checking out. Or, go with something more true to the original.

Recently, I grabbed a bottle of Poseidon’s Berry Affair. This takes the Aventus formula and adds berry notes such as: blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, cranberry, raspberry, etc. You still get pineapple and apple in the top, but they now share an even fruitier stage.

A Select Option

Mercedes-Benz Select– This is an interesting one, since it doesn’t try to be an exact copy of Aventus, but has elements of it, Explorer by Mont Blanc, and Aventus Cologne. The smokiness isn’t here, it’s not as dry or woody, and it is without leather.

Mercedes-Benz Select is a fresher fruitier scent with notes of the same apple and blackcurrant as our Creed target.

Those notes are also going to play a larger role for longer, with musky undertones really emerging after this initial blast.

One of the differences, is going to be the citrus note. Bergamot is heavier and sort of dominates the other fruits in the mix. Not a super strong cologne, nor is it as complicated as Aventus, but this certainly has its charm.

Another Inspiration

Executive by Alt Fragrances– Executive is another option for those who want something closer to the smell of the Creed. I actually haven’t tried this particular one out, but I’ve had some good results with other ALT scents.

Like Dua Brand fragrances, they are Extrait de Parfum strength. Based on the reviews, Executive strikes an uncanny resemblance to what you get with Aventus. The price is also about what Poseidon’s Elixir listed above, goes for.

Again, not sure if it’s totally a comparable smell to Creed’s version, but it seems like it should be.

Immortal Perfume

Immortal Zeus by Fragrenza– This is another one that mimics an aroma like the Creed fragrance. I bought a sample of it and it is actually quite good.

The fruity notes have more of a balance, but the pineapple note is still very present. There also seems to be a bit more of the apple and much more juniper coming through versus Aventus. Maybe some more vanilla underneath.

But, overall it isn’t as smoky, the performance is solid (in the 7-8 hour range), and along the same line in price as others on the list. Plus, you can order samples to try.

Ineffable Inspiration

Ineffable by Oakcha– This one is the take of Oakcha, on the Creed Aventus style, which is available in a 30 or 50ml sized bottle.

Ineffable is an option that I’ve come across, while trying to find more fragrances that smell like Aventus. But, it’s also one that I haven’t tried out yet.

The brand itself has a good reputation and Ineffable itself has plenty of positive reviews about it. Looking at the notes here, it’s the same structure as Aventus, really all that’s needed is to get the weightings and quality of the ingredients correct.

It appears that Oakcha has done that. Just another one for you to potentially go for.

Yet Again

Brasilia by Alexandria– I’m updating this page with another alternative that bases itself on the Creed formula.

Alexandria actually does very good work with their inspired by perfumes. One good thing about them, is that you can purchase one of four different sizes between 30-100ml. So, once you like it you can grab a large bottle and be set for a longer time.

I’ve tried other fragrances from this brand and had good experiences with them. This one, is not one that I’ve come in contact with. Another extrait de parfum strength, that I can’t imagine they screwed up too much.

Leathery Alternative

Zara Men’s VIBRANT LEATHER Eau De Parfum 4.06 FL. OZ– This entry by Zara is Aventus, if it were of lesser quality, and had a big dose of leather. Vibrant Leather does have some overlapping similarities with Aventus, mainly being, the citrus and (some) earthy/spiciness.

However, it lacks the woods, ambergris, and much of the nuance that Aventus brings to the table. This one is also more weighted to the citrus, more lemon, than a bergamot/pineapple found in the Creed.

Performance isn’t great, but you can find this for cheap.

To update things, they’ve also released an Elixir version of Vibrant Leather, which still lacks the pineapple but is a slightly more powerful remix. Actually, has some similarities with Eros Energy (listed below). Elixir isn’t quite Aventus nor Aventus cologne, but it strikes a close chord.

A Designer Sibling

Montblanc EXPLORER Cologne for Men 3.3 fl.Oz Eau De Parfum Spray– Montblanc’s new release, Explorer, is probably the highest quality scent on this list. However, it isn’t an exact match of Aventus, but it does come quite close and does it with a designer flair.

The Explorer series is funny, this release was quite good, and they followed it up with some pretty mid follow-ups that aren’t really like this one at all.

The opening act, actually is where it strikes my nose as being an Aventus sort of smell but blended with the citrus of Burberry Weekend.

The sharp citrus aroma, spice, and dry vetiver. Wow, it’s a damn good impression. As it dries down, it gives you an ambroxan note similar to Sauvage, and not the same as Aventus’ ambergris.

What does it lack? Less woody, no pineapple, less smoky, no floral notes. Not the same level of sillage, as Aventus. Though, the longevity is pretty great, even without the beast projection. Explorer Review

Smooth, No Ambergris

Insurrection II Pure FOR MEN by Reyane – 3.0 oz EDT Spray– Insurrection II Pure is similar but not the same as Aventus. What you do get is a smooth and fruity fragrance, albeit the fruit is more citrus blend, than pineapple.

This is the most similar aspect, but again, not the same. Beyond that, is a nice dry birch note.

What do you not get? Well, Aventus has more floral accords. It also has a drier and smokier quality. Oh, and the famous Creed ambergris, is totally lacking here.

For the price, it is a very good mimicry, with solid performance, and an aroma that smells like a close relative of Aventus.

Super Cheap, Not the Best

Lomani Ab Spirit Silver Men’s Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Lomani does have some men’s fragrances, which do an admirable job at comparing to the scent of famous colognes. Ab Spirit Silver attempts to do this with Aventus, strikes a close chord, but ultimately falls short.

It’s citrusy, has some dries woods, and floral notes. The citrus, just doesn’t smell the same as Aventus. It doesn’t have any amber nor ambergris. Plus, the performance isn’t all that great.

However, it is an option, on the super cheap end of the spectrum. So, I thought I’d throw it on the list. Just wouldn’t be the top pick, by any means.

Resemblance, Not the Same Depth

Al Haramain L´Aventure Eau De Parfum for Men, 3.33 oz.– To me, this is less of an Aventus sort of smell, and more of a member of the same family. It’s got a muskier profile, with a sharp citrus opening, and a very nice blend of wood notes.

L’Aventure is a well rounded and put together inspired sort of take on Aventus. It’s not an exact match, but it goes on smooth, and does actually have a good level of quality.

It ultimately lacks smokiness, the details of Aventus, and is more of a citrus/woods combo that’s close to the Creed…without taking it on fully.

So, it wouldn’t be my first pick, but ultimately it’s a pretty decent cologne that gets you maybe 70-75 percent there.

Juicy Citrus, Moderate Performance

Supremacy Pour Homme by Afnan Eau De Parfum Spray For Men 3.4 Oz / 100 ml– This is a very good and closely comparable smell. It actually has the sharp black currant note, with citrus, and a strong pineapple.

I don’t notice the same level of apple nor the smokiness, nor the same level of dryness.

Outside of all of that? Yep, this is a close approximation of what we want.  Supremacy Silver doesn’t have the same sillage strength, as our target, but the longevity is right up there. You’re essentially getting most of what you’d get from Aventus, for a fraction of the price.

I’ve seen it in the $30-60 range, per bottle. Not super cheap, but way more affordable than anything by Creed.

The Cologne Version

Aventus Cologne by Creed– The original Aventus spawned this ‘Cologne’ version of the scent. To me, it’s not quite as good, but it is lighter and has a slightly different vibe to its predecessor.

It opens up with a mandarin orange note, in lieu of the pineapple. Along with some ginger and mint to add to the freshness. The smokiness from the original is gone, but this does start to show many more similarities to Aventus, with its woodsy dry down.

For some guys, this is going to be the better option. One that is fresher, lighter, and not nearly as dense as the original can feel like at times. On my skin, the performance wasn’t great, but others seem to have better luck with it. Aventus Cologne Review

Cologne Eros

Eros Energy– This release from Versace isn’t an option for those who want something similar to the original Aventus. However, the style is fairly close to what you get with Aventus Cologne.

A burst of citrus notes to open things up. From bergamot to grapefruit to orange to lemon and even black currant.

The dry down is a muskier and amber laced affair. The citrus still hangs around, but it’s not nearly as prominent.

Again, this isn’t exact, but it is one that will end up at the discounters for much cheaper than you can get Aventus Cologne. And since neither are spectacular fragrances, might as well go with Energy, if you’re in the market. Eros Energy Review

Oud Wood vs Aventus Comparison

by

Oud Wood by Tom Ford and Creed’s Aventus, are two of the more popular fragrances of the past decade, especially at this higher price point. Both of them, have their own distinct style from the other, yet plenty of people are interested in purchasing one or the other.

As I have tested and worn both of these perfumes, I’m going to use this page to serve as my comparison between them. How does each smell? How long do they last? Which is ultimately the better fragrance?

Oud Wood

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Creed Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus

Opening

Oud Wood starts off with a strong blast of the oud note and cardamom. Underneath that, is a peppery sort of spice. It’s warm and dry, with sandalwood and rosewood, already being prominent at the base. It’s a very spicy and woody, sort of aroma up top.

The original Aventus’ opening, is honestly not my favorite. It does get much better, but to my nose, it strikes me as being quite sharp with the pineapple and bergamot. Plus, it has a dry woodiness.

Together, it takes on a somewhat kitchen cleaner, type of scent. The pineapple, bergamot, and birch are just a lot to deal with, at the beginning.

I like what Aventus becomes, but the initial burst, I tend to lean more towards the Tom Ford perfume. It’s something different, incorporates the oud note in a very palatable way, and is a bit better to my nose.

Edge: Oud Wood

Projection

Out of the Oud Wood lineup, the Intense version was the one with massive projection. The original? It’s pretty moderate for much of the wear, but has a decently strong start. The back half of the wear is pretty light on my skin.

Aventus is strong with how it projects. It’s near the upper tier, in my experience, but lands just shy of some of the other massive scent bombs out there.

Nonetheless, it’s not disappointing. It’s very noticeable, leaves a nice scent trail without being suffocating, and then moderates as it dries down.

Pretty easy win for the Creed perfume.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

I’ve never been able to get a long-lasting performance out of Oud Wood. On me, it’s a 4-5 hour fragrance. Yeah, it’s not a good performer, in my experience. Perhaps other people get more from it?

Aventus does well. It’s not elite, but has always been a 7-9 hour wear for me, on skin. That’s about what you’d need for most purposes and I’m not too upset that it doesn’t go beyond that.

Yet, Creed Aventus takes this category too.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

Oud Wood is much more of an autumn and winter wear. Aventus can work in pretty much any season.

Though, I prefer it on days when the climate is moderate. At the extremes of heat and cold, it is less enjoyable for me.

Both of these fragrances can work in the office, as a daily wear, dressed up, or just casual. That being said, I think Aventus is the more well-rounded of these, as it can be better for nightlife and even dates.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

Overall, which do I prefer?

With Oud Wood, I do like the opening act of the fragrance. To me, the latter stages aren’t that great and I never have gotten good performance from this scent. Oud Wood Intense was the better of those two releases.

For the price, it’s not providing much value. Also, there are people who simply won’t like wearing oud as a note, even if this is a pretty tame introduction to it.

Aventus is the better fragrance. The opening has never really been that great to me, but I like the depth and complexity that it develops. It actually is a really great cologne and has the advantage across the board when compared with the Tom Ford.

If you’re going to spend the money, get the one that can cover most occasions that you can throw at it, and actually delivers with the longevity.

Winner: Creed Aventus

Absolu Aventus by Creed

by

Absolu Aventus is a limited edition of the best selling name by Creed, which was released in 2023. As of now, the brand really limited the number of bottles that came out, and I’m not sure what the status will be for the future.

I did however, purchase a sample for quite a bit of money, in order to test it out and see how it actually smells, performs, and if it’s worth trying to get a hold of.

What does Absolu Aventus Smell Like?

Notes include: citron, bergamot, blackcurrant, vetiver, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, pink pepper, patchouli

Click here to try: Absolu Aventus

My Full Review

The differences between Absolu and the original Aventus will be quite apparent in the opening act. The pineapple and birch are noticeably missing.

Absolu Aventus is a smoother blend in comparison with bergamot still in the lead spot, but flanked with citron, grapefruit, and the same blackcurrant. It does still have a somewhat sharp bite to it, but it doesn’t hit in the same way.

This to me, is a welcome change of pace, as the opening has always been my least favorite aspect of Aventus.

The spices here are mainly the cinnamon and cardamom notes. Ginger is present, but never becomes a major factor in the mix for me.

Vetiver was the biggest shock to me early. I wasn’t expecting it to come through as much as it did. I actually get more of it than I ever do from the ginger. Between this and the patchouli, you’re going to get some earthiness wafting up from the base.

Nothing crazy, but enough freshness and woodsy/grassy aroma to make up for some of what is missing from the original. Somewhat smoky, but really not to the same extent at all.

Basically, this one is citrus, spice (cinnamon and an emergent pink pepper), and the vetiver/patchouli mix in the base. Clean and pleasant. Unique enough from the original Aventus, but doesn’t stray too far away.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

During my initial wear, I was quite pleased with this because it had the same bold opening as Aventus. Plenty of projection and it definitely had scent trail potential, albeit in with a less heavy feeling than its predecessor.

But, after only a few hours into it, Absolu Aventus became a skin scent. I tried it multiple times with the same result. Disappointing.

For me, this Creed lasts the same length of time as Aventus. I get 8-9 hours out of it. Again, not to the same strength, and 4-5 of those hours, Absolu is going to be hovering just off of the skin. Nothing much more than that.

Seasonally, I think that Absolu is at its best in the autumn through spring. With the deeper use of citrus, I thought it might be summer coming into testing. Nope. This fragrance is surprisingly great when it’s cool and crisp outside.

As far as when you can where it, just think any time that you wear the original. It retains that super versatile and signature scent aspect.

Overall Impressions of Absolu Aventus

Overall, do I like Absolu Aventus? Yes, it’s very much like the original Aventus, only with some changes at the edges to make this fragrance somewhat distinct.

I do enjoy those additions. The cinnamon might be my favorite part of this newer formula. The citron in this citrus heavy mix is also pleasant. In terms of how it smells, Absolu is a nice release.

My main issues with it are the performance and the price tag for what it is. Over $500 per bottle. I can explain away the latter as it being as limited edition or something for collectors.

Fine. I’m not in the market for an Aventus fragrance, so, it doesn’t really concern me. Definitely feels like a cash grab, though.

The nosedive that it seems to do after a few hours, with how it projects is my main gripe. It feels like it’s going to be an equal to the original and then it just turns into a skin scent for me.

With all of that in mind, I don’t think this is going to be worth tracking down for most people. If you love Aventus, sure you might want a different take on it. For the rest of you, you might want to go with a different Creed cologne or just pick up one of the other Aventus scents.

There’s nothing here that’s way different, just a bit of an alternative take on the popular smell of Creed Aventus.

Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water Comparison

by

In this edition of the cologne comparisons, I’m going to take a closer look at two Creed scents, that I’ve already reviewed on the site: Aventus and Virgin Island Water. How does VIW stand up against the ever popular, Creed Aventus? Which of these scents smells better? Gives better performance? Please continue below for my full take.

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. VIW

Virgin Island Water

Notes include: bergamot, lime, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger

Click here to try: Creed Virgin Island Water by Creed for Unisex – 4 oz Millesime Spray

Read my Original VIW Review

Creed Aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Aventus For Men 4.0 oz EDP Spray By Creed

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Opening

Virgin Island Water strikes an early victory in how these two scents open. The initial blast of VIW is a blend of lime, bergamot, and the coconut note. I honestly think that this is a fantastic tropical aroma that really draws you in.

It is juicier and boozier than how it actually ends up. The rum and lime is a great combination that I love and brings on the summer feeling.

Aventus on the other hand, opens with a really harsh aroma, that I’ve always compared to Lemon Pine Sol (yes, the floor cleaner)…thankfully, it gets much better after that. In fact, after the initial bit, the bergamot note shared by the two scents is near identical and really great.

However, just comparing the opening act of each fragrance, I’ve got to go with VIW.

Edge: VIW

Projection

Virgin Island Water isn’t a strong scent, it’s pretty moderate all around. Don’t expect a monster.

It’s really not designed to have an overwhelming sillage, which would kind of be unbearable during the warmest days.

Aventus is strong and rather bold but isn’t insanely overpowering. It is, however, much stronger than Virgin Island Water and gets the edge here. It can be over-sprayed, but not an elite powerhouse, in my opinion.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

VIW is completely borderline on having poor longevity and just okay. It depends on the day, but I’ve always gotten 4-6 of wear out of it.

Not great and one would expect more at the price point. I don’t mind the sillage being moderate, but I do have a problem with the mediocre performance.

Aventus, will get 7 hours as a minimum and usually in the 8-9 hour range. Solid performer. Occasionally, I can hit double digits with Aventus. That’s usually when in an air conditioned environment all day.

Some people can get Aventus to last longer on their skin than I do. Either way, Aventus outdoes Virgin Island Water pretty easily.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

Aventus is more of a year round kind of scent, though, it isn’t great in the high heat, in my experience. It can be worn casually, on a date, at work, or for a night on the town.

Aventus is a very well-balanced cologne in this regard. It’s a signature fragrance for a lot of guys out there and will give you near endless opportunities to use it.

VIW has it’s versatility in the fact that it is a unisex scent. Aventus is much more of a masculine fragrance in comparison.

However, it’s almost strictly casual and actually shines in the summer heat. Sure, you could include spring, but unless you live in the tropics…it’s stuck in one season for wear.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

I really like the opening of VIW, it’s nice, and reminds me of being at the beach. As it moves along, it becomes much more coconut dominant and takes on the suntan lotion aroma, which is still good but not as much as the opening.

It’s performance is also not amazing and it has a limited use. It’s more of a niche fragrance or one you’d use only at specific times of the year.

Aventus, I’ve never liked the opening BUT it does get much better. It gives good performance and the citrus-laden blend really starts to take off after that.

There’s a reason why it’s so highly regarded. I still enjoy Aventus, even if, I’m rather fatigued of smelling it. There’s just been such an influx of Aventus alternatives, that it becomes exhausting.

Between the two, the choice is Aventus, unless you’re looking for that specific summertime scent.

Winner: Aventus