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17 Fragrances Similar to Creed Aventus

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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

11 Best Smelling Creed Colognes for Men

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Creed is a boutique fragrance designer that caters to the luxury crowd. Since it’s inception in the 18th century, Creed has been a renowned designer for those who seek unique and painstakingly crafted scents.

Much of it’s clientele throughout its history has been European royalty and other families residing on the upper crust of society. At least, that’s the story they tell.

Maybe much of that is marketing or legend, but the brand does provide some amazing colognes. I am going to list 11 Creed fragrances for men, which I feel are the best, after testing them out over the years.

Favorite Creed Fragrances for Him

I have now updated this page for 2024. In this iteration, I have added another cologne to the list, after spending more time with it, and really beginning to appreciate the aroma.

Secondly, I have added more info on each Creed scent, and linked to my personal review of these individual fragrances.

Since I wrote the original version of this page about 6 years ago, I have also reviewed many other fragrances by Creed, which can be found on this page: Best Men’s Cologne Reviews Page  Also, check out: Top Creed Scents for Ladies

Most Popular Creed Scent

Creed Aventus by Creed Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 2.50-Ounce– I never really liked the opening act of Aventus, as it comes across as too harsh on my skin. The bergamot and citrus, really hits hard, but when it begins to dry down Aventus develops into something great.

The pineapple is sharp, it has a dry woody/smokiness provided by birch, and ambergris/vanilla bringing up the rear in the latter stages.  The pineapple tones down after the opening, and the dry birch and oak moss, really come into their own here.

Creed Aventus is at times sweet with vanilla undertones, then, dry and smoky. This one has a complexity, that you can fully appreciate, the more times that you wear it. All in all, Aventus is one the most balanced and enjoyed scents out on the market.

Maybe it’s over hyped, at this point, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great cologne. It had to become a best-seller for a reason, it wasn’t all ‘just hype’. Here is my review on Aventus

aventus

For Men and Women

Delphinus by Creed– This is a newer release to make the list. It’s better than Absolu Aventus and edges out Centarus for me. Even though, I like both of them.

I have to say, if you want a masculine fragrance, don’t go for this one. It’s powdery, floral, and definitely falls in the unisex category.

That being said, this isn’t a complete iris bomb to me. This heliotrope sticks out more, Delphinus has an initial sweetness/spice, with a warm vanilla and slight amber in the dry down.

Rich orris with a nuttiness from the almond note, gives it similarities to some other scents out there, but Delphinus is a fairly unique one from Creed. Powdery with an underlying waxy sort of aroma for stretches.

I would try to sample this Creed fragrance, if possible. At least before you commit to a full bottle. Note: Alternatively, you could go with Dua’s ‘inspired by’ perfume: Cosmic Sky of Amber.

Best Pure Vanilla Fragrance

Sublime Vanille by Creed– This fragrance is very expensive, even by Creed standards. Also, its performance isn’t the best. However, Sublime Vanille might have the best vanilla note that I’ve ever come across. It’s delicious.

It is a pretty simple fragrance. Vanilla, is joined by lemon and orange, to give it a sweet citrus creamsicle vibe. Very syrupy with a light hint of musk coming through towards the end. Not much development, but the aroma is great.

Sublime Vanille is more of a niche pick from this brand. Though, if you love vanilla, this could be a great pick for men or women.

Top Fresh Fragrance by Creed

Creed Silver Mountain Eau De Parfum Spray for Men by Creed, 4 Ounce– Silver Mountain Water is a fragrance for those guys who want something super clean, with a cold and crisp bite. It opens up with a lush citrus accord of bergamot and mandarin orange. Sort of close to Imperial Millesime, in the beginning.

Later, it can become a bit more herbal, especially when the green tea note emerges fully. SMW is a great choice for the springtime, features the same black currant note found in Aventus, while going in its own direction.

This is a very refreshing wear, in my experience, but with fairly average longevity and moderate sillage. However, its aroma alone, gets Silver Mountain Water a spot on the list. Silver Mountain Water Review

silver mountain

Popular Clean Scent

Green Irish Tweed By Creed For Men- Green Irish Tweed is right up there with Aventus, as one of the most popular colognes by Creed. It starts off with lemon verbena, but dries down as a fresh woody scent.

Though, the wood is present throughout. Sandalwood, is the most noticeable of the woods.

Once past the opening stages, I think that this really comes into its own, and the citrus/wood balance becomes really nice.

GIT often gets compared with Cool Water by Davidoff, but to me, that similar smell is only for part of the wear. Cool Water is much more aquatic, also.  Plus, the Creed does it better.

Green Irish Tweed has a bit of a blend between soapy and powdery, during its dry down. This is probably my favorite part of the wear. The performance is really quite nice.

The sillage is strong enough to be noticeable, but not overwhelming. Plus, it will last long enough for a full work day.  Review of Green Irish Tweed

green irish tweed

The Oud Option

Royal Oud by Creed– Oud, as a note, can be hit or miss for people. This is a nice blended example of the note, where it isn’t too heavy or too dominant in the mix.

Royal Oud actually starts off with a burst of bergamot and lime, which is joined by a light and warm pink pepper note, to keep things interesting. Early on, it is citrusy and has that nice spicy kick too it, but not overwhelming.

As it dries down, it becomes woodier. The oud is the main attraction, but there is also a nice cedar freshness in there. Musk and sandalwood round things out. Though, the latter isn’t too heavy in the mix.

To me, it kind of splits between the oud, musk, and cedar during the late stages. The sillage itself isn’t too heavy, but Royal Oud does have a good performance, while not blowing out the room. 

Very nice classy fragrance, that is more suited for formal or special occasions. I like this one, but for a lot of people, they consider Royal Oud to be Creed’s best.

Great Vetiver Fragrance

Creed Original Vetiver Men Millesime Spray, 4 Ounce – Creed Original Vetiver is a scent I overlooked on the first iteration of this list…my mistake. This is a hyper clean and masculine use of vetiver and citrus with a classic soapy quality.

I always feel energized after applying Original Vetiver, as the fragrance just seems to strike an upbeat and positive chord.

It’s not a complex sort of cologne, rather, it is linear but everything that it needs to be. This vetiver is a modern style with an older soul. Solid choice for business or casual wear. It all comes together as very clean, with good performance that will last a full work day.

The opening citrus is bright and really a highlight of this fragrance. There is some iris and sandalwood, in here as well, but they definitely don’t hit the same heights as the citrus and vetiver. Original Vetiver Review

Top Woody Fragrance

CREED BOIS DU PORTUGAL by Creed EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 4 OZ – Bois du Portugal gets lost in the shuffle of Creed offerings, I feel. It does air on the side of being mature, somewhat old school, with a spicy masculine finish.

It opens up with bergamot and sandalwood, feels like a usual Creed fragrance, before it shifts into its own thing.

Bois du portugal is woody and warm, I love when the cedar and lavender come in to join the sandalwood. It’s clean while having an outdoorsy quality, to its aroma.

During the middle part of the wear, it can become difficult to distinguish between notes, as it has such a superior blend. Simple yet elegant.

Bois du Portugal goes from a citrus and sandalwood opening, to losing much of the citrus, and becoming a clean somewhat spicy woody fragrance. It definitely gives you something different, from most other popular scents, on the market. Bois du Portugal Full Review

bois du portugal

Best Classic Style Fragrance

Tabarome By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0 Oz.– Tabarome is another one that sort of sits under the radar. It opens up with ginger, which is one of my favorite light spices. Then, Tabarome further develops with jasmine, musk, and a greenish tobacco plant note.

The tobacco note actually is more like a growing tobacco plant, and less of what you would pack into a pipe before smoking. It’s a green note that is joined by the bergamot citrus, the ambergris, and a bit of sensuous leather.

The leather and tobacco finish is smooth, with a blend of spicy/sweet notes flanking everything. Ginger with tobacco and leather? Absolutely great. 

Ultimately, it’s all of that, some ambergris, on top of a sandalwood base. Read my full Tabarome Review

tabarome

Top Creed Cologne for Summer

Millesime Imperial By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0-Ounce Bottle– One of the more popular fragrances by Creed. Millesime Imperial is a blend of sea salt and melon-smelling (actually citrus) notes.

It’s an aquatic cologne that shines to life in the spring and summer months of the year.

It is juicy and luxurious. The melon aroma is produced by a lemon and mandarin orange combination and how they interact with the other notes within the composition.

It is very light and clean but grounded by the hint of musk and salty sea notes it unveils. If you enjoy a more oceanic type of fragrance, Imperial may be a great choice for your collection. This is one that I really like to wear on certain warmer days.

Imperial is a fruity marine fragrance, with a light musk, and some powdery undertones from an iris not. It’s not a sillage beast, but it will last for 7 or so hours, in the heat. That’s pretty impressive, when so many others, simply wilt.  My Review

imperial

Favorite Viking

Creed Viking Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Viking is the newest addition to this list. Why? I’ve always enjoyed the smell. However, it has grown on me more and more, since the first time that I tried it out in the Creed Boutique in Las Vegas.

It opens up, super crisp, with peppermint and sandalwood providing a cold woody infusion. There’s a very light bergamot note, briefly.

Creed Viking balances the warm and cold notes, as it introduces pink pepper, and then also vetiver. It’s woodsy and refreshing, with some earthiness and spice added in.

Lots of sandalwood, pink pepper, and peppermint. Blended well and the other notes, can be difficult to distinguish at times.

The longevity is good, I keep getting closer to 8 hours of wear from it. Again, this one is a cologne that I enjoyed, but didn’t love at first. It’s still not my favorite, but it has become much more favorable in my eyes, since I first tested it. Creed Viking Review

Oud Wood vs Aventus Comparison

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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

Creed Viking vs. Viking Cologne

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Viking became a fairly popular release from Creed some years back. With its success, the brand naturally launched a flanker fragrance to this formula, called, Viking Cologne. Now, consumers have two options to choose from when they want to own a Viking scent. The question is, which fragrance is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Viking vs Viking Cologne

Creed Viking

Notes include: rose, pink pepper, bergamot, peppermint, sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli

Click here to try: Viking Eau de Parfum Spray for Men by Creed

Read my original Viking Review

Viking Cologne

Notes include: mandarin, lemon, bergamot, pink pepper, lavender, geranium, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, olibanum

Click here to try: Viking Cologne

Opening

Viking starts off with a bit of citrus up top. But, the peppermint, pink pepper, and sandalwood notes are all stronger. The citrus is just a bright blip in the mix.

It’s a mix of cool freshness and that warm peppery spice with woods. I love the crisp aroma of the peppermint, even as this settles into a fragrance with more balance.

Viking Cologne starts off with a strong pink pepper note, that is flanked by citrus notes. I mainly get lemon, but it’s being overshadowed by spice and some smokiness.

So, it’s mainly a fresh/smoky accord of the pink pepper, sage, and some of that incense wafting up from the base. After like 5 minutes, more of the citrus seems to finally break through on my skin. It’s like a lemon/orange blend.

This will transition into something with more of the sage, rosemary, lavender, and geranium. The citrus and pink pepper fade a good deal.

Which do I prefer? It’s actually a very close call for me. Cologne has plenty going on and I dig the blend and the emergence of the citrus.

But, between them, I’ll go with the original. The peppermint note really makes it for me. Plus, there is still overlap between these two, and I like the presentation of these notes by Viking more than Cologne.

Edge: Viking

Projection

I’ve always found the original Viking to have a very nice and steady ability to project. It was never a heavy fragrance that would bog down on you, but it’s got a nice reach and doesn’t just quite.

Early, Viking Cologne is similar. However, that will only last 30-60 minutes, before it begins its quick descent into skin scent territory.

Nice start, light moderate for an hour or so longer, and skin scent for the back half. Overall, it’s a lighter fragrance, as the cologne moniker would suggest. You should just be aware of that, before committing to a full bottle purchase.

Edge: Viking

Longevity

With the original Viking, I get somewhere in the 7-9 hour neighborhood each time that I wear it. The performance is actually good, not elite, but it gives you plenty.

With Viking Cologne, it’s around 4-5 hours. To be clear, hours 3-5 are basically a skin scent. It’s a pretty faint smell by that point, but still there.

This is an easy win for the original. A ‘cologne’ version of an above average performer, probably wasn’t ever going to be great, but Viking Cologne doesn’t even seem to reach mid-tier longevity.

Edge: Viking

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are daily wear types of fragrances, that are clean, but not super formal. You can wear them casually, to work, etc. Neither is all that ‘sexy’ or a club beast.

But, outside of that they are very versatile. I like Viking better in cooler to moderate temperatures. Viking is lighter, so maybe it has a slight advantage in the heat. Even still, it’s not that much of a summertime cologne.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I like more?

In terms of the scents themselves, it’s a lot closer call than the categories might indicate.

Viking Cologne has a nice aroma. I like the smokiness, the freshness, and the citrus notes in the beginning. Also, that transition to the latter stages is also pleasing, especially wearing it outside on a mild day.

The performance of the cologne, is pretty bad. The longevity isn’t great and what power it has, doesn’t even make it far into that short run time.

Viking, I think, smells better. Beyond, just being a much better performer.

I like the balance of the notes. You get a floral middle, spiciness, freshness, and then woods in the dry down. There’s some smokiness and even a touch of sweetness, at times. All together, I am more impressed with the original versus what you get with Viking Cologne.

Cologne doesn’t live up to the lofty price tag, even if, it isn’t a bad smelling scent.

Winner: Viking

Cedre Blanc EDP by Creed

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Cedre Blanc is a Creed fragrance that I had never gotten around to testing out. It was released back in 2014. But, when I saw a sample of it available online, I threw it in one of my batch orders. So, I really had no expectations of this fragrance going in. How does it smell? Does Cedre Blanc last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Cedre Blanc Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, bay leaf, galbanum, cardamom, geranium, lily, jasmine, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood

My Full Review

Cedre Blanc opens up with a lot going on. It’s fresh and woody, as the name suggests. But, there is also a bright, juicy, and sour bergamot coming through. Also, some greenish and somewhat bitter galbanum. Plus, a host of spiciness from mostly bay leaf (with some cardamom).

It’s a bunch to take in. However, it works well enough, especially if this is your type of perfume. Which, I will say up front, isn’t going to be most people’s cup of tea.

The next phase is more floral with jasmine and lily. There is still the spiciness of the bay leaf, but much of the bitterness and the citrus has moved on.

Less of an intense spice, more of a fresh and clean woods (hints of a watery accord, probably lily and remaining bergamot). Geranium, vetiver, and our cedar note are already making themselves known.

Finally, Cedre Blanc is a fresh and greenish fragrance with undertones of the floral notes. Cedar, geranium, galbanum, vetiver, florals, and the sandalwood. Very clean with sort of a mossy-like aroma. The complexity of the opening tones way down and this Creed becomes pretty simple.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

That initial spray does have some intensity to it. As I said, there’s a lot going on here at first, and it’s also pretty loud.

Still, it does have a freshness about it, and it’s not a completely heavy fragrance. That initial projection is quite good though. After that, it will quickly become a softer scent.

Honestly, it was kind of surprising how quickly this one calmed down into something which sat so close to the skin. Much of the wear will be about a 1-3 radius from where you sprayed Cedre Blanc.

The longevity is also kind of lacking. For me, I got somewhere around six hours during my testing of it. If this were a $40 perfume, I wouldn’t be too mad. At Creed prices, it’s pretty bad.

This is a spring and summer wear. It’s nicer to smell while outside than indoors. I was walking around on a warmer day with it on and that’s when I was most impressed by what Cedre Blanc brings to the table.

Pretty much a daytime wear, however. Not one that’s going to be a nightlife or date night sort of wear. It’s a unisex perfume, but it leans masculine, even with the floral influence.

Unique, in a lot of ways, but this is a fragrance for those who want something niche. It’s pleasant enough, but wasn’t ever going to enjoy mass appeal.

Overall Impressions of Cedre Blanc

Overall, do I like Cedre Blanc? It’s not for me. I don’t think it’s bad, it’s certainly unique, but it’s really nothing special.

Especially, at the Creed price point. There’s probably a very limited market for this, which is why it appears to be discontinued now. So, if this one was of interest to you, you’d better get a move on finding a sample or biting the bullet and buying a full bottle.

I do enjoy the bay leaf note that’s in here. It’s an ingredient that is more of a ‘once in a while’ type of thing for me, but I did appreciate it. The dry down is also a highlight. Things have settled down and there isn’t the same initial bitterness.

Performance does leave much to be desired. Really not powerful stuff, outside of a sharp opening act. A pretty intimate scent bubble and less than a full work day of wear for sure. Again, Cedre Blanc is absolutely not a value play, you’ve really got to like this scent for it to be worthwhile.

Not something I want. Nor will most people, but there is a small percentage of you, that would really appreciate this blend. How much that’s worth to you, is your call.