creed

Cedre Blanc EDP by Creed

by

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.

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 end ups. 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

Original Vetiver by Creed

by

Another day, another review. This time, I’ve been trying out a sample vial of Original Vetiver by Creed. Creed has some nice fragrances for guys, but I’ve also been disappointed or underwhelmed by some of their releases, that I thought were really bland. Sure, I can still appreciated the quality craftsmanship of each scent, but at that price if it doesn’t smell good…what the hell is the point? Does Original Vetiver fall into the same trap?

What does Original Vetiver Smell Like?

Notes include: vetiver, ginger, bergamot, sandalwood, musk, iris, ambergris, mandarin

Click here to try: Creed Creed Original Vetiver Men Millesime Spray, 4 Ounce

My Full Review of Original Vetiver

Obviously, the main attraction here is the vetiver note. However, upon the initial opening the citrus pair of bergamot and mandarin are very prevalent and work well with the soft spicy undertones of the ginger.

While I do enjoy vetiver in many different colognes, I was unsure about how I would feel about it being a dominant force in a fragrance, but I have to say that Creed did a great job at making it work.

Original Vetiver has a ‘green’ quality to it, that is almost reminiscent of a mint note. While there is not actual mint in this scent to my knowledge, Vetiver, does create that illusion at times when I’m smelling it on my skin.

Ultimately, the citrus and the minty illusion fall by the wayside and the vetiver takes center stage and never releases its grip. It’s such an utterly clean and invigorating scent, that seems to give you a slight energy boost when inhaled.

It’s quite a classic composition in this sense, once it’s settled, Original Vetiver is a fairly linear scent. That’s fine by me, as the soapiness of the fragrance, is crisp and masculine.

I enjoy how it subtly lingers throughout the day but I will say that it strikes me as an ‘old time’ fragrance, like something that was worn by men decades ago, which may limit its appeal with some guys.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not overly strong but I never felt it to be weak, either. You’ll know that Original Vetiver is there, though, it isn’t going to overwhelm. It’s on the upper end of moderate, in my mind.

This fragrance has very good longevity and I get a full day’s wear out of it. Most all, Creed scents will give you this type of performance, as they are typically so well crafted. At least 8 hours, is pretty standard with this one, and can go over 10.

Seasonally, I would wear this at any time except for the height of summer. It doesn’t strike me as having a summery vibe and I’m not particularly convinced that it would perform well with heat and high humidity.

Original Vetiver is also a business or business casual kind of fragrance. Not something that would be worn out to a club or perhaps not even a date (but it won’t totally be out of place in that instance).

Overall Impressions of Original Vetiver

Overall, would I recommend Original Vetiver? Yes, provided you’re a fan of vetiver, want a ‘classic’ clean/soapy fragrance, and prefer subtlety over extreme power.

Original Vetiver is very attractive on the whole with a green and masculine aroma that could find a place as a daily wear for a lot of guys.

The performance here is good and this is an example of a great vetiver cologne. Yes, it is on the expensive side of things, but it is worth it for those who want a classic kind of cologne.

Personally, it’s not something that I’d want to wear all of the time. But, as far as vetiver focused scents go, this has been among my favorites for a while now. I will say, the price has been getting pretty crazy for what you get in return. So, Original Vetiver is probably a try out before you buy fragrance nowadays.

Creed Aventus vs. Absolu Aventus Comparison

by

Aventus is in its second decade now of being one of the best selling men’s fragrances on the planet. Creed brought out Aventus Cologne a number of years ago as a flanker, but have now followed that up with 2023’s Absolu Aventus. I bought a sample of it in order to test it out, review, and compare it to the original. Which is better? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs Absolu Aventus

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

Absolu Aventus

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

Click here to try: Absolu Aventus

Read my review: Absolu

Opening

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.

Absolu Aventus opens with a slightly different mix, while still being familiar. It isn’t as sharp, the pineapple is gone, as is the birch smokiness.

Replacing that, is a smoother blend of citrus. Including added citron and grapefruit. Still bergamot heavy, with some lighter black currant, but I like the citrus here more than the original.

Also, I get a good amount of vetiver early on with Absolu. That with some spiciness from mainly cinnamon and cardamom. Ginger is pretty faint on my skin, early.

Which is better? I like the Absolu version better. It’s just more pleasant to me and I like the added notes here. Just comes across well.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

Aventus has always been a strong fragrance. It’s not on the top tier of sillage, but, it can certainly make itself known in a room. Very good initial projection and a steady and slow decline.

But, noticeable for a vast majority of the wear.

Absolu Aventus starts off about the same. However, it seems to decline at a much faster rate than the original and descends into skin scent territory after a few hours of wear.

They may be close to equal at their peaks, but Aventus is the better performer.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

The original Aventus has always lasted 8 or 9 hours on my skin, no matter the batch. It’s really been consistent over the years, in my experience.

Absolu hits about the same mark. Again, however, it doesn’t maintain the same level of strength and projection as the original. Absolu Aventus will spend more time as a skin scent, than does Aventus.

But, there’s no real difference in terms of how long they last.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Aventus is pretty much a year round fragrance, except for the high heat of summer. To me, it is much better in spring or autumn.

Absolu actually seems to work better here in the wintertime. Autumn through early spring. I think the original is better in the warmer temperatures and this one has more appeal in the cold.

Both are equal in terms of the vast array of scenarios in which you can wear them. Day or night, casually or dressed up, etc. etc.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these scents do I prefer?

Honestly, they have an extensive overlap with one another, as Absolu stays very close to the original formulation, just with some tweaks.

More citrus, spice, less smokiness and depth. Very much a condensed and slightly better cold weather wearing version of Aventus. I do like the smell. I might even prefer much of the wear to the original.

However, I’d honestly just go with Aventus versus Absolu, if I were in the market for a Creed Aventus. The bottles of Absolu are going for over $500 each and unless you’re a collector, you’re not going to get much value out of it.

The original is stronger and has more depth in the later stages. Even if, I don’t personally care for that opening act. The birch, vanilla, and moss are really good in the original. Once everything has balanced out, it’s a great fragrance.

Absolu is very nearly the same, but lacks certain elements. I do like the spices, such as cinnamon, but that’s not enough to justify paying for it in my opinion. The performance is lesser and the smell doesn’t really break new ground.

It’s a limited edition. So, unless that appeals to you, just stick with the first one or Cologne.

Winner: Aventus