hermes

Un Jardin Apres la Mousson by Hermes

by

Hermes’ Jardin line is one that I’m currently doing my write-ups on, after having tested them out. Today’s perfume is the release, Un Jardin Apres la Mousson (A Garden After the Monsoon). How does this one smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

Quick Overview

Un Jardin Après la Mousson is a light, airy fragrance built around ginger, cardamom, coriander, pepper, watery notes, and vetiver.

The opening is the most interesting stage, combining warm spices with a cool rainy freshness and light citrus that gives it the impression of a humid garden after a storm.

As it develops, the sharper spice settles down and ginger, soft florals, green vegetal notes, and the aquatic base become more prominent. Later, the fragrance gets drier and earthier as vetiver strengthens, though the overall development stays fairly simple.

You can also try the ‘inspired by’ fragrance Anticipation by Dua, if you want something inexpensive.

What does Un Jardin Apres la Mousson Smell Like?

Notes include: ginger, ginger flower, cardamom, coriander, vetiver, pepper, citrus, water

Click here to try: Un Jardin Apres la Mousson

jardin mousson review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: Un Jardin après la Mousson explores unexpected aspects of India, when the monsoon gives back what the sun has taken from the earth, and drives away the scorching breath of drought.

The opening of Mousson is an interesting blend of warmth and aquatic coolness. It does really capture that rainy aftermath, where the sun is out, but you have somewhat of a break from the heat…but not necessarily to humidity.

The citrus top is light, much like a flavored water than a distinct solo lemon or orange note. This is joined by the suite of spicy notes: pepper, cardamom, coriander, and the headlining ginger.

The pepper and coriander do give it an initial sharp spiciness, that will become more subtle and really a fresh aromatic.

Once this stage has cleared, the heart is where you get much of the garden aspect of this scent. Ginger, floral notes, and a greenish quality with that rainy aquatic base.

The only real change is that it becomes less watery and get a drier aroma, with some added vetiver strength. This Hermes scent is pretty simple in its development.

Spices, watery notes, earthiness/floral, with an underlying sweetness throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Mousson definitely leans more towards the lighter side of things. With a decent amount of sprays, you’ll get an airy scent trail for about 2 hours or so.

The projection is like 4-6 feet, at its peak. Don’t go into this thinking that you’re going to get a powerhouse, that’s not this scent.

The longevity is about 5-6.5 hours, also. The back half of that is going to be a skin scent, that you’ll catch whiffs of throughout that 3 hour or so span. Then, it’ll fade away.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer fragrance. I would want moderate temperatures at least to wear Mousson, but more of a warm weather fragrance for me.

This is indeed unisex. I don’t think that it strays too feminine, but it’d lean more that way than something traditionally masculine, in my opinion. But, it’s a safe one for anybody to use.

Casual to semi-formal wear during the daytime. It’s a fresh and invigorating sort of aroma. Not sexy. Not something built for the nightlife or romantic occasions. Just something that can be pleasant to put on for the right person.

Overall Impressions of Un Jardin Apres la Mousson

Overall, do I like Apres la Mousson? It’s fairly enjoyable, but not something I really want to wear often, nor is it my favorite from this series. I’m partial to the Monsieur Li fragrance, myself.

While I like ginger a lot as a note, it’s usually in more of a support role versus the main attraction.

I like the concept and like the other Jardin perfumes, I think that it nails a fairly naturalistic smelling impression of an Indian garden after a monsoon has ripped through. Not that I’ve encountered that personally, but on the level of imagination…this gives that impression.

The mix of water, spices, and vegetal aromas is intriguing. I think that it is worth a try. Personally, I like the opening act where the spices and watery aspect are most pronounced.

The performance is okay, in terms of longevity. However, this is more of a lighter and airy fragrance, so don’t expect much of a long lasting sillage.

If you like these Hermes scent, check Apres La Mousson out. It’s a good perfume, that may speak to you more than it did for me. As an alternative to this, try the ‘inspired by’ fragrance: Anticipation by Dua,

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil by Hermes

by

Hermes’ Jardin series of fragrances has been pretty popular and one which I have enjoyed from time to time. I’m coming back to them, in order to give these perfumes proper full reviews.

Today’s entry is Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, one of the favorites of the line. How does it smell? Does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

Quick Overview

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is a hyper-fresh, green fragrance that opens with green mango, grapefruit, tomato leaf, and lotus. The first stage has a sharp tropical-citrus quality mixed with watery and vegetal notes, giving it a distinctive naturalistic feel.

As it develops, the mango and tomato leaf fade while hyacinth, iris, musk, sycamore, and citrus become more noticeable. The dry down is cleaner, more floral, and slightly powdery, while still keeping some of the airy aquatic character from the opening.

Overall, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is one of the more interesting fragrances in the Hermès Jardin line, with plenty of movement between fruity, vegetal, floral, musky, and powdery stages.

You might also try the ‘inspired by’ alternative fragrance: Complexity of Citrus by Dua

🌿 Un Jardin Sur Le Nil by Hermès — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Green Floral Aquatic
Key Notes Green Mango, Grapefruit, Tomato Leaf, Lotus, Hyacinth, Iris, Sycamore, Musk, Incense
Season Spring, Summer, Warm Weather
Occasion Daytime, Casual Wear, Outdoor Wear, Work, Semi-Formal Occasions
Longevity Around 6–7.5 hours
Sillage Strong early projection reaching about 7 feet, then settles to a moderate level
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.0 / 10
Quick Verdict A hyper-fresh green fragrance that moves from mango, grapefruit, tomato leaf, and lotus into a cleaner floral-musky dry down with hyacinth, iris, and sycamore. It is bright, naturalistic, and more complex than a typical fresh scent. Performance is solid rather than exceptional, with strong early projection and 6–7.5 hours of longevity. Best for spring and summer daytime wear, especially for anyone who enjoys sharp citrus and vegetal notes.

What does Un Jardin Sur Le Nil Smell Like?

Notes include: green mango, lotus, sycamore, tomato leaf, incense, hyacinth, musk, grapefruit, calamus, and more

Click here to try: Un Jardin Sur Le Nil

sur le nil review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A perfume of life and light, sparkling and generous, where the scents of green mango, lotus, flowers and aromatic rushes mingle with incense and sycamore wood. For Men and women alike.

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil starts off sharp, fresh, yet with a greenish/vegetal aroma. The mango and grapefruit are dominant on first contact with the skin. Tropical and then a layer of citrus, which will reverse when the grapefruit takes over for the fading mango.

It’s interesting to have those fruit notes blended with a mix of earthy and aquatic smelling notes wafting from the heart and base. Tomato leaf is a big player here, along with the lotus, which is the strongest floral note at first.

‘A garden on the Nile’ is what the name translates to and like the others in this Hermes series, it does indeed capture what that might smell like.

As the mango takes a step back, this one gets earthier and more floral. It’s more of a cycle of the floral notes. Early lotus, then hyacinth giving it a slightly sweet green feeling, and then its a bit powdery in the dry down with iris.

It’s still clean and somewhat aquatic, but a lot of the green vegetal aroma will pass. Less tomato leaf, lotus, and the mango.

More of a citrus floral, musk, sycamore, and maybe a touch of incense. Not really something that I pick up a lot of.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one actually has some nice strength early on. The projection off of the skin will extend to maybe 7 feet after spraying. It has a good scent trail with its super fresh cleanliness.

After that, it moderates quite a bit. For much of the wear, I would expect about half of the distance of the peak.

On the skin, it will go for 6-7.5 hours. It’s pretty decent for me, just not amazing or anything that’s going to really shock you with the performance. Not terrible, though.

Seasonally, this is spring and summer all the way. This is one that begs to be worn in the daytime, particularly outdoors in the sunshine. The naturalistic notes ae a joy in the light breeze, which I got to experience coming back and testing this one.

This is a fresh and casual wear. Maybe semi-formal. Not a nightlife or sexy wear. It just smells good and may gather some complements, but won’t be a total attention grabber.

This is technically unisex, but this is definitely more feminine leaning with how it comes across. Though, not entirely so.

Overall Impressions of Un Jardin Sur Le Nil

Overall, do I like Un Jardin Sur Le Nil? Yes, it is one of my favorites from the series, and one of the better Hermes fragrances for women (even if it’s listed unisex).

I do like the green mango note. The complexity and how many different smells that you encounter throughout the duration. Hyper-fresh, yes. Powdery, sure. Vegetal, you bet. And on  it goes.

Personally, though, I prefer Le Jardin de Monsieur Li versus this one…but that just may be only me who’s in that camp.

This one can come across as quite sharp, clean, musky, and a lot of citrus (especially early on). For some, that may be something that turns them off completely from Sur Le Nil. For others, it will scream springtime and be something that they cannot do without. (Complexity of Citrus is a good cheaper alternative perfume to this one)

It is an interesting fragrance for sure, with plenty going for it. I wouldn’t say that it is a must have for everyone, but it is a perfume that you should check out if the Jardin series is of interest to you.

H24 Herbes Vives by Hermes

by

H24 Herbes Vives is the third fragrance released by Hermes under its H24 banner. This one came out in 2024. I bought a sample of this last year and have tested it out here and there ever since.

How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is Herbes Vives, even worth a try?

H24 Herbes Vives Overview

🌿 H24 HERBES VIVES — AT A GLANCE

Fragrance Family Fresh Green Aromatic
Key Notes Pear, Green Herbs (Sage, Mint?), Physcool
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daytime, Casual, Semi-Formal, Warm Weather
Longevity Around 7 hours
Sillage Average — fresh, noticeable, especially in the first 1–2 hours
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.2 / 10

Quick Verdict
A fresh, green, pear-and-herb take on the H24 DNA with a cool watery/vegetal feel. Best for spring and summer daytime wear, especially in heat and humidity, though it is more interesting than spectacular.

Notes include: pear, herb notes, Physcool

Click here to try: H24 Herbes Vives by Hermes

My Full Wear Review

So, right off the bat this one smells different from the other two in the series, yet familiar to them. Hermes only lists three ingredients, but it’s pretty clear that the main accords from H24 are here, mainly in the background.

The ‘herbs’ here? I don’t know. I’d say mint, sage, and it seems like basil to me. Sage was in H24 already, so, I doubt that they lost it for this edition.

Between those two, this smells closer to H24 EDP than the original.

The biggest change is going to be from the pear note. Juicy and adds some sweetness to the mix. This paired with the very green and lush aroma from the herbs gives this one a rainy forest sort of undertone.

Not completely woody mind you, this is vegetal with how it comes across, more stem and leaf or grassy than any tree bark.

Also, there’s this synthetic ingredient called Physcool. Basically, it’s a cooling freshener as an ingredient and it’s doing it’s job.  Less of a distinct smell and more of an impression that you get while wearing.

As it dries down, it becomes more like the original two H24 fragrances.  Still much fresher and greener than either one of those, but you can definitely tell that this is an H24 release.

Herbes Vives isn’t too complicated of a cologne. Sort of sweet still in the dry down, not as sharp or spicy, but it still has that greenish cool finish to it.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one is a lighter and fresher wear than the other two H24. It’s not weak though, well within the range of average with how it projects.

Actually, those herbs do a good job at making themselves known, especially in that first hour or two. I think the Physcool adds to it as well.

It also has pretty comparable staying power. For me, this goes for almost exactly 7 hours, every time that I have tested the sample out. For this type of fragrance, it provides some value with the performance.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summertime wear all the way. Outside in the spring, this sits very nicely in the area. It’s clean and enjoyable enough for the warmer weather that we’ve been getting for the past week.

It’s one that can hold up well in the heat and humidity. That coolness comes in handy.

I’d say this is mostly a daytime wear. It can go casual, semi-formal, and probably as dressed up as you’ll be during the summer months.

H24 Herbes Vives isn’t a nightlife monster or that most are going to grab before going on a date or anything like that. It’s fresh and clean.

Overall Impressions of Herbes Vives

Overall, do I like H24 Herbes Vives? It’s okay. It’s not really my style and my least favorite of the H24 lineup thus far. H24 EDT is still my own favorite. None of them are great fragrances, but that’s a somewhat underrated scent.

This one? The pear is interesting and as a simple summertime fragrance, it takes a different tact than many others on the market. Different but not necessarily better.

Though, the performance is pretty good for something that you can wear when it is hot and humid outside. Quite fresh, with a green spiciness, and a watery/vegetal accord that’s present throughout.

None of it is spectacular to me. However, I do think that this one will have its fans. This Hermes cologne isn’t going to be for everyone and I’d say that you should try it before you buy, to make sure you’re a part of the in group for Vives.

H24 Herbes Vives FAQ

Is H24 Herbes Vives worth buying?

Maybe. You’re going to have to like the greenish and herbal aspects. For me, it is my least favorite out of the three H24 scents. Some will love this, others will not at all, Herbes Vives is one you probably should try out first.

How long does H24 Herbes Vives last?

Again, on my skin, I get around 7 hours of wear from this edition of H24. It’s fine, but Herbes Vives isn’t a spectacular perfomer.

Is H24 Herbes Vives better than H24 EDP?

To me, no. I’ve tried out all three of them and prefer both the EDT and EDP to this one. My favorite so far is H24 EDT.

Is H24 Herbes Vives more fresh or woody?

It has more of a fresh, green, dewy, vegetal style versus being a woody fragrance. Although, there is a bit of woodiness here.

Un Jardin Sur le Toit by Hermes

by

Hermes’ Jardin series is one that I’ve been working my way through posting full reviews of. I’m pretty much done, but one of the last one’s that I must do is Un Jardin Sur Le Toit. This edition was released back in 2011.

Reading the notes, I wasn’t particularly excited about giving it a complete testing, but it also didn’t seem like something I’d hate either.

How does it smell? How long does Sur Le Toit last? Is it actually worth a try?

Un Jardin Sur Le Toit Overview

Notes include: apple, pear, magnolia, wild grasses, rose, rosemary

Click here to try: Un Jardin Sur Le Toit

sur le toit review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A garden of feasting and joyfulness, where apple trees overhang wild grasses.

Un Jardin Sur Le Toit opens with a fresh mix of its various trees and fruits. Pear and apple trees along with magnolia. It’s a very sharp start to the mix. The apple is much more intense than that pear note and the underlying woody notes really pop.

Aside from the fruit trees, the other two stand outs are some dewy grass and the magnolia. This isn’t a completely floral fragrance, but lots of magnolia early on. Then, that’ll fade and you’ll get some rose thereafter…just not a ton.

The apple and pear with the freshness and watery aspect, does kind of come across as being shampoo-like, after that initial blast fades.

Also, the ‘tree’ notes really start to lose any woodiness, as it dries down. Kind of weird. More of a dewy grass with fruits and some rose. But the pear and apple tree notes are just the fruity smell than branch and all.

Not that it was too woody to begin with. However, that freshness was there for the entirety.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate. Probably a bit above the median average, but not much more. You’ll get a nice scent trail for an hour or so. But, for most of the wear it’ll sit within 3-4 feet from the skin.

The deeper you go, the more of a skin scent Toit becomes.

On my skin, I get somewhere in the 6-7 hour range, at its max. Sometimes, it went just over 5 hours, but it got above the six hour mark during testing, a majority of the time.

Seasonally, this is mostly going to be one for the spring. The grassy notes, apple, and the like really give you that sort of outdoorsy vibe on a warm day.

Though, I can’t say that it wouldn’t be fine in the summer months, as well. Update: Yeah, this works in the summertime too. Actually, outdoors in the air really helps to bring this along, and show off its positives.

This is one for the daytime to wear casually or just going about your daily life. It’s not a sexy nightlife fragrance or something that is super sophisticated. Sur Le Toit is pleasant and one that can capture a certain mood.

Overall Impressions of Sur Le Toit

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I like it somewhat. Though, it’s probably one of my least favorite perfumes in this Hermes series. Sur Le Toit definitely isn’t great and is probably mid at best.

It is pretty sharp early on. But, I like the sweetness and watery freshness that this one gives off. The grass is a nice touch, dewy, but not heavy and annoying.

Fresh and greenish aroma for those who are into that sort of perfume. For me, it’s not something that I always enjoy. Though, I do like this one more than many others of this type.

Trees, grass, and strong fruitiness in the opening. It’s hit or miss throughout the wear, but quite likeable at times. The lighter dewy dry down is a more pleasant experience and this could be a way to shake things up in the spring and summer months.

Is that enough for me to want a bottle? No, I don’t think I’d want to spray this one on, all that often.

Sur Le Toit isn’t a super complicated perfume and almost has a niche-like feel versus the usual mainstream stuff.

The performance is pretty basic, nothing too special on that front. Though, it really isn’t a problem, as it’ll essentially fit the bill in most any of the situations where one would actually be wearing this.

Is it worth a try? Sure, for the right person. Read the notes? Does it sound interesting or something you’d usually go for? If so, then yes, since there isn’t anything that’s really going to surprise or turn one away from the scent.

10 Best Smelling Hermes Colognes for Men

by

Hermes is a luxury brand that is steeped in fashion history. While it does have fragrances for men, that doesn’t seem to be the company’s main concern, but when they do put out a scent…they generally do it extremely well.

Many of the scents that are released, tend to be unisex, and can even be focused more on one note versus a mass market fragrance. I have chosen what I feel are the ten best perfumes from Hermès for men, currently. 

Favorite Hermès Perfumes for Him

Great Citrus and Vetiver

Terre d’Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver– To me, this is so much better than the original. I disliked the bitter orange opening in that one, for a long time. Now, it doesn’t bother me as much, this just surpasses it.

Meanwhile, Eau Intense kicks off with a lighter and brighter mix of lemon and grapefruit. 

Obviously, it is similar to Terre d’Hermes, just with a different and fresher blend overall. Yes, it is an Intense version, but it actually isn’t loud or even as heavy as the original. Maybe the intensity is referring to the vetiver note alone, which is indeed stronger and more prevalent. 

The vetiver comes on strong, after the opening and is joined by a moderate Sichuan pepper note. Mature and refined scent, probably better for 30+ years old, in most cases. Eau Intense Vetiver Review

Citron Cool

Terre d’Hermes Eau Givree– Another of the series that I really like. Eau Givree brings in a realistic zesty somewhat bitter citron note with juniper and a woody base. There might still be some of the original orange in there as well. 

This one is super fresh and clean. Not super powerful, but a versatile fragrance that can be a joy to wear. I really liked trying this one out, after being less than wowed with some other flankers of Terre d’Hermes.

There is a mineral note here, but the one time that I tried Eau Givree out, it didn’t seem to strong. Weaker than the one that was in AdG Profumo. I don’t know, maybe I need more time with it to notice.

The whole thing comes across as being quite cold, somewhat spiced, with a touch of bitter. I get lots of juniper coming through after the initial wave of citron.

Most Popular Hermès

Hermès Men’s Terre d’Hermès Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 fl. oz.– So, I’m putting this on the list based solely on the number of people who swear by this fragrance.

I am personally, in the minority opinion with Terre d’Hermes, as I don’t particularly care for it. Though, I’m more neutral on it nowadays.

Citrus, woody, and earthy. I like the concept, I just don’t like that orange note, especially with the underlying dirtiness of the patchouli and woodsy ingredients. 

I do like the vetiver here, which is why Eau Intense Vetiver really struck a chord with me.

Again, though, a lot of folks think this is one of the best scents of the last 25 years…I’m just not one of them. Read my full review.

Top Newer Release

H24 by Hermes– H24 seems to get mixed reviews, but in sales terms it’s actually become quite popular since its release in 2021. Personally, I liked wearing it and thought that it brought something different to the table, when compared to the usual lineup of men’s colognes.

H24 opens up with a lot of sage. The overall composition of this cologne is simple, but it still manages to be fresh and intriguing. 

The sage is joined by a metallic note, which provides some of that uniqueness. It’s less of the usual mineral oil-like smell and actually a genuine metallic aroma. It’s warm, with some sweetish narcissus flower, and a rosewood base rounding things out.

They have released an EDP version of this. Update: Also, Herbes Vives, which isn’t better either. Slightly different weightings of the notes, but they added moss as an ingredient. Between the two, I still prefer the original EDT.

Performance is nice. H24 is versatile and pretty easy to like. I’m not sure why some people didn’t seem to like this. It’s not the most amazing, but it’s all around worthwhile. H24 Review

Fresh and Soapy

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li– Not the best performer, but still decent. However, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is a fantastic smelling fragrance for men or women. 

This series of fragrances is mostly unisex, but many of them are basically women’s perfumes. This is a true unisex scent.

This Hermes perfume kicks off with a bright citrusy kumquat blend, that is refreshing and watery. The mint note comes in lightly to give it that bit of crispness, with underlying grassy notes, that does bring about memories of being in a small garden next to a pond.

The jasmine becomes the main note, during the dry down. It gives this one a soapy quality, as it blends with the other ingredients.

However, it maintains enough of a grassy, watery, and herbal edge to prevent it from being a ‘girly’ sort of fragrance. My Full Review

Warm, Sweet/Spicy, Boozy

Ambre Narguile– Another unisex option, but one that flies under the radar, and is actually quite phenomenal. This one is dark, sweet, spicy, and boozy. Really quite perfect for the colder days of the year.

Amber and honey are two of the main notes, clearly, giving Ambre Narguile the thick warmth and richness. Then, it brings in dry fruits, tobacco, rum, spices, and a bit of smokiness.

Very close to Oajan by Parfums de Marly. Though, this is a sweeter scent than that one, but still has its spicy kicks.

This is a release from the Hermessence collection and has great performance and is an exquisite gourmand for anyone to enjoy.

Note: The Dua Brand has their own take on this perfume formula and several ‘remixes’ to that, for a very affordable price.

Green, Fresh, Summer Scent

Un Jardin en Mediterranee– The other best entry from the Un Jardin lineup. This one is herbal, fresh, green, with a nice zesty top. 

Mediterranee kicks off with the usual citrus top notes, with some blend of floral ingredients. Then, the real magic begins with the introduction of fig, juniper, and cypress.

The juniper gives it that gin drink-like fizziness, with a wonderful fig coming through, and the green woodiness of the cypress tree. 

This one is actually unisex and can be worn by most men. Sur le Nil, is another potential option, but has more of a feminine aroma.

The longevity is ok, but the smell is fantastic. I really do like the addition of a fig note, in this composition, it takes over during the middle and dry down and sits perfectly. 

Classic Masculine Scent

Equipage By Hermes For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Oz.– A throwback scent from the 1970s. Equipage is a very interesting and charming fragrance that isn’t really like anything else released nowadays.

It is masculine, but not overpowering, and features smooth woody notes such as: rosewood, oak moss, and pine needles.

Has that great woody, smoky, and autumn outdoorsy scent. Equipage is refined and well put together, with a nice spice from nutmeg, and a pretty distinct carnation note up top.

Woody, Herbal, Outdoorsy

Hermes Rocabar Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce– Rocabar has a benzoin note that I really enjoy and reminds me of Body Kouros by YSL, though, the Hermes fragrance takes it in a entirely different direction.  

Rocabar is a very fresh blend of mostly wood and spices but it does have floral and sweet elements provide by vanilla and carnation.

Not as heavily masculine as Equipage or as resinous as Bel Ami. This is a good middle ground, though, still very outdoorsy.

Pine and cypress are very noticeable in the base of the scent, but the entire thing remains clean and classy.

Leathery, Spiced Woods 

Bel Ami FOR MEN by Hermes – 3.4 oz EDT Spray– Masculine and a definite 80s scent. If you love leather and woody fragrances, Bel Ami is probably among the best to ever do it.  Incredibly smooth and sexy and grabs attention in a good way.

It opens up with citrus and spices. The leather comes through, but it really only adds a sense of richness, at this point. Later, it will come out more and bring the entire fragrance together, as a whole. 

The citrus notes fade after the initial blast and their role seems overtaken by floral ingredients. Those add just a light touch to the resinous woods and herbal spices sitting underneath the leather.

Good power and a pretty unique sort of smell, nowadays. I cannot comment on how the original bottles smelled from a long time ago, but the newer bottles are very good.