montblanc

Explorer vs Explorer Platinum

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Explorer became a hit for Montblanc in the years following its release. Which, will cause almost any brand to follow it up with flankers. The latest in the Explorer line is Platinum. But, how does it compare to the original? Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Explorer vs. Explorer Platinum

Explorer

Notes include: sage, bergamot, pink pepper, cocoa, vetiver, ambroxan, leather

Click here to try: Explorer

Read my full review: Montblanc Explorer

Explorer Platinum

Notes include: violet leaf, sage, cedar, amber

Click here to try: Platinum

explorer platinum

Opening

Explorer opens up with a pretty sharp bergamot note. What I like about it, is the lack of pineapple that was always bothersome to me with Aventus. The bergamot gives you a bright quality, joined by sage, and a warm/spicy pink pepper.

Then, a second wave comes consisting of leather, woods, and ambroxan.

Platinum kicks off sweet, with a greenish, aquatic undertone. It actually has sort of a coconut-like aroma, and remind me a bit of Kenzo Intense. It’s strange, you do get the watery feel of the violet leaf note, but that doesn’t come across as being super powerful.

Sage is one thing that I do get a lot of. A woody mix of sage with that violet leaf undercurrent. Sort of like H24 meets that Kenzo. It’s bright, somewhat spicy, and ozonic. On the sample that I got, it talks about amber being here too, but it’s not officially listed online.

I do get a light touch of that, but kind of seems like that more generic ‘amberwood’ note these designers use.

Which is better? Honestly, I like the start of the original Explorer a lot more than Platinum. Platinum is unique, but feels more like an amalgam of a bunch of different scents, while not being exactly like any. Though, it’s only mildly enjoyable in the opening.

Edge: Explorer

Projection

Explorer isn’t weak, I’ve never found it to be so. But, it does moderate fast and stay closer to the skin for the duration of the wear. The opening is pretty strong, not too heavy, but has a good reach.

With Platinum, it seems like a similar experience to the original. Pretty potent start, a lighter feeling with the ozonic aspect, but follows the same trajectory. I don’t really experience a difference between these two.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With the original Explorer, I’ve always gotten between 6-8 hours of wear. It kind of depends on the day, as to which outcome I am going to get, but it always lands in that range.

Explorer Platinum lasts around 9 hours on my skin. The performance is better for me than the original Explorer. So, if you like this one, you do get some good value. It’s not crazy powerful at that point, it is around, though.

Having worn both of these multiple times at least, Explorer Platinum gives me the longer wear between them, and takes this category.

Edge: Platinum

Versatility

Both of these are at their best in moderate to warmer temperatures. With Platinum, I think it extends a bit further into the heat than the original. Neither is great, when worn in the cold.

Very versatile fragrances, that can be worn in a wide variety of situations. I’d say the original Explorer is better at being used for day or night wear and can be worn on dates. While Platinum, is more limited in the daytime.

Not too big of a difference, but the original has a slight edge.

Edge: Explorer

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these do I like more? I’d have to go with Explorer.

Yes, it imitates much of Aventus by Creed. Though, I like the toned down parts here (lack of pineapple and birch), and enjoy the use of cacao. The leather note when paired with that in the dry down, is really great.

I just think that the original Explorer is the better fragrance. Platinum is okay. I like it somewhat more than Ultra Blue and it can be a good fit for certain guys.

It’s smooth at times, has the ozonic/aquatic quality, which I like. Even if it stems from violet leaf, one of my least favorite notes. Ultimately though, it’s smoother middle act turns into something somewhat sour.

Like, it has that Santal 33 aspect of the woodiness, just not as good. And it’s mixed with the H24 and Kenzo Intense. Interesting, but not all that amazing, and it personally grinds on my nerves after a time.

Winner: Explorer

Explorer Ultra Blue by Montblanc

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Explorer Ultra Blue is the follow up to the very popular Explorer from Montblanc. It was released in 2021, but I grabbed a sample more recently to test it out and see if it was actually worthwhile. How does Ultra Blue Smell? Does it last long? Is it better than the original Explorer?

What does Explorer Ultra Blue Smell Like?

Notes include: pink pepper, bergamot, sea notes, fruits, ambergris, wood, patchouli, leather

Click here to try: Explorer Ultra Blue

My Full Review

Here’s how Mont Blanc describes it: Explorer Ultra Blue celebrates the Blue found throughout nature. Intense, infinite, and fresh, the eau de parfum reveals a citrus woody marine fragrance. Embark on an epic journey.

The opening of Ultra Blue doesn’t come across like the original Explorer. Actually, the opening of this fragrance is a lot like Light Blue Living Stromboli with how it smells.

Citrus, pink pepper, aquatic notes, and vetiver are the overlaps between them. This one starts out blended more, with a less intense use of the pink pepper (heavily featured in the D&G cologne).

After about ten minutes, this will separate away from that comparison, and more towards being its own thing.

Ultra Blue does have its own overlap with the original Explorer, but the smell is different. Notes shared, include: bergamot, pink pepper, leather, vetiver, amber. Different weightings and you replace the cacao with sea notes (which is simply going to be different).

It’s fresh, with a hint of citrus, a salty marine accord, and woods. Actually, some smoothness in there from a touch of leather.

That’s my dry down. A light amber, mixing with a mix of the marine, woods, and some leather. Not super deep or complicated.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The first hour or so does have a nice punch to it. It’ll extend out to about a seven-ish foot radius from where you sprayed, at its peak. By the end of that hour, it’s come closer to the three foot range.

So, Explorer Ultra Blue does pretty quickly dissipate with its power and ability to leave a scent trail. Not a heavy scent, that’ll bog down on you. At it’s height, it does have a substantial heft for a fresh aquatic.

The longevity here isn’t all that great. It’s okay, on my skin, in the 5-6 hour range in total. The last couple of hours are pretty light and skin scent level.

Seasonally, this is a cologne that is more for the spring and summer months. But, honestly, I’d be fine with it anytime other than when it is really cold out. That fresh bite, might be too much.

It’s a clean and fresh daily wear. Not very formal, romantic, or a club beast. It’s one that you can wear to work (at most jobs), casually, or at school if you’re a student.

Ultra Blue is pleasant and probably not ever going to offend anyone.

Overall Impressions of Explorer Ultra Blue

Overall, do I like this cologne? It’s okay. I don’t hate it, but I’m sure that I’ll forget about this one in a short amount of time.

Ultra Blue isn’t unpleasant, but there’s not much going on here that really grabs my attention. The aquatic accord is pretty nice, the citrus isn’t that strong, and all of the other notes kind of end up blending together.

If you want an easy blue aquatic with a relatively pleasant woody base…this could fit the bill. Though, I’d want a massive discount for it. Ultra Blue is very serviceable, though never spectacular.

I do have a full bottle of Living Stromboli, which I purchased for review, and has a comparable opening. I prefer that Light Blue flanker to this and that was never cologne that I particularly loved.

Everything here is just fine. Smell is just fine, performance, quality, etc. The original had its somewhat different take on the Aventus style. Yet, it is a much better fragrance than this more unique Ultra Blue flanker.

Explorer for Men by Mont Blanc

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Explorer by Mont Blanc quickly became one of the brand’s most popular fragrances, after its release in 2019. It drew many comparisons to the legendary Creed Aventus, which only heightened its appeal. In this post, I want to share my thoughts on Explorer after having tested it out for a while now. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it really worth a try?

What does Explorer Smell Like?

Notes include: sage, bergamot, pink pepper, cocoa, vetiver, ambroxan, leather

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Explorer Eau de Parfum, 3.3 fl. oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening act of Explorer is where the overlap with Aventus is going to be the most noticeable. Do the two smell alike? Yes, but let’s get the differences out of the way, and focus on Explorer in this post.

That pineapple note from Aventus is absent. Along with, the birch wood. Explorer isn’t nearly as sharp, deep, or smoky as the Creed fragrance. Also, no vanilla undertones. But, as a woody citrus cologne? Quite similar in terms of aroma.

Explorer starts off with its bergamot citrus note and it’s fresh spices. I mainly get the sage, but there is also a prominent pink pepper.

Underneath this, sits leather, ambroxan, wood, and vetiver. It comes across as bright and fresh with the a level of smoothness. 

To me, the leather and cacao notes in the base, also give Explorer a resemblance to Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme. The D&G has tonka bean and tobacco, instead, but shares the citrus, sage, and it also has a pepper note.

It’s not too complex. The final dry down has less of the citrus and pepper and more woods and a somewhat chocolatey finish from the cacao note. Definitely doesn’t have the same depth or development as Aventus.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Is this one a beast with its projection? Nope. I’d say that Explorer is above average and quite good for the first few hours, but pretty much decent thereafter. It can probably project 5-7 feet at first, before working its way back in, and being much closer to the skin.

The longevity was also solid during testing. 6-8 hours, on my skin usually. Most of the time, it would hit the 7-8 hour mark, but never seemed to go beyond that. Not bad, just not an elite wear.

Update: Yep, 6-8 hours, is all that Explorer was ever capable of for me. Frankly, it’s not really a problem for most use cases.

Seasonally, I would like to wear this in moderate to warmer temperatures. Not too cold, above freezing, as it can come across as pretty sharp when I wore it outside here in winter.

Really, I stay away from the extremes at either end with Explorer. But, you will have plenty of opportunity to wear it in most climates.

It can be worn casually, on dates, at work, or anywhere really. Explorer is a very versatile fragrance, that enjoys a mass appeal. Younger guys or grown men can wear this Montblanc without issue.

Overall Impressions of Explorer

Do I like this cologne? I do. If you want a cheaper version of Aventus (update: better yet, here’s a list of similar scents ‘inspired by’ the Creed. There are others that smell much more like Aventus than Explorer, if that’s what you want), this is going to be a great bet for you. Not 100% overlap, as I stated, but it strikes close enough.

I do like the opening of Explorer better. The pineapple and birch always got on my nerves in the Creed fragrance. Explorer is smooth, fresh, and has plenty of style.  

Again, it does also have some of that D&G Pour Homme style, as well. Part Aventus, part D&G, and part its own thing.

Update: I went through my mini bottle of this, after I initially posted this review. The cocoa, leather, and ambroxan really do set this apart from Aventus more and more. I did enjoy wearing this a lot sometimes, but other times it was less inspiring. Explorer is one that I need to be in the mood to enjoy.

That being said, this is still a fragrance that is worth picking up, even at full retail (if that’s your only option).

It won’t be the most unique scent out there. However, the versatility and the aroma can easily make this one a daily wear for the right guy. Not the best fragrance out there, but a super easy to wear cologne, that’ll cover a lot of bases.

Starwalker by Mont Blanc

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Having already done a few other Mont Blanc cologne reviews (see: Individuel) and a best of list from the brand, I thought that it was time to put up a review of Starwalker.  The name is what initially had me wanting to give this a try, as I found it to be a rather unique and interesting moniker. Turns out, it is named after one of the pens which the company also produces.

Nonetheless, this was still a review that I was looking forward to doing and seeing how Starwalker stacks up versus the rest of the Mont Blanc line. Please continue below for my full impressions on how it smells, its performance, and if it is a good bet to buy.

What does Starwalker Smell Like?

starwalker

Notes include: amber, mandarin, musk, bamboo, bergamot, sandalwood, ginger, and more.

Click here to try Starwalker: Mont Blanc Starwalker Edt Spray 1.7 Oz By Mont Blanc [Misc.]

My Full Review

Starwalker isn’t one of the most well known fragrances out there. In fact, it isn’t even the most popular cologne for men by Mont Blanc (see: Legend). However, this under the radar scent is rather unique and that is one of the reasons that I wanted to give this one a closer look.

The opening of Starwalker is mostly dominated by the citrus notes, but, it isn’t a bold and overwhelming citrus like some other colognes. This one is more subdued and surrounded by woodsy and floral aromas.

Enough juiciness, but more of a fresh and somewhat sweet aroma coming through.

The wood in this case, is bamboo, which is what I think gives Starwalker its unique sort of vibe; as bamboo isn’t a frequent ingredient found in most colognes. The orange and bergamot, aren’t really allowed to become overly sharp, as the wood keeps it in check.

There is a very slight spice with nutmeg and ginger, but that’s more of a temporary experience, even if it were bolder in how each note presents.

As it dries down, this cologne smells very smooth and refined. In many citrus fragrances, you’d expect it to really come to the forefront. Instead, what you’re left with is something that is very light, clean, and beautiful.

Sandalwood, bamboo, and a muskiness floating in the background alongside the fading citrus in these latter stages. Even the sandalwood, doesn’t last for that long it seems. Musky bamboo with cedar and citrus highlights, in the end.

Quite freshly clean and low key.

It does seem to have some similarities with other citrus/woodsy fragrances out there, mainly, Versace Man Eau Fraiche. I do enjoy the Versace cologne more than Starwalker but this fragrance is really nice as well.

However, I don’t think that it smells exactly like that cologne. After all, the lemon and star fruit in Eau Fraiche, are very strong and dominate the scent. It has a cedar note, but the wood in that fragrance, aren’t nearly to the same extent as it is in Starwalker.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Starwalker is light and non-intrusive, you’ll smell it but you won’t be enveloped in its aroma. It starts off decently strong, but quickly settles into having a 3-4 foot radius, around the wearer. It is pretty steady, for the entirety of the wear, at least until the 4th or 5th hour.

The longevity is pretty moderate in my opinion and it’s usually good for about 4-5 hours and sometimes longer. It’s definitely not a top notch performer, in that regard. Many Mont Blanc scents, seem to have this longevity issue. Many of them are decent, but few are truly outstanding.

Starwalker isn’t one of them. But, if you can get past needing to have an all-day wear, this could be a scent that you enjoy.

It’s really a spring/summer type of fragrance, the light citrus aspect of it, draws it into that category. I like it as a versatile daily wear, during these months.

Starwalker can be worn to work, casually, or for semi-formal events. It’s a well put together scent, but not completely stuffy or anything like that. It’s attractive, rather than being super sexy and begging for attention.

Overall Impression of Starwalker

Overall, is Starwalker worth a purchase? I’d say yes, if you’re looking for something light, casual, and relatively inexpensive, then this one could be right up your alley. It’s by no means the greatest cologne on the market but it’s very good for what it is.

I like the bamboo and citrus mix. Later, the woody notes of sandalwood and cedar, give it a nice finish. There is also a great addition of ginger, in there as well, even if it is ephemeral.

The performance isn’t all that great, so, I’d say definitely pick up a discounted bottle if you can. I wouldn’t go full price for this. It’s actually not a very complex fragrance, just nice and simple with how it develops.

The style itself is pretty common, but Starwalker is a unique take on this sort of simple citrus and woods cologne. The smell is among my favorites from Montblanc, if the performance was beefed up, this would’ve been borderline great.

Legend Red by Montblanc

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Legend Red is the latest release from the popular Montblanc series, introduced in 2022. Based on the notes, it seems to take the line in more of a unique direction than just being another complete ‘re-imagining’ of the original EDT. How does Red Smell? Is it worth a try?

What does Legend Red Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, sage, cedar, juniper berries, tonka bean, mahogany, cardamom

Click here to try: Legend Red by Montblanc

legend red review

My Full Review

Let’s see how Montblanc describes this: A charismatic woody fragrance that evokes the thrill of speed and makes the heart beat a little faster.

Tried this scent? Leave your rating and review in the comment section below.

The grapefruit note shares the duties about equally with the blood orange, upon first spraying. It’s a juicy and energetic citrus duo, that reminds me of The One Gold. But, I think this is a better fragrance.

There is a cardamom note early, it’s honestly pretty weak, especially compared to the one in Legend Night. Instead, you get more of the clary sage and juniper freshness.

The sage and juniper have their run at the top, but you can already pick up strongly on the woods coming from the base, even at the very start. Cedar, for sure, but the mahogany starts to really come through in the middle act, on my skin.

That aspect really brings to mind the note in Euphoria for Women, also this has an element of the men’s version, as well. Mahogany strength isn’t something you get too often in fragrances, even in this limited capacity.

So, Legend Red goes from citrus herbal to citrus woods. The only other real aspect is the tonka bean, adding a sweetish aroma to the dry down with its vanilla-like profile.

For me, the juniper actually stays around more than the sage, in the late stage.

Not too complicated of a scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one is pretty moderate in terms of sillage. At its peak, it’s probably a little better than average. On the whole, it is about middle of the road.

It’ll create a nice scent bubble of 3-5 feet, depending on your sprays. Then, move closer into being a skin scent.

On my skin, it can last up to about 6.5 hours. More in the 5-6.5 hour range, with multiple tests going towards the lower end of that range.

Seasonally, this is mostly for spring and summer. Though, it really works whenever the temperature is moderate to warmer. I like wearing it outdoors and catching some of it coming off of the breeze.

It’s versatile enough to be worn almost whenever during the spring or summer. Maybe not the most formal scent, but semi-formal or office wear should be fine. It’s got a nice maturity to it, but isn’t at all stuffy.

Legend Red is a likeable fragrance that should have plenty of mass appeal. It’s an easy to reach for cologne, that is fresh, and not overly complicated with more difficult notes to pull off.

More of a daytime wear, but wouldn’t be totally out of place in some nightlife situations.

Overall Impressions of Legend Red

Overall, do I like Legend Red? I do. It’s not my favorite thing ever, but I think it’s a very nice and highly wearable freshie for the spring and summer months. Legend Night and Spirit are still my favorites from the line, but this is quite good.

I like the blood orange note and the use of mahogany. That’s what helps to give this one some distinction, even while it doesn’t have too much in common with the other Montblanc Legend colognes.

This gives you a clean, appealing, and rather versatile fragrance to wear. It’s not going to offend, it should get a decent amount of complements, and covers a lot of bases.

The performance is decent enough. Not a complete beast or workhorse. Though, it should get the job done in most respects. A couple more hours of wear would be great.

Not a mind-blowing experience, but I think most people would at least find this to be okay, if not something the really enjoy.