spicebomb

Sauvage Elixir vs. Spicebomb Extreme

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Two fragrances which have become massively popular for the colder months are Spicebomb Extreme and Sauvage Elixir. Both the Dior and Viktor & Rolf colognes are flankers to their super successful original namesakes.

The question is, which of these scents is better? Which lasts longer? Which cologne should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Extreme vs. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Opening

The spice in Spicebomb Extreme is actually kind of toned down versus what you get with the original. Yes, cumin and cinnamon are still players here, just not massive with it.

Instead, the early stages are really going to be dominated by vanilla, tobacco, and lavender notes. Smooth and warm, led by the tobacco, with a further freshness supplied by saffron peaking up through the middle.

With Sauvage Elixir, you get a lot of spice. In the Dior it’s: cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Which is better? It’s a tight race between them. Though, I think that I slightly prefer the opening of Spicebomb Extreme versus the loud spicy affair that is Elixir.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Projection

Spicebomb Extreme starts out strong, maintains its level for a long time, but spends much of the rest of the wear at something that could be considered moderate.

Elixir, starts off stronger. It also stays very powerful for a longer time, and pretty easily takes this category against a Spicebomb fragrance that is no slouch itself.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these colognes have been utterly awesome for me, with their performance.

Spicebomb Extreme goes at least 10 hours and can go as high as 12-13, depending on the climate of the day, etc.

Elixir routinely hit 12 hours for me. I’m not sure where it drops off at, as I will shower in that time frame, but it’s more than enough for anyone.

So, while both do have a long lasting duration of wear, Sauvage Elixir can take it a bit further.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are mainly for autumn and winter. I would avoid both during the hottest summer months, especially.

Also, I’d much prefer to wear both in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. They are more mature as flankers than each of their original predecessors. Though, neither is really all that formal.

Well put together, yes. But, not tuxedo level formality.

I don’t really see much distance between them here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I think is better? I really enjoy both of these, so, it’s not easy to have to choose between them.

With Elixir, you get a significantly altered version of the Sauvage formula. A focus on some different spices and the inclusion of a great licorice note, which somehow doesn’t get massively annoying with that unique aroma.

There are plenty of colognes similar to Sauvage EDT, but Elixir really sets itself apart, while remaining somewhat true to the idea of the series.

The performance is awesome. One of the best mainstream designer fragrances out there right now, in terms of its sillage and how long it stays around.

To me, though, I’d rather have Spicebomb Extreme. You take a bit of a step back with the performance, while still being excellent. The fragrance itself, smells better to me versus the Sauvage.

The vanilla and tobacco are awesome together. I like the spices, they are softer, but the round things out. Plus, the saffron helps to keep it from getting boring.

Not a huge margin between them, Extreme smells better and has long been a cold weather gem.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

Spicebomb Extreme EDP by Viktor & Rolf

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Today, I am going to be taking a closer look at and giving my thoughts on Spicebomb Extreme EDP, after wearing it around. This Viktor & Rolf creation is a flanker to the original Spicebomb, which has long been a popular choice. What does Spicebomb Extreme smell like? How does it perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Spicebomb Extreme Smell Like?

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

My Full Review of Spicebomb Extreme

It’s been a very long time since I’ve smelled the original Spicebomb, so, I’m not going to make any direct comparisons beyond, I think that Extreme isn’t as spicy. But I’m reporting that from memory, so it might not actually be the case.

Update: I grabbed some newer samples of Spicebomb EDT since originally posting this review. That has a lot of cinnamon, pink pepper, and citrus up top in comparison to this one. Full the full breakdown, here’s my comparison post: Spicebomb vs. Extreme

Anyway, Extreme opens up with lots of tobacco, sweet vanilla, some lavender, and then a bit of spice. Again, it isn’t overly spicy, rather, it is smooth, warm, and sweet. I actually really dig how fresh and comforting it is on my skin and kept putting my nose to my wrist to get another whiff.

Mainly, this fragrance is about the tobacco note, more so than any spices, which seem to just be playing a support role here.

Cinnamon and cumin are the spices in this version, which is why it reminds me of other spiced colognes, while wearing it.

According to Viktor & Rolf’s list of notes, there is also bourbon within the composition (maybe they meant Bourbon vanilla? Totally different.), but Extreme doesn’t put off much (if any) of a boozy vibe to me, especially not a bourbon aroma.

One thing that I do notice, which adds to the freshness, is saffron which I’ve been seeing listed in a lot of colognes recently. This has been especially true of higher end scents. It’s great and not too intrusive in this.

As it dries down, I get a lot of vanilla and tobacco. The vanilla almost comes up to equal strength with the tobacco note and the entire scent feels very warm, if not hot.

Then, there is still the spices flanking the main aroma. It’s actually a fairly straightforward and linear sort of cologne. You get: tobacco and saffron, vanilla, with lingering spice throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d say that the sillage is quite large but not heavy. Meaning, for first the 4-5 hours of the wear or so, it can cover a lot of space around you…but it’s not super heavy. Extreme hangs lightly in the air. The rest of the wear, it is much more light to moderate.

It’s definitely got a long reach, but I don’t ever feel like it’s just a dense cloud of fragrance hanging around me.

Longevity is awesome here, 10+ hours of wear. Seriously, this is one that I can spray on, and have it hang around for seemingly as long as I want it to. Obviously, you’re going to shower at some point during the day, but Spicebomb Extreme should stick around until then.

I can safely say it’s double digit hours, with how long it lasts, but 14-15 isn’t surprising on my own skin with Extreme. Perfect.

I don’t know how this performs with other people, but this and Eros Flame, are two of the longest lasting mainstream designer scents I’ve come in contact with. Both are absolute monsters with the longevity.

Seasonally, this is a cold weather wear, all the way. Not something I’d want to put on when it’s warm or humid outside. It can be appropriate for work, if you go light. If you’re going to wear this, you’re probably not going to live in a tropical area.

Mainly, I’d wear it casually or for a night out on the town. It is pretty unique, not necessarily the style of fragrance, but there won’t be many guys wearing Spicebomb Extreme.

It does have a certain sexiness to it, which only adds to its appeal. I think that this Viktor & Rolf creation is really an attractive option. You’ll get enough use out of it in autumn and winter, could potentially be a signature cologne for that stretch of the year.

I put it in the same class as, Man in Black, except that Extreme has much better performance and no booziness. It terms of smell, I think they’re both great and among the best winter options for guys.

Overall Impressions of Spicebomb Extreme

Overall, do I like Spicebomb Extreme? Yes, this stuff is fantastic, provided it fits your style. Again, a cold weather scent, so if you’re not in the right climate it won’t be great.

Tobacco, vanilla, spices, and saffron/lavender. A sweetish somewhat gourmand quality. Not necessarily an appealing prospect for everyone.

If that doesn’t sound nice, avoid this. However, I think most guys would enjoy wearing this cologne, and the performance is top notch.

To me, it’s not really a spice ‘bomb’, it’s a fragrance that has spice. The original fits the moniker much more than this, but Extreme blows it away in terms of performance.

For me, this is the best of the Viktor & Rolf men’s line currently. Second and third, is a toss-up between Spicebomb EDT and Infrared, depending on how I’m feeling. Followed by the green bottled, Night Vision EDP.

This is a very nice tobacco cologne, with sweet hints and calming elements. Nonetheless, it’s a great wear. Really quite perfect for most situations in the late autumn through the winter months.

Spicebomb Infrared EDT by Viktor & Rolf

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Spicebomb is a series of colognes, for which I have generally positive opinion on. The more recent Night Vision entries weren’t that great and were a step down from the original and Spicebomb Extreme.

As such, I wasn’t all that curious about trying Infrared, lest it be another mediocre fragrance. Eventually, I grabbed a sample of the stuff to test it out and review it for the site. How does it smell? Does it perform well? Is it even worth a try?

Spicebomb Infrared EDT Overview

Notes include: red berries, tobacco, habanero, cinnamon, saffron

Buy from Macy’s: Spicebomb Infrared EDT

My Full Review

Infrared kicks off with its hottest notes coming through in a big way. But also, the sweetness of the red berry oil leading the way and giving the Spicebomb formulation a different aroma.

The cinnamon is the dominant spice here and early on it is joined by that habanero pepper which really ramps things up. Infrared is intense, but never heavy-handed with how it comes across.

It’s always got it its warmth coming through but the spiciness also has a very fresh aspect, that is great.

Underneath that initial blast is the saffron note, which will take over for the red pepper accord. The cinnamon sticks around, but it is joined by that saffron note for a while. Also, benzoin appears to be in the mix, but comes across more like a pure amber to my nose.

After that phase, it will mostly be about the cinnamon and tobacco. The fruity sweetness of the berries hangs around for the entirety, but you get closer to the familiar Spicebomb DNA for the rest of the wear.

The saffron is probably the fourth most prominent note, but the habanero heat from early on has disappeared from the blend.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Infrared starts off with a pretty strong sillage. It is powerful and will project itself nicely. However, it settles into much more of a moderate scent overall. It’ll hit that 4-6 foot range for a good portion of the wear, before coming closer to the skin.

Not a monster and not a weak fragrance.

I get about 6-7 hours of wear on my skin with Infrared. It’s about what I get from other entries in the Spicebomb series, outside of Extreme, which goes on forever. For an EDT fragrance, it’s pretty darn good. Though, it could be better.

I’m not disappointed that much in the performance, since I get plenty of use out of it within that time frame. Just know what to expect, before purchasing.

Seasonally, it is best for autumn and winter. The colder temperatures will really let Infrared shine. However, I wore it on a day where the temperature was around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and actually was really great.

It was outdoors with a breeze and that is what sold me on getting a full bottle of Spicebomb Infrared.

This one is best used casually or for the nightlife. It does lean younger in its target demographic, but anyone could wear this really, just don’t expect some super formal cologne. That’s not what Infrared is.

It does have mass appeal and a level of sexiness to it. Gourmand, warm, attractive, with a masculine tobacco note.

Overall Impressions of Infrared

Overall, do I like Spicebomb Infrared? Yes, it has become my second favorite entry from the Spicebomb lineup. Extreme is better in terms of smell. Though, since it’s better for colder weather and the climate around me doesn’t get there too often, I purchased this one.

This versus Spicebomb EDT is a close call. I think the original used to be better and be a better performer, but it’s lost a step.

The opening act is really awesome. I love the red berries, habanero, and cinnamon spice. It’s very warm, spicy, and sweet. This stage completely sells you on the ‘red’ color chosen for the marketing of this fragrance.

The dry down gives me more of the traditional Spicebomb aromas, but Infrared still does it’s own thing. Still sweet, with the cinnamon and tobacco notes really coming through to the end. Fresh, not too harsh, with a softer spice than encountered in the opening.

The performance is good enough. Not great, but not poor, either.

Overall, I like this one a lot. I mean, I bought a full bottle shortly after trying the sample for the first time. It’s not my favorite scent ever or anything, just one that I enjoy wearing and want to experience this autumn and upcoming winter.

Spicebomb EDT by Viktor & Rolf

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Spicebomb from Viktor & Rolf, is a fragrance that I was sure that I reviewed on the site many years ago. While recently posting reviews on the Night Vision flankers to this cologne, I realized that I never actually did. So, it’s time to rectify that mistake, and I’ll be doing so based on the current formulation from a sample that I bought. How does it smell? Is it still worth a buy?

What does Spicebomb EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: cinnamon, saffron, bergamot, pink pepper, pimento berries, white leather, tobacco, grapefruit, vetiver

Click here to try: Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce 

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Viktor & Rolf describes it: Spicebomb is an instant olfactory detonation. An overturning convention which reveals a fragrance that makes no concessions. An explosive concentrate of masculine sensuality.

Spicebomb opens up with that ‘detonation’ of spices and a quite noticeable mix of the grapefruit and bergamot. It’s for sure not a tropical or citrus-laden fragrance, but those notes are present for much of the wear, especially in the initial stages.

Beyond that, the pink pepper note comes through with the cinnamon blend in a pretty even split early on. It’s like a 60/40 deal, to my nose, but the cinnamon will increasingly become dominant.

As it moves along, the sharp blast of spice will settle and be smoothed out by the notes emerging from the heart. I get a lot of saffron and vetiver, which gives Spicebomb a bit more maturity from that youthfully energetic opening act.

Leather comes in, very lightly in the middle, adding to the smoothness and character of this cologne.

At this point, you pretty much get everything you’re going to with this one. It’s cinnamon, saffron, vetiver, leather, and the remaining grapefruit. Finally, it’s the cinnamon, saffron, and vetiver to finish things off until it disappears completely.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, the EDT version still has some punch, but it’s more of a moderate fragrance nowadays. Older bottles projected better for longer, but this latest batch wasn’t bad in terms of its overall power. Just not the same level.

On my skin, I get 6-7 hours of wear  from Spicebomb. Yeah, that’s also taken a hit. It went from very good longevity, to solid. If you want a monster performer from this series, Spicebomb Extreme delivers that. Though, it’s a different sort of scent.

Seasonally, this is a autumn and winter wear. The citrus and spice can not only melt in the heat, but can also give off a body odor sort of smell. So, if you live in a more tropical area, you may only get some use from this at night.

Also, it’s more of a casual or nightlife scent. Yes, it has a sexiness to it and is attractive. However, Spicebomb isn’t a formal fragrance and might not be someone’s daily wear cologne. You can get plenty of use from it, it’s just not a jack of all trades.

Overall Impressions of Spicebomb

Overall, do I like Spicebomb? I do. I really enjoyed coming back to this fragrance, after years of not using it. That aroma is still there and still great. I did use Man in Black by Bvlgari during this interlude, which has a very similar albeit boozier profile to Spicebomb EDT.

Spicebomb is still fresh with that great spicy kick, especially up top. As it dries down, you do get a smoother experience with the additional saffron, tobacco, and white leather. The saffron is pretty noticeable during the middle act, which is a good thing, as it is a highly underrated note.

The performance is decent, in its latest incarnation. Is it as good as it used to be? No, but not terrible either. I wish it had its older performance levels, though, it wouldn’t deter me from getting a bottle of the newer batches.

Spicebomb EDT is a classic and one that is well worth getting if you want a dynamic and spicy fresh cologne. The good news, is that, you can usually find really affordable bottles of this stuff online and any change in performance becomes much less of an issue.

I still love how this one smells and will recommend trying it out, if you have yet to ever smell this Viktor & Rolf creation.