Original Vetiver Creed 2004

I really don't care about the name of the brand or the fragrance, nor what associations one might have with it. I'm not an unconditional fan of Creed fragrances, at least not at the offered price. It costs a staggering (approximately!) 250 euros per 100 ml. From that point on, the whole thing becomes almost outrageous, even with "Original Vetiver".

Of course, you can find alternatives if you know the common fragrance clones of "Millésime Imperial", "Original Santal", or "Aventus", and lo and behold: There is hardly any noticeable difference, at least not for me! ... I think my nose is very sensitive, but not necessarily trained. I just can't say for sure how pure vetiver smells, even though I've encountered it in countless fragrances. I would go so far as to say that it comes across to me like a grassy lemon, so why not directly like lemongrass!? ;-)

Now, I know that vetiver is supposed to smell very earthy (Terre D'Hermès sends its regards), but for me personally, it always remains "green-citrusy." This is also the case with "Original Vetiver." It smells completely different from the aforementioned "Terre D'Hermès," but still hits the same note. A bit grassier, I would say, with significantly less sillage and a slightly soapy finish... I really don't understand why one is described as "earthy-woody" and the other as "fresh-green."

So what!? If you like it grassy, green, and fresh, "Original Vetiver" will certainly serve you well. The scent progression is quite linear. The EDP doesn't sting, doesn't bite, and its naturally tinted clarity stands for a beautiful summer. The slightly soapy aftertaste may be appreciated by the old-schooler, while the gourmand might reject it.

Conclusion: Vetiver or not... In my nose, we have a good representative of its kind here, but its price seems in no way justified. One must be allowed to say that, as I'm currently toying with the idea of buying a new car. And when I consider that my current one is supposedly worth just as much as two bottles of "Original Vetiver," I think to myself: How crazy are you actually!? ;-)