Icon Elite Dunhill 2016

When we consider the defining trends of recent years, we find that blue fragrances and nut/toffee gourmands are the thing of the hour.
In this trend world, one can detect a little rebel in Dunhill Icon Elite.
I ordered it blind because I was already a big fan of the Icon line (Classic, Absolute, Racing) and greatly appreciate the classic approaches of the line.
However, they still operate within a realm that I would describe as relatively safe.
Nothing was really risked.
All the more I was surprised by the extremely herbaceous-bitter opening.
Wow! A fragrance that does not need to sugarcoat the bitter ingredients or soften them with light notes.
I was astonished by the very dominant vetiver note.
The fragrance develops quite richly, yet the vetiver remains the most dominant note throughout.
At times, it is even so strong that it reminds one of Encre Noir.
What makes the fragrance interesting is the spice and complexity that come into play through the other ingredients.
Opening: Minimal citrus fruitiness with strong vetiver and hinted pepper
Heart: Vetiver with shallow juniper, noticeable pepper, and hints of woods and leather
Base: Vetiver still the most dominant, leather clearly perceptible, and a woody foundation that becomes more dominant from quarter to quarter after 4-5 hours.

I must confess that I see in it a modern interpretation of Guerlain - Vetiver.
The fragrance is incredibly versatile and stands out strongly from the crowd.
Very masculine, classic, and with that certain rebellious touch of a man who wants to swim against the tide.
It attracts attention, brings both positive and negative compliments, and is also wearable in the office.
The longevity is about 8 hours with 2 hours of projection.
The bottle is, as usual for the line, amazing and the price-performance ratio is great!
For fans of classic men's fragrances, vetiver, and anything that is not mainstream, it is worth a test.
Personally, I prefer the classic Icon or the Absolute, but I think the Elite is the best choice from the line for fragrance connoisseurs.

Thank you for taking the time to read my little review.
I hope I could help you and wish you a good journey in the land of fragrances.