Gentleman Givenchy Givenchy 2018 Eau de Parfum

In Epicurean philosophy, katastematic pleasure is the pleasure experienced when one is in a state of freedom from need or desire, as opposed to kinetic pleasure, which one feels while performing a rewarding activity. The absence of pain, apony, and the lack of mental disorders, ataraxia, are two of the katastematic pleasures and are often seen as the focal points of Epicurus. Furthermore, epicurean means, among other things, a person devoted to sensual enjoyment, especially that derived from refined food and drink. Can we apply the exact definition to perfume? If so, I'm epicurean as Gentleman Givenchy Eau de Parfum mentally induces me to sensual pleasure.

First, the cologne is not linear, and I can experience a transition between the spicy, dusty and balsamic phases. Far from being too sweet, it appears spicier and more powdery. Gentleman EDP oozes as dark and mysterious as the colour of the bottle, with some earthy undertones as it blends with the chemistry of my skin. Perfumers have created a perfectly refined fragrance, with some niche trends using the currently trendy note of iris. However, as a lover of iris and vanilla, I was intrigued by the simplified olfactory pyramid of this new flanker.

An explosion of oriental warm and spicy tones characterizes the opening. I get the sparkling pepper, slightly alcoholic, which pinches the nostrils and plays with the delicacy of the aromatic lavender, creating contrasting notes. While the violescent lavender isn't too overwhelming, relatively subdued indeed, I can pick up a hint of vanilla early from the base notes. Hence, the opening is somewhat edgy with spices and aromatic herbs, a sweet burst of vanilla and iris with peppery facets. That explosion of spiciness is simply a prelude, which gives way to the accord of the heart, the true protagonist of the fragrance.

We wait a few minutes, and then the magic appears. As the pepper takes a step back, the warmth of the tolu balm ignites the heart note of the iris, which emerges in all its fullness and delicacy with a manly touch. The dark, dry and deep resin shows undertones of cinnamon and vanilla. Also, the way they used iris here doesn't translate into lipstick or baby talcum vibe, like other designer fragrances. I get something waxy and nutty, reminiscent of chestnut flour cake. It could be the blend of iris and tolu balm, which provides dry mossiness comparable to ambrette seeds. The dustiness of the heart feels very sensual, and I love the way tolu, vanilla and iris come together to create a sweet balsamic sensation.

Finally, the base transforms into something on the darker side, with more resinous and balsamic undertones. The sweetness decreases as the fragrance stabilizes. All the peppery edges are gone at this point. I get all the sweetness of the vanilla and the earthiness of the warm balsamic patchouli, which makes it very intriguing. In addition, the trail that comes out of the skin has a soft creaminess. I swear, I'd say there's sandalwood in here that makes everything so creamy. A very pleasant and well-balanced dry-down.

From the start, I've observed that Gentleman EDP is deliberately creepy and addictive. Very addicting. I can quickly wear it in the office, especially in the cold months, as it is harmless and elegant. Still, I find it much more suitable for evening and night appointments, in autumn or winter. The sillage is moderate and certainly didn't disappoint, and the longevity is outstanding and projects over the arm after many hours. I cannot deny that Gentleman EDP has a delicious and welcoming smell on the skin. Try this one if you are looking for a warm and delicious resinous powdery scent.

I base the review on a decant I have owned since 2021.

-Elysium

That’s how I would sum this one up. I definitely agree that it has a very similar vibe to Dior Homme Intense; especially in the opening. You definitely feel a similar Iris note. As it develops though, more of an individual fingerprint emerges. The vanilla becomes more prominent, eventually taking center stage.

I really like the Gentleman line, placing this one and the EDP Boisee at the top of the line in my personal opinion. This one (the EDP) sets itself above the rest as far as longevity goes, lasting an easy 10+ hours on my skin. A very solid projection cloud reaches outward to a 4ft radius for 3-4 hours of that time, but even as a skin scent, it is still VERY present, resonating nicely. The sillage trail is very prominent as well, and people will know where you have been.

Again it’s preferance, but if you’re rating it as far as performance, the EDP wins that battle easily, while the Boisee has the best Scent in my opinion. The EDT Intense is also nice, but the Iris in that one is a little too waxy feeling to “win the comparison battle” on my battlefield.

I’d say give them all a peek, as they are all fantastic.

It reminds me of Dior Homme Intense, Valentino Uomo Intense, some Pradas and several contemporary creations, but it possesses some personalized Givenchy touch. It opens with a strong iris note accompanied by lavender. This iris-lavender is somehow waxy and strange, and I personally prefer Dior Homme Intense iris. Behind is like an ambrette note that gives the composition some niche electrical charge. A pale and fruity Tolu balsam is also present (note: Tolu balsam might be a new Tonka). The base is made of some vanilla fragments I cannot describe easily. It is dark, but not heavy. Present and fleeting at the same time, conjugated with some amber-like aspects

Rating: 6.5/10

More on Scentimentalwords

So what can i say about this one? I dont actualy have a signature scent, but if i had, it would be this one. The iris, mixed with the patchouli and the vanille its so, so good. If you like this 3 notes you will love this scent. Floral...sweet...earthy...this smells divine. One of the best designers on the market. This one, dior homme intense and valentino uomo intense are the three kings of sweet iris fragrances. Fenomenal stuff!

A solid sweet vanilla / iris fragrance.

It is definitely iris and vanilla forward scent that is powdery, dry, balsamic, sweet cooler weather fragrance in the mould of Valentino Uomo Intense, Dior Homme intense, Prada L’homme Intense, but it stands out from them with a perfectly balanced opening that is warm, balsamic, iris and vanilla forward but also fresh - slightly citrusy with a touch of lavander - very uplifting and soothing, cozy, elegant and sophisticated.
The main warm, balsamic, vanilla, and powdery iris notes persist for a solid 4-6 hours and then the iris starts to make way to the warm, balsamic, vanilla notes that just pamper your senses for the remainder of the fragrance’s life which is around 10-12 hours on skin with good projection and eternal longevity on clothes (about a week).

It's unisex but leaning more masculine. Suitable for leasure time and relaxing on cold winter days and nights. Works well on dates as well. A definite crowd pleaser.

Good value for the price (even at full retail).