Gentleman Givenchy Réserve Privée Givenchy 2022

After a long, long, long search, I finally got this fragrance. Why? Well. I own a Valentino Uomo Intense 2016. However, it is nearing its end. I have cherished it like my own eye and the 50ml bottle has only been worn on special occasions and parties for 6 years. Although I belong more to the category of football players or lumberjacks (2m and naturally broader built), this particular scent suits me well, as I tend to wear classic black clothes. Long story short: VUI brought me endless compliments every time. When I needed an ego boost, I wore the Valentino. But as I said, the bottle is almost empty and the new version lacks a bit of depth and longevity, in my opinion. The 2016 version feels like being in a dark room and not knowing who you are dealing with, but it was intense. The newer version is more like a hickey with lipstick that you got in a large disco in the provinces. That’s why I was looking for a worthy successor.

Since the reviews for the GGRP were quite positive and I also have a penchant for the boozy direction, I got it at a good offer (this fragrance in 100ml + Spicebomb extreme 90ml) for a total of €92. And what can I say.

I am a bit disappointed. All the notes are there as described. But somehow the scent feels very dull and not so refined to me. Maybe it’s the chestnut. It somehow takes a bit of the darkness out of the fragrance. The 2016 VUI was somehow finer or more detailed. Of course, it’s not the same scent, but the fragrance direction is the same in my eyes. I can hardly describe it. If both fragrances were cars, then VUI 2016 would be a Ferrari and the GGRP a Ford Mustang. Both are fast and powerful. But the Ferrari performs on a whole different level in every respect, whether it’s design, power, balance, details, or concept.

For me, GGRP is a good fragrance, no question. But the price seems inappropriate for what it ultimately is.