By now, after a few years of my fragrance journey, I have become somewhat cautious with designer fragrances... too often I have been disappointed and too often a big brand has slapped a fancy name on a cheap chemical brew to cash in.
But they do exist... great designer fragrances where perfumers create an amazing scent from the available materials with the right time and dedication at a relatively affordable price.
One of these discoveries is Givenchy. Alongside the equally good Boisé, the Réserve Privée is a prime example of a fantastic fragrance for little money.
Similar to Dior Homme, there is a strong focus on iris here. This comes through very clearly. At times, it can have slight "carrot-like" tendencies, which is normal with strong iris.
I perceive the whisky note only as a subtle alcoholic sweetness, and in combination with the mentioned chestnut, it often reminds me of roasted almonds/chestnuts from the Christmas market.
For me, it is a great daily scent for autumn and winter and has respectable longevity and sillage.
Personally, I find it even a notch better than Dior Homme and it will surely find its way into my collection one day.
One might enjoy getting lost in niche fragrances, but now and then there is still a little designer gem.
I think we might have one here... give it a try :)
