I find this one very similar to other "modem" interpretations of vetiver fragrances in that the main note is paired with other complimentary accords. In this case it's dark roasted coffee. I find this one quite similar to vetiver fatal by atelier cologne. It's similar in that the vetiver smells "nutty" and almost has a sweet aspect to it.
I'm not sure if this is a "holy grail" of vetiver fragrances but I certainly like it. I think it's unique enough to own. It's just a shame that it's discontinued.
The opening is very nice but I don't like how the vetiver evolves in this one. It leans too much on the rubbery/sulfurous dirty side of vetiver which clashes with the promise of timeless elegance of the opening. For a vetiver and coffee fragrance I much prefer Woody Perfecto/107 which I find a lot smoother and overall more refined. And of course for a grapefruit and vetiver combo, the standard remains Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette.
I was very lucky to be able to test and review this scent now that it appears to be discontinued. Dior's answer to Chanel's Sycomore perhaps? I hope you enjoy my take on this original prive collection scent, and thanks for watching.
Dior's Vetiver was released in 2010 and the perfumer behind the fragrance is François Demachy. Vetiver as a fragrance is very versatile. It ranges from fresh-sweet to soapy to earthy-herbaceous. I would describe Dior's vetiver as green-spicy. The interesting thing about this fragrance is that it combines the eponymous vetiver here with coffee. This is a combination I haven't seen or smelled that often. In the opening is briefly a tart and juicy grapefruit, which makes way for the earthy vetiver after a few moments and still resonates a little in the background and sprays an oh so small touch of freshness.
Here in this case, it is a very earthy, dry and tends to be rather tart vetiver. The coffee can be smelled out in my opinion rather in the form of an earthy note. This is considered as a single note for me, rather the tart coffee grounds from the grinder and not a sweetened latte from Starbucks. In places, something here reminds me of the smell of walnuts. Tends to resonate with something slightly bitter in the background, which makes the fragrance even more interesting for me personally. The vetiver of Dior has taken over the throne in the genre of vetiver fragrances with me. Since I personally like rather tart fragrances, the vetiver of Dior can score here absolutely. While genre classics like the Guerlain Vetiver can also convince me, these lack the unique selling point in my opinion. Here, however, the symbiosis of the green vetiver with the earthy coffee notes is so perfectly staged that the fragrance leaves nothing to be desired for me as a vetiver fan. In the later drydown, the vetiver also adds a slightly minty or menthol note. This has on me almost a medicinal note, which as stupid as it may sound, has an immensely calming effect on me. That works then almost as if one would wrap the fragrance in a cocoon of security.
The performance is with 8-10 hours at a very good level. That leaves nothing to be desired with me. I come with it without problems over a complete workday and need only 2-3 sprays.
The flacon as well as the sprayer are on known Priveé level. Just these sprayers I would honestly never want to miss again. Since other brands in the price range can definitely cut off a slice from.
Currently, the Vetiver is only about the boutiques in France to refer. Statements that the fragrance was discontinued are therefore not true. After consultation with German boutiques it was confirmed to me that the smell can be sent also on order into German boutiques. On the online page of Dior, however, the fragrance is not listed.
The Dior Vetiver was my introduction to the world of vetivers... I was immediately enthusiastic about this fragrance ingredient. I started off with a 10 ml bottle. But I realized very quickly when I sniffed my way through the world of vetiver: no one is like you... It's simply the linear fragrance pyramid and if you want to know what a vetiver smells like, then it's the Dior Vetiver. From the first spray to the dry down. No frills, nothing sweet, doesn't bother anyone and isn't overly noticeable. Yes, it is not a compliment monster. But first and foremost, you should wear the fragrances that make you feel good. And I feel very comfortable with Dior Vetiver.
It was a shame that I quickly realized that the fragrance was no longer available in Germany. Fortunately, I managed to get hold of a vintage bunker bottle some time ago. And yes, the vintage Dior is even more vetiver than my batch from 2020. Tip for all friends of the fragrance: the Dior Vetiver is apparently still available in Paris.
Top Notes 
Sicilian grapefruit
Heart Notes 
Robusta coffee
Base Notes 
Haitian vetiver
BertolucciK
Jbl775
Jolo
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