Odisey
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Enigma Cologne - Loyal Companion
Hello to everyone reading this :).
I hope to share my impressions with many through my contribution here. This review specifically refers to the Cologne version of the perfume, as it is unfortunately not possible to write a review under the Cologne category.
Enigma is more than just a scent for me; it is a loyal companion through all seasons and occasions. Its unique fragrance DNA unfolds in several phases, which I would like to describe in more detail below.
Upon spraying, I notice a distinct cola note reminiscent of the popular cola bottles from Haribo. This sweet and almost sugary nuance is accompanied by a subtle citrus freshness that pleasantly balances the sweetness. Over time, floral accords of jasmine and heliotrope emerge, giving the fragrance an almond-like note. At the same time, warm elements like tobacco and vanilla join in, adding depth and complexity to the scent. As it develops further, woody and balsamic nuances accompany the fragrance in its dry phases.
What makes the development particularly interesting is the drydown.
The scent becomes lip balm-like and acquires a subtle, cherry-like, sweet-fruity component. These cherry nuances, combined with warm vanilla and balsamic notes as well as a creamy, delicate sweetness, remain present throughout most of the fragrance's evolution. The lip balm-like feeling that unfolds over time provides a pleasant, cozy warmth that gently accompanies you throughout the day.
For me, the fragrance is wearable all year round. In summer, 3-4 sprays on a lovely evening are enough to achieve the desired presence. In spring, it can even be worn all day without being too intrusive.
In autumn and winter, I tend to use 7-8 sprays, as the cooler temperatures carry the scent differently. I find it to be a special going-out or date fragrance that draws attention.
When I wear Enigma, I often notice people looking back at me or turning around. An almost magical silence arises when the scent enchants the surroundings - a silence of fascination. As someone from Vienna, where restraint is often the norm, I find these reactions particularly flattering. It’s as if the fragrance creates an invisible aura that captivates people.
In my opinion, there is no fragrance that even comes close to resembling Enigma. Its cola opening, combined with the floral and warm nuances in the heart and the woody, balsamic tones in the drydown, make it crazily unique!
The bottle is also a true masterpiece. The golden lettering and the elegant design, along with the overall color scheme, reflect the quality. Although I owned the Pure Parfum version, I could hardly notice any differences between the two versions. Due to the high price, I sold the Parfum version, as the Cologne variant is more than sufficient for me.
Enigma is a scent that plays an outstanding role on special occasions for me. Its complex development and the positive reactions it evokes make it an indispensable part of my collection and a loyal companion.
I hope you enjoyed reading and thank you very much for your time! :))
I hope to share my impressions with many through my contribution here. This review specifically refers to the Cologne version of the perfume, as it is unfortunately not possible to write a review under the Cologne category.
Enigma is more than just a scent for me; it is a loyal companion through all seasons and occasions. Its unique fragrance DNA unfolds in several phases, which I would like to describe in more detail below.
Upon spraying, I notice a distinct cola note reminiscent of the popular cola bottles from Haribo. This sweet and almost sugary nuance is accompanied by a subtle citrus freshness that pleasantly balances the sweetness. Over time, floral accords of jasmine and heliotrope emerge, giving the fragrance an almond-like note. At the same time, warm elements like tobacco and vanilla join in, adding depth and complexity to the scent. As it develops further, woody and balsamic nuances accompany the fragrance in its dry phases.
What makes the development particularly interesting is the drydown.
The scent becomes lip balm-like and acquires a subtle, cherry-like, sweet-fruity component. These cherry nuances, combined with warm vanilla and balsamic notes as well as a creamy, delicate sweetness, remain present throughout most of the fragrance's evolution. The lip balm-like feeling that unfolds over time provides a pleasant, cozy warmth that gently accompanies you throughout the day.
For me, the fragrance is wearable all year round. In summer, 3-4 sprays on a lovely evening are enough to achieve the desired presence. In spring, it can even be worn all day without being too intrusive.
In autumn and winter, I tend to use 7-8 sprays, as the cooler temperatures carry the scent differently. I find it to be a special going-out or date fragrance that draws attention.
When I wear Enigma, I often notice people looking back at me or turning around. An almost magical silence arises when the scent enchants the surroundings - a silence of fascination. As someone from Vienna, where restraint is often the norm, I find these reactions particularly flattering. It’s as if the fragrance creates an invisible aura that captivates people.
In my opinion, there is no fragrance that even comes close to resembling Enigma. Its cola opening, combined with the floral and warm nuances in the heart and the woody, balsamic tones in the drydown, make it crazily unique!
The bottle is also a true masterpiece. The golden lettering and the elegant design, along with the overall color scheme, reflect the quality. Although I owned the Pure Parfum version, I could hardly notice any differences between the two versions. Due to the high price, I sold the Parfum version, as the Cologne variant is more than sufficient for me.
Enigma is a scent that plays an outstanding role on special occasions for me. Its complex development and the positive reactions it evokes make it an indispensable part of my collection and a loyal companion.
I hope you enjoyed reading and thank you very much for your time! :))
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Hype or Genuine Masterpiece?
Is the hype really justified? I took a closer look at the fragrance and would like to share my honest opinion.
Fragrance:
Blonde Amber starts sweet on the skin, which is not surprising when considering the fragrance notes. The tuberose is present from the very beginning and shapes the scent with its distinctive, almost gum-like sweetness. For me, it dominates until the end. Later, notes of tonka bean, vanilla, tobacco, and iris join in, adding depth to the fragrance. The iris provides a powdery note that many might find somewhat old-fashioned, while the tobacco at a certain point reminds me of Herod from Parfums de Marly. As it develops, woody and slightly smoky notes also emerge. The dried fruits that are often mentioned are hard for me to pinpoint, as are the citrus notes like bitter orange and cardamom. Overall, the fragrance remains quite linear, with few surprises, which I find somewhat disappointing, especially for a perfume in this price range.
Longevity and Sillage:
The longevity and sillage are definitely good. The fragrance remains perceptible for many hours and radiates a pleasant warmth. Even when I wanted to test the scent from a greater distance, it remained well recognizable. The longevity on my skin is also remarkable, and after almost 24 hours, a gentle hint of vanilla is still noticeable.
Value for Money:
The price of about €550 for 50 ml is simply too high, considering that the fragrance feels more like a mix of Parfums de Marly Layton and Tom Ford Noir Extreme to me. Both fragrances are of very good quality but also significantly cheaper. Therefore, the price seems unjustified, especially when considering that the fragrance does not show any extraordinary development and has similarities with other, cheaper perfumes in many areas. If you're lucky, you can find the fragrance for about €300-330, which I find more acceptable.
Conclusion:
Blonde Amber has sparked a hype that, in my opinion, is not entirely justified. Yes, the fragrance is good - but it is not extraordinary. Many of the fragrance notes remind me of Parfums de Marly, and the comparison to Tom Ford is also not unfounded. The expensive brand and the hype overshadow the fact that the fragrance ultimately is not a revolutionary creation. It feels like you are paying more for the brand and reputation than for the fragrance itself. I believe that many buyers have purchased the fragrance due to the hype and high ratings. For me, it falls short of the expectations set by the price and the hype; those expecting an extraordinary, unique scent may be disappointed. In my eyes, it is a good but unfortunately not outstanding perfume that can certainly compete with cheaper alternatives.
Cheers :)!
Fragrance:
Blonde Amber starts sweet on the skin, which is not surprising when considering the fragrance notes. The tuberose is present from the very beginning and shapes the scent with its distinctive, almost gum-like sweetness. For me, it dominates until the end. Later, notes of tonka bean, vanilla, tobacco, and iris join in, adding depth to the fragrance. The iris provides a powdery note that many might find somewhat old-fashioned, while the tobacco at a certain point reminds me of Herod from Parfums de Marly. As it develops, woody and slightly smoky notes also emerge. The dried fruits that are often mentioned are hard for me to pinpoint, as are the citrus notes like bitter orange and cardamom. Overall, the fragrance remains quite linear, with few surprises, which I find somewhat disappointing, especially for a perfume in this price range.
Longevity and Sillage:
The longevity and sillage are definitely good. The fragrance remains perceptible for many hours and radiates a pleasant warmth. Even when I wanted to test the scent from a greater distance, it remained well recognizable. The longevity on my skin is also remarkable, and after almost 24 hours, a gentle hint of vanilla is still noticeable.
Value for Money:
The price of about €550 for 50 ml is simply too high, considering that the fragrance feels more like a mix of Parfums de Marly Layton and Tom Ford Noir Extreme to me. Both fragrances are of very good quality but also significantly cheaper. Therefore, the price seems unjustified, especially when considering that the fragrance does not show any extraordinary development and has similarities with other, cheaper perfumes in many areas. If you're lucky, you can find the fragrance for about €300-330, which I find more acceptable.
Conclusion:
Blonde Amber has sparked a hype that, in my opinion, is not entirely justified. Yes, the fragrance is good - but it is not extraordinary. Many of the fragrance notes remind me of Parfums de Marly, and the comparison to Tom Ford is also not unfounded. The expensive brand and the hype overshadow the fact that the fragrance ultimately is not a revolutionary creation. It feels like you are paying more for the brand and reputation than for the fragrance itself. I believe that many buyers have purchased the fragrance due to the hype and high ratings. For me, it falls short of the expectations set by the price and the hype; those expecting an extraordinary, unique scent may be disappointed. In my eyes, it is a good but unfortunately not outstanding perfume that can certainly compete with cheaper alternatives.
Cheers :)!
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A Personal Look at the Evolution of the Fragrance
There are now countless reviews and assessments of Creed Aventus, especially on platforms like Parfumo, where almost everything has been said about the fragrance. Nevertheless, I want to add my two cents, as I personally have years of experience with this classic - not just as a sporadic buyer, but as someone who has been intensively collecting batches since 2014. Currently, I own around 20 bottles from the years 2010 to 2024, which has given me a fairly informed perspective on the evolution of the fragrance.
The legendary batches 2010-2013: A different caliber
For me, it is clear - the old batches, especially between 2010 and 2013, are in a whole different league. These versions of Aventus offer an experience that is hardly comparable to the current versions. The pepper, birch, and vanilla are distinctly present and create an absolutely unique interplay with the sparkling, almost green pineapple. The fragrance feels more intense, complex, and harmonious. When I evaluate these older batches, I consistently arrive at a 10/10/10 - in all areas: complexity, originality, and performance.
The current batches: Citrusy, synthetic, and trivial
Unfortunately, Aventus has lost its charm over the years. The current batches (2020-2023) are quite disappointing in comparison. The fresh, almost "green" pineapple vibe is almost completely missing, and instead, a citrusy, rather flat note dominates. The synthetic undertone, which is unmistakable in many modern perfumes, is also present here. The appearance of Iso-E Super and fixatives especially enhances the synthetic feel and makes the fragrance seem less natural. The performance is indeed better in the F-batches than in the earlier ones (2020-2023), but even here, it is noticeable that the formulation has changed significantly.
After 2020: A "dupe" of the original
Another sad chapter begins from 2020. For me, that was the moment when Aventus became a "dupe" of the original for the first time. Although it has better quality than other dupes available on the market, it is ultimately a shadow of its former self - only the name of Creed and the hype remain to represent what once made the fragrance so special. Considering that the current formula is regarded by many as "still good," I question whether the hype is truly justified. I see it more as a fragrance that nowadays still lives off its name and legacy.
The bitter price of reformulations
It is truly unfortunate that perfumes are repeatedly reformulated due to a small but vocal consumer group - usually to their detriment. While some changes are certainly necessary (for legal or production reasons), it feels for many collectors and enthusiasts like a constant loss of quality and authenticity. And this, despite prices continuing to soar. We as consumers often face the choice: Either we invest vast sums in old, "vintage" batches, or we opt for dupes that, while inexpensive, become hardly distinguishable from the originals after a short time (some dupes are almost 90% similar but have a vastly better longevity).
Conclusion
In the end, everyone must decide for themselves how they want to invest their money. Do I want to buy a "dupe" for 300 euros that is still far from the original? Or do I invest in a true vintage piece that offers me a completely different, unadulterated experience - and the possibility of owning a kind of "collector's item" over time? For me, it is clear that the older batches from 2010 to 2013 are the true masterpieces, while the current versions represent more of a shadow of their former glory.
But as I said, this is my personal experience and assessment, and since every fragrance is perceived quite individually, it may be that others can relate more to the newer Aventus versions. I, for one, remain loyal to the "old" Aventus and enjoy my collection.
And a small request to the Parfumo team: Could you please update the display images of Aventus? You still have the vintage variants as stock images, which does not reflect the current market and reality. :)
The legendary batches 2010-2013: A different caliber
For me, it is clear - the old batches, especially between 2010 and 2013, are in a whole different league. These versions of Aventus offer an experience that is hardly comparable to the current versions. The pepper, birch, and vanilla are distinctly present and create an absolutely unique interplay with the sparkling, almost green pineapple. The fragrance feels more intense, complex, and harmonious. When I evaluate these older batches, I consistently arrive at a 10/10/10 - in all areas: complexity, originality, and performance.
The current batches: Citrusy, synthetic, and trivial
Unfortunately, Aventus has lost its charm over the years. The current batches (2020-2023) are quite disappointing in comparison. The fresh, almost "green" pineapple vibe is almost completely missing, and instead, a citrusy, rather flat note dominates. The synthetic undertone, which is unmistakable in many modern perfumes, is also present here. The appearance of Iso-E Super and fixatives especially enhances the synthetic feel and makes the fragrance seem less natural. The performance is indeed better in the F-batches than in the earlier ones (2020-2023), but even here, it is noticeable that the formulation has changed significantly.
After 2020: A "dupe" of the original
Another sad chapter begins from 2020. For me, that was the moment when Aventus became a "dupe" of the original for the first time. Although it has better quality than other dupes available on the market, it is ultimately a shadow of its former self - only the name of Creed and the hype remain to represent what once made the fragrance so special. Considering that the current formula is regarded by many as "still good," I question whether the hype is truly justified. I see it more as a fragrance that nowadays still lives off its name and legacy.
The bitter price of reformulations
It is truly unfortunate that perfumes are repeatedly reformulated due to a small but vocal consumer group - usually to their detriment. While some changes are certainly necessary (for legal or production reasons), it feels for many collectors and enthusiasts like a constant loss of quality and authenticity. And this, despite prices continuing to soar. We as consumers often face the choice: Either we invest vast sums in old, "vintage" batches, or we opt for dupes that, while inexpensive, become hardly distinguishable from the originals after a short time (some dupes are almost 90% similar but have a vastly better longevity).
Conclusion
In the end, everyone must decide for themselves how they want to invest their money. Do I want to buy a "dupe" for 300 euros that is still far from the original? Or do I invest in a true vintage piece that offers me a completely different, unadulterated experience - and the possibility of owning a kind of "collector's item" over time? For me, it is clear that the older batches from 2010 to 2013 are the true masterpieces, while the current versions represent more of a shadow of their former glory.
But as I said, this is my personal experience and assessment, and since every fragrance is perceived quite individually, it may be that others can relate more to the newer Aventus versions. I, for one, remain loyal to the "old" Aventus and enjoy my collection.
And a small request to the Parfumo team: Could you please update the display images of Aventus? You still have the vintage variants as stock images, which does not reflect the current market and reality. :)
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