Guerlain's Vetiver is essentially a man's eau de toilette but since its debut in 1959 time has proved that it is also a firm favourite with women. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain, fifth generation "nose" of the eponymously named iconic perfume, this classic and sexy fragrance is said to have a star studded fan club including Harrison Ford, Andy Garcia, Paul McCartney, Jodi Foster, Naomi Campbell, Michael Caine, Arnold Schwarzenegger and supermodel and underwear guru Ellie Macpherson.
After 45 years of pressure from women who adored the male scent, Jean Paul finally succumbed. In 2004, creating Vetiver Pour Elle by substituting the tobacco with lilly and jasmine. It still has a limited production. However, it is ironic to note that fragrance expert Luca Turins describes the female version in his 2008 Perfume Guide as possibly the best current woody fragrance-also for men.
Guerlain Vetiver Cologne Gets Best Vote
So what is the essential appeal of Vetiver? Winner of the online site "2007 Basenotes Awards for Best Men's Designer; mainstream or fine fragrance", it has bloggers heatedly discussing its notes, top middle and base with a poetic and passionate fervour that even the advertisers might find a little purple!
On February 4, 2009 VCW, a blogger on Basenotes, described the fragrance of Guerlain Vetiver as "Fresh spinach sauteed with a bit of olive and lemon over an open fire. Clean and earthy at the same time. I am surprised there's not more disagreement over this one given its, what I perceive to be, unique character."
J Chandrashker on the same site (June 4, 2006) takes the nose scent even higher. "The earthy and irrepressible individuality of vetiver is here smoothened and rendered irresistibly wearable in an exhibition of genius. Robustly nonconformist , yet exquisitely refined and tasteful, this classically fashionable scent is one of the rarest of rare creatures: a masterpiece."
Fragrance Notes of Guerlain Vetiver
In less lyrical terms, the fragrance of this most sophisticated and sexiest of men's colognes is derived from the essential oil of the vetiver plant originally grown in India and related to lemon grass. CItrusy headnotes of vetiver, lemon, mandarin, neroli and bergamot mingling with the green and woody heart dry down to a spicey peppery base with a mild hint of tobacco.
An Intoxicating and Sensual Fragrance
After the intial burst of citrus the warmer earthier smell of this subtle fragrance lingers sensually on the body like a second skin. Guerlain is an eau de toilette that has a refined personality and yet with its mellow and rugged base an earthiness that makes it a truly glamorous and fascinating scent. Metaphorically speaking, think of a cross between George Clooney and Russel Crowe and this might give some idea of the power of this scent's mystery and allure.
Guerlain Vetiver Eau de Toilette for Men is available at fine department stores worldwide.The recommended retail price for 75m in the UK is £35 and the 125m bottle is priced at £49. It is also available online and at Airport Duty Free Shops.
Here's one for the girls – Orris Noir a beautiful women's fragrance and a big hit with a panel of very special perfumistas.
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