Guerlain Vetiver is an aromatic, citrus, smoky scent created for Men in 1961 by perfumer Jean-Paul Guerlain, and its most current formulation was released in 2000.
Review
This scent starts off very fresh and citrusy with Orange, Bergamot and Lemon. After a while you can detect a blending of the Nutmeg from the heart of the scent and the Tobacco from the base of the scent. Vetiver mingles up throughout this unfolding, and the combination is a bright and spicy, earthy essence with a hint of smokiness. It conjures an image of a gentleman who constantly works in his garden, taking the occasional smoke break. He uses a wooden pipe and loose leaf Tobacco, giving him a more sophisticated Tobacco essence rather than a ‘stink’. The blend is fresh earth and grasses with a subtle citrus infused Tobacco note. It feels almost vintage-meets-modern, but is modern enough that you won’t feel like you’re wearing something too ‘old’. It feels classic and elegantly casual. It’s Eau de Toilette format may not last all day long, but you won’t feel like it doesn’t last long enough. It can be worn any time or place, and for any occasion, and will work well in any weather. It’s an easy grab for the office, for a casual day out, for a date or formal affair. It is simply an iconic Vetiver scent, and possibly the inspiration for most other Vetiver scents out there. It is comparable to Roja Vetiver Pour Homme Eau de Parfum.
Inspiration
Guerlain Vetiver was inspired by the earth. It is a grass and creates various aromas of grassy earthiness, sometimes emanating a smoky essence, and has a certain freshness about it. The Guerlain calls it “The Perfume of the Earth”, recalling “the exhalations of the earth in the pale dawn light”.
Notes
This scent opens with the zesty essence of its citrus notes, Orange, Bergamot and Lemon. Vetiver can be felt throughout each layer of this scent, and lends a subtle earthiness that leans grassy to the opening of the scent. After a few minutes, you can detect the spicy essences of the Nutmeg and Pepper blending with the Tobacco found in the base. The gentle sweetness of the Nutmeg tempers the Tobacco, giving it an elegant softness. Within this, you can feel that subtle earthy grassiness from the Vetiver. Tonka Bean adds a faint sweet warmth to the dry down of the scent, pairing well with both the sweet essence of the Nutmeg and the warmth of the spices, Tobacco and Vetiver. The overall aroma is a somewhat vintage-meets-modern, barbershop leaning, classic of all classic scents.
Top Notes: Orange, Bergamot, Lemon
Heart Notes: Nutmeg, Pepper
Base Notes: Vetiver, Tobacco, Tonka Bean
