V for Men

I agree with cinnamonswea... V is a completely unique and challenging scent, and one needs to take time to let it reveal its depth. Some comments here clearly indicate that V is either not capable of being grasped by everyone, or that people are not giving the scent enough time to develop on their skin. Smelling it on a stick in a store, or even wearing it for an hour or two after a salesperson sprays you, is shortchanging your evaluation process. As for longevity, two sprays last for 6-8 hours on me, and the scent continually changes throughout my wear. It's fascinating. On a related note, I understand that commenters on this site love to show off by comparing the highest-quality complex scents with cheaper stuff that may have the same top notes (but far fewer dimensions), as IF they could actually be substituted for one another. Do you actually believe that CC and other top houses could sell their scents for high prices if this were true? You know that even (especially!) rich people typically do not like to waste money if it can be avoided. And in free market economies like the ones we live in, if expensive scents COULD be duplicated, marketed and sold for less money, they WOULD be by someone who is willing to take a little less profit per bottle. So where are all the exact dupes? I am also grateful that the expertise on this site allows us to get some idea about a new scent by comparing it to others. Very valuable advice, indeed. I also understand that is it desirable to save money by buying cheaper bottles that "come close enough", if possible. I've done it, but have almost always thrown away the cheap stuff (or used it for bathroom spray) and sprung for the real deals. There is really no substitute for scents like V if you are a discerning and demanding consumer with some means. But unfortunately, often these comparisons are transparently being made in poor spirit to talk down an expensive scent, or worse, one that is over people's heads. This leaves people who already own it and "get it" shaking their heads, and worse, they potentially mislead others who really value and NEED accurate and knowledgeable commentary in order to help them make informed buying decisions. If you can't (or choose not to) afford it, everyone understands, but please do everyone a favor and don't shit on a scent just because it's expensive and/or you have an axe to grind. Everyone has their own price-to-value relationship, just as everyone understands fully well that price DOES raise the bar. You don't help anyone by imposing YOUR p/v relationship on them. We should all just stick to analyzing the scents in the most honest way possible, and let people make their own decisions on whether a scent is "worth it". Buying V is DEFINITELY an expensive proposition and almost certainly a leap of faith on some level for nearly all of us, as are lots of great scents. But this one is a must-have for me. V cannot be duplicated to my satisfaction by another scent currently known to me. If a combination of other scents could mimic V and someone stumbles on it, then they probably have spent more than they would have by simply buying V in the first place. And in reality, most of us don't have the time or desire to work out the combos, and would not blindly trust another commenters ideas on this anyway. V occupies a place on my top shelf, along with X and some Fjord's. You should consider treating yourself to V for the holidays. But remember, give V some TIME to work its magic before bitching about it in some incomprehensible and unhelpful way.

I have been searching for the perfect incense fragrance for quite a while now. I've tried as many of the critically acclaimed classics as possible (Avignon, Cardinal, Lavs, Bois d Encens, and quite a few more). All have been great representations, and all have slightly different nuances to them. Enter Clive Christian V. On first sniff, the pepper really dominates. I'll admit I was a little turned off by what I consider to be a pleasant but boring note. However, and as many others have stated, once I gave "V" time, I learned about all that it has to offer. It is an incredibly deep and layered scent, unfolding beautifully over the course of its 7-8 hour lifespan. What's more is that repeated wearings (something you can't do with only a sample or a spray at the store) reveal even more nuances. It took me at least five or six wearings before I was struck by just how powerful the citrus is in the opening. Beautiful! To me, this checks the box I have been looking for in an incense fragrance, and then checks a few more. It isn't an exact replica of a Catholic incense, a la Avignon or even Montale's Full Incense. But it has its moments in the dry down where you get to experience that. Many of the negative reviews on the fragrance are unfortunately due to short attention spans. It's a shame, because this seems to be an underrated fragrance in the community. I sampled it for about a year on and off before buying a FB. And I'm sure glad I did. My one criticism is performance. It really acts like an extrait on my skin... only projecting a foot or so. Longevity is fine, but I guess this is the ultimate "personal scent". That's probably okay, because it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. But I do wish it would leave a stronger scent trail. This may be more due to concentration than Clive Christian taking shortcuts. A highly complex near-masterpiece of incense, resins, pepper, and citrus at the top. Lovely

Phenominal,I have CC no.1, X and 1872, but had decided I had moved on since getting these parfumes. Recent favourites and wishlists are from the stables of Tom Ford, Creed and Amouage. Today I was in selfridges and they had the old brigade of Clive Christian CC parfumes that I have, and with them on show was "C" and "V" for men, so while I was there I thought what the hell I'll try them just so I'd know what they're like, not expecting them to be so good, and so contemporary. The two are similar in some respects yet so different, "C" has less depth than "V" which a much more mature and deeper fragrance, "C" is shallower in composition but makes up for it with a highly honed rapier thrusting at you from the offset, this lasts some time untill it begins to fade around 6hrs from application, "V" just keeps giving and in my mind it doesn't reach it's best until 2hrs in when a fully rounded ensemble surrounds you with intoxicating aromas. Hell "C" and "V" are the best outright positive impact to parfum I have experienced, this includes my first introductions to Amouage Epic Man, similarly with Creed Aventus, hell no they were head and shoulders above even these excellent parfumes. I have started saving for them right now and put some of my other wants and wishes on hold CC I am Back! ************************************************************************************* I have to revisit my premature and overly optimistic parfum review above, I have on further use and testing of my CC "V" come to realise the sillage is more restrained than reported and the longevity is less than long lasting as first reported by me, in fact I am moving my CC "C" to top spot in my parfum hit parade, and my CC "V" will drop down the charts from No.1 to just be one of my favourites.

Recently revisited all the Clive Christians and gave them proper skin time to establish whether it was worth forking out a substantial chuck of change...and sadly for my wallet it is! 'v' is an outstandingly unique Frankincense and pepper fragrance with a vague oud base in a condensed summary. However, this doesn't tell the full story the pepper is a prominent, ridiculously dry spicy pepper and the resins are truly the main players in this scent but being a Clive Christian it has an added touch of olfactory sorcery that cannot be analyzed. Akin to dark matter some fragrances contain an unseen construct which can only be perceived of but never quite understood. I really don't relish the fact that I get a bit giddy and teary eyed about CC fragrances. I like to think I remain impartial and unswayed by the regal packaging and inflated price tag...but there truly is a touch of magic in these bottles! Funnily enough I revisited Bois d'encens from Armani in the same week as this one and they do indeed share many similarities. I'd say 'V' goes into some darker more peppered territory, it's definitely heavier and lasts longer on the skin...but they're both great if I'm honest. Despite such a gushing review I don't think I'll be adding it to my collection simply because I have my eye on 'X'. Very, very special nontheless.

Not everyone will appreciate this one. At first the frankincense is almost overpowering and it reminds you of a cathedral or royal festival, the peppers are also somewhat overpowering. However given time, patience and a sophisticated nose V becomes a masculine statement staple (and one that edgy women might wish to adopt also). It is very distinctive. It lingers beautifully in the air and on clothes and as such is a great signature scent as it radiates success, unless you are totally in love with it though it's possibly best left for special occasions.

Finally bought this today after testing it multiple times for over 10 months. The peppery notes intertwined with the woody resinous and light floral notes really made this a very unique and beautiful fragrance. Edit: Today I just noticed how intense and important the Elemi and Oud notes are in V that made me come back to this fragrance so many times before getting it. The Oud here also kind of reminded me of the Rasasi Dhaneloudh Combodi that I got which was complex and a bit musky yet very gentle to the nose. 12 Nov 2013

I have been searching for such a fragrance over the past years and here it is. Pepper and Incense, calm, not jumping off your skin, but it gets to your nose almost constantly, warmed up by the pulse points and chest. I received compliments and people who were inhaling deep when close to me. The fragrance is very well balanced, concentrated (I assume 27% by reading 73% alcohol vol on the box) and you can almost "touch" it when sprayed on yr skin as a thin oily film can be seen. Recommended

After trying on V for a few more times during the warmer months, I started to like it more and more and appreciated the brightness of the pepper notes mingling with the solid Frankincense, Oud and resins notes. I can't say that I will run to the store to pick up a bottle now but will probably consider doing so next summer. 8 Oct 2013

This is more resinous and solid (with a hint of oud) whereas Bois d'Encens is more smokey-woody and hallow. I prefer this one because it's richer and warmer, but so is the price.. I don't think it's worth paying ~$100 more for half the size; Armani's offerings are already solid enough (personally I'd go for Encens Satin though).

A lot of Peppers and highest grade incense. Peppericense. I love it.

I received a sample thinking I'll buy this anyway but... It opened with a strong Vinegar and lemon scent... I waited half an hour for the dry down and thank god it really evolved... I get the resin and pepper... but really the blend comes across as an animalic leather with some citrus and a smidgen of wood in the back ground. After a few hours it is just an Oud scent - remarkably like Guerlain Oud Essentiel. I seriously wonder where the note table came from! I'm amazed at the broad level of reviews here. A little ridiculous as the scent is somewhat interesting and may compete against Parfum De Marly et al however it is underwhelming for the exaggerated price - simple as that. Try before you buy.

This one is a grower (takes some time to appreciate) and many people are put off by the opening. It starts with a pepper nutmeg combo that over time reveals incense + resins over vetiver in the full drydown. I see it compared to Poivire but that one is like a charcoal or wood smoked pepper that is savory, and this isn't savory at all. I was initially turned off when I tried it years ago, but I've come to respect it, and I can enjoy wearing it. Probably one of the more challenging from the house of Clive Christian. ------------------------------------------------------ Scent 77/100 Performance 85/100

Pretense aside, I do feel this is more well rounded and better balanced than similar offerings such as Montale Full Incense, Armani Bois d’Encense, Heeley Eau Sacree to name a few. Still very churchy, and resinous without being too cold and damp. Quite masculine but would like to smell on a woman. Basically pepper, cedar, elemi and frankincense, with some other light touches to highlight. Modestly appropriate sillage and decent longevity, but still subpar compared to the price. One of the best wearable churchy offerings.

A lovely and sophisticated olibanum based perfume. The perfume has a brief opening with citrus and elemi resin and proceeds to another brief spicy heart where one can detect pepper, orris and nutmeg. It finally settles into the incense laden base with olibanum and hints of woody notes, amber, vanilla, and vetiver. Beautifully blended, unisex (slight masculine leaning) with moderate sillage / projection and good longevity. Many similarities to Bois D'Encens. Enjoy!

THIS IS BY NO MEANS FOR YOU IF YOU ARE UNDER 30!! one of the best pepper openings I ever met... Very masculine and refreshing I love it.. But olbanium and resins strike after 15 minutes.. I'm Egyptian so that vibe is soo vintage and religious to me so it gives me an over mature vibe.. A formal by all means frag which can be some how worn on a date.. But mít clubbing or night out.. Its very well rounded but test before u try

church incense with a lot of pepper

A bit weak, but a nice mix of notes

I am rarely this frustrated with a fragrance. It is lifeless, boring and poor. It captivates with its initial burst of cedar, incense and pepper. It's intense and dark. But a few minutes later the intensity is lost, and it all becomes a stale mess that should cost 20 euros. OK, 120 for the crown cap. For far more interesting and better variations on this theme check Or Black (Morabito), or Black (Comme des Garcons). Bvlgari's Black is always a better alternative. I am not saying they smell alike. I am saying they are playing with the same vibe, but far more skillfully. Obviously out of the 3 private CLV, V is the one i like the least. Disappointment in an expensive bottle. The only good side is the coca cola effect in the drydown. **(***)

I must admit this was a big deception for me. I had very high expectations from Christian Provenzano, but this scent stinks. It's pepper on steroids with myrrh weird combination to say the least. Now weird combinations sometimes get amazing results, it is not the case here. All in all I ended up giving away the sample bottle before I was able to even get to half. I only did that with black afghano until now. Scent: 0/10 Longevity: 8/10 Sillage: 4/10 (luckily) Cost ratio: 0/10 Overall: 3/10 V stands for Victoria (as in the daughter of Clive) I think for this fragrance it should stand for Vile.

The opening is harsh pepper with a mix of potent vinegar like smell. Dries down to a woody but again heavy on the pepper/spicy smell. Try before buying, I dont like it.