Speed Legends Le Mans Classic

First off, this and Essential Parfums - Bois Imperial are the exact same thing. Just the latter is a 1/4th the price. Its so close its crazy, I now own both. When I smelled it in the department store I thought it smelled similar but I'm such a sucker for this scent profile I wanted to believe there would be differences. There are differences, BI projects slightly better and has slightly longer longevity. I will say the scent of SL is of higher quality but not by 4x. With that said, here is my thoughts. The citrus and black current are much more of a flavor for an aromatic sweet sage than anything else. It melds beautifully with the tonka and ambers they have going on. Its not syrupy, grassy, or citric. Its very light, super aromatic, and just an all around easy to enjoy scent. I would describe this as a masculine leaning floral aromatic. In the same execution style as reflection man, but not similar smelling. This scent profile is beautiful and mass appealing, definitely very well done. Pretty linear after the first 10 minutes and struggles to project without heat. The longevity is right were you would expect any fresher aromatic type scent to be, but it is not a freshy. I'm not upset I own both of these VERY similar scents, also Ganymede does a lot of the same stuff as well, just different notes. I will however re purchase the Essential Parfums bottle when I run out of both, not the Ex Nihilio, and I will have to run out of both to repurchase anything. They are the same thing, and I hate the "reminds me of" section. Beautiful scent though.

I was a bit hesitant with an Ex Nihilo. I think the house creates beautiful incredible high quality perfumes but often too beautiful for me. I like my fragrances real, somewhat unpolished and masculine. Speed Legends goes quickly to its core of black current / clary sage and vetiver. Not persé beautiful or very nice but clean/bitter, manly and self-possessed. I think it suits confident mature men, 35 - 65. The house could have added notes to make this fragrance more suitable for more people or even unisex. I am glad though that they didn’t. They would have created another generic fresh men’s fragrance of which there are already hundreds or perhaps thousands made. I love the racy opening of SL and then how SL soon settles down to that seemingly simple core of black current / clary sage and vetiver. I find it absolutely fantastic but I also know that many people won’t understand. This opening reminds of Le Galion’s Sang Bleu, the original formulation. The opening shares that kind of strong piercing raciness. The Le Galion kept that going for hours. SL settles soon to a grounding and confident kind of core of black current / clary sage and vetiver. That’s it. Perfect. *I just noticed that I have and reviewed the new Ex Nihilo Speed Legends. It is slightly reformulated. The first (limited edition) release had indeed eg sage which is now replace by clary sage etc.

Now this is nice. An excellently executed citrus, fresh and woody fragrance that’s classic without feeling dated. It manages to balance an old school gentleman’s fragrance but with a contemporary vibe. The top notes sparkle with the bergamot accompanied with the sage that adds a herbal element. The blackcurrant adds a touch of fruity depth but, fortunately for me, it’s not overbearing or too obvious. All of this is underpinned with the woody elements, slightly sweetened with the amberwood and tonka. There’s an almost aquatic element without it being an aquatic fragrance. This was a very pleasant surprise as the scent wasn’t what I was expecting, looking at the listed notes. It’s much fresher and brighter than expected. It really feels like high quality ingredients have been used here and unlike some other Ex Nihilo offerings, this smells more natural. It’s very well balanced and blended. Performance so far seems okay with above average longevity and a nice amount of projection although this does die back. I also think this is very versatile too and could be worn in various seasons and for different occasions. Classy presentation finishes everything off beautifully. I really can’t fault it. I have a number of Ex Nihilo fragrances but this will, I’m sure, become my favourite out of those I own. Well done Jordi Fernandez and Ex Nihilo. A massive hit for me.

This is my introduction to the house, following Jordi and Bisch here to sample their offerings in a different house. I have to say that I bought this one due to the bargain price I was able to get it at, but I did want to purchase the Extrait version of Outcast Blue, as well as Venenum Kiss, both which no doubt I'll acquire. This is what I assumed Masculin Pluriel by MFK would smell like, but didn't. This is simply amazing, there is nothing new about it, yet it's still unique. It's a very subtle smell, nothing loud about it, yet it's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. The price point that it's at makes it quite a pretty penny due to it' performance, but I'd gladly pay full price. It's got a hint of old barbershop smell, definitely lavender in there, or an accord. It is blended to perfection and there is nothing about it that's cheap or not worth its price point, just shame about its performance. It's extremely versatile, any where any time, anyone although id' say a tad masculine leaning due to it having a barbershop hint. A lovely introduction to the house and I've already bought their new Chandigarh Express and eyeing up their Outcast Blue. Enjoy and God bless :)

This one, though. I am so glad I blind-bought this. Let me start off by saying this disappointed me on the initial spray. It immediately came off as a fluffy-musky laundry detergent. Pretty soapy, but very detergent-like. I chose to wear it yesterday, and it kind of blew my mind. While it still has that laundry detergent vibe, it has such an amazing late vanilla, masculine touch. It is like drinking something that tastes pretty good, but leaves a weird aftertaste. Only in this case, the aftertaste is SO good. It is quite simple, nothing groundbreaking, but it is done unbelievably well, and I am honestly thinking this might crack my top 5. Don't come in expecting anything out of this world. But, seriously, don't judge this on the first spray. Give it time.

Speed Legends by Ex Nihilo is an exceptional fragrance with a refreshing composition suitable for both summer and winter wear. Speed Legends is a standout male fragrance that skillfully blends sage, woods, and vetiver. The opening notes of crisp sage provide an invigorating freshness, while the heart reveals rich, warm woods. The base of earthy vetiver adds depth and sophistication. This fragrance offers impressive longevity (7+ hours) and moderate sillage. Its versatility shines through as it is suitable for both daytime and evening wear, transitioning seamlessly from casual to formal occasions. Jordi Fernandez, who is one of my favourite perfumers, has once again crafted a remarkable fragrance. I highly recommend this fragrance and rate it 9/10.

This is not the kind of fragrance that gets you hooked on the first spray. The more you use it, however, the likelier you are to be attracted to it. This is like everyone says, a fresh and clean men fragrance. Quite generic I would even say, but not in a bad way. It gives out a vibe of newly-out-of-the-bathroom and lasts for a really long time as I can still smell it lingering after 8+ hours on my skin, which is truly exceptional for a fresh type of perfume. I would not say this one is anything impressive, mass-appealing nor safe blind-buy. Nevertheless, this is a decent fresh fragrance that will work in many occasions (work, date, even gym though I am personally against it). Rating: 8.5/10, not bad for an underrated Ex Nihilo fragrance.

To the person below who said this smells like Prada L'Homme L'Eau, that’s completely wrong. I’ve tried almost all Prada Lhomme line down to water splash and this isn’t similar at all. This is its own thing and composition and very unique. I’d urge everyone to try to smell this in person because it’s tough to describe but it’s light, airy, fresh and really addictive

The pyramid and vibe is all wrong for this. This is a citrus freshie backed by woods. Also I feel like there is lavender in here. Smelt in store and had to have it. It’s a grown up summer scent. It has an old school vibe to it interpreted in a modern way. It can come across as generic but if you keep sniffing you’ll smell the quality.

For me it just smells like a luxury soap and reminds me Luxury holiday. Fresh and clean. I may say it is creed original vetiver without vetiver note. Longetivity on me was below average. Does not really worth the price tag but I enjoy this fragrance on summer. Perfect for gym, vacation, relax occasions.

You gotta wear this fragrance to get an actual idea of how good it is. Trying it on paper doesn't do it justice. Price is wild but if you got the bread thennnnnn

This smells very similar to Moncler Sunrise Pour Homme. That’s not surprising since Jodie Fernandez was the perfumer on both fragrances. I love both fragrances.

Definitely an example where "this perfume reminds me of" is a more appropriate sentiment than "this perfume smells like", because Speed Legends and Bois Imperial *do not smell the same*, but they are reminiscent of each other because they can probably serve similar purposes. Like BI, Speed Legends is a masculine, clean, strong, mature (not old) and “fresh” fragrance that is so easy to wear. You could wear this as a work fragrance, no matter what your job was. You could wear this casually to hang with friends, run errands etc. You could take this on vacation and use it as a daily wear. You could wear this for a meeting or job interview. In a shirt and t-shirt or in something more formal. It just smells really good, and highly wearable in a way that makes you want to wear it, and not wearable in a boring way that some fragrances can fall into. Sample it and don't blind buy, not because it isn't good and likeable - it is, and pretty "safe" - but because the price is very high. *But* I will say - Bois Imperial for the price is a much better choice between the two. Once again, they cover similar purposes and are reminiscent of each other, but they *do not* smell the same. BI is more sparkling and effervescent, where Speed Legends is almost aldehydic and deadorant-like in its cleanliness and freshness. SL is a little "heavier" and "denser" than BI. And as SL dries down, they get less and less alike. The opening of SL is really the only part of the experience that is similar to BI. After that they are two very distinct fragrances. I would recommend trying either as a Signature Scent, but just based on price and preference I'll stick to Bois, but I think Speed Legends is a 7/10 fragrance.

Coming back to upgrade my previous rating from last year, which was a 7/10 to an 8 or 8.5/10. I’ve now spent some time with, sampled, and even bought some more fragrances that fall in the same category as Speed Legends. That category being: “Masculine, Signature Scent, Professional, Clean But Not Blue” Fragrances like Bois Imperial, Moncler Sunrise Pour Homme, Loewe 7 Cobalt, Jo Malone Cypress & Grapevine. The classic but updated and modern men’s fragrances. After trying all the above, the Top 3 are easily Bois Imperial, Sunrise Pour Homme, and Speed Legends. Those three are not only the best of the bunch, but also different enough from each other that you could justify owning all 3. But if you only wanted 1, I would recommend one of those 3. When I had only spent time with BI, Speed Legends felt redundant. But I’ve gone on to try more and more, and when coming back to Speed Legends, its nuances and quality impressed me more when stacked up to it’s competitors. The only thing going against it, which is a big mark, is the price. But as for quality, scent, longevity, and impact, it truly belongs in the Signature Masterpiece class.

Although there are similarities to bois imperial (which happens to be one of my favorite summer frags), To my nose this smells like a mix of bond number 9 Lafayette St and Pradas L’Homme. Although this fragrance is blended much more beautifully. For those who just care about how it smells, this is a fresh, clean citrus luxurious bar of soap. Easy daily driver scent and office friendly (with less sprays). It is 1000% masculine. Easy to dress up, but i would not dress down this fragrance as it does give off a professional/elegant vibe. Spring/ summer day or night. Longevity is well above average (about 11 hours) with moderate projection. Definitely not a weak performer. Your presence will be known. This creates an aura around you. Overall, this fragrance is growing on me mightily. I recommend sampling first. I would be happy to blind buy this but i can tell not everyone will like it. I am 25M and i love wearing this, but it does slightly give me mature vibes. Would not recommend for teens. This is my second favorite fragrance from this house, behind of course Blue Tailsman. Scent 8.5/10 Performance 8/10 Overall 8.5/10

‘Speed is most pleasing for its own sake, that is, for the vitality, the strength, the life of such a sensation. It really arouses an almost idea of the infinite, sublimates the soul, strengthens it.’ -Giacomo Leopardi- Ex Nihilo for me is a brand of unique gentleness and elegance, which is never questioned every time I have the chance to smell one of their perfumes. Speed Legends is the constant search for speed, a search that has always characterised so many phases of human beings and which here perfectly portrays, in my opinion, the sensation of freshness one feels when enjoying the wind caressing one's face. Running on a decapotable, being brushed by the wind, running on horseback and enjoying the feeling of freedom... this is speed legends. A very elegant fragrance, fine, fresh, with an airy citrus note and a slightly sweet base. Suitable more for a male public, perfect for every moment and every season. ‘Dynamism of a car’ painted by Russolo.

This is maybe to ex nihilo what meteore is to Louis Vuitton fragrance. It's an excelent fragrance with great longevity also with some hints to others fragrance of the same house (due to molecules I think) but they both could be mistaken by designer fragrances. If I had unlimited money it could be an easy grab.

Nice and fresh and masculine, but 7/12 samples i have tried, they all seem to be quite fleeting? I wish they lasted quite a bit longer and projected more than they do, almost a skin scent. I also agree with the comment "It does remind me of something Prada would have in their lineup."

Very generic soapy men’s masculine scent. Nothing I’m crazy about, a citrusy sage with a tinge of black currant is all I get very soft spicy. Idk it’s not bad like it smells good just definitely not for me. 7/10

To keep it simple its a young mans barbershop. Its not heavy like the older stuff but this is more like an airy version of a barbershop smell.

Sprayed a sample of this 30 mins ago, and I'm now sitting here feeling like I'm going crazy. How/why is this currently so hyped? Is it just all influencer/social media marketing at play? Do not get me wrong, this is a pleasant fragrance, "good" even. BUT, and this is a big but, I have literally smelled this exact same overall DNA in Moncler Sunrise (which is priced cheaper) and to a lesser extent Loewe 7 Cobalt (which smells much more "interesting" imo). I dunno. Perhaps it's a personal taste thing, but paying $385 USD at retail for something that at the end of the day fits into that same "generic/cookie-cutter male deodorant" type of fragrance world, e.g., Sauvage, BDC, Dior Homme (doesn't smell like any of those but definitely puts off the same "vibe" if you know what I mean) is a little unhinged imo. I say that as someone who has a lot of disposable, extra income. I honestly feel like that $385 would be much better spent on three fragrances in the $120- $130 range, especially if you're new to the fragrance world and want options. Just my advice, if you're arriving at this page after seeing some sort of fragrance influencer hype video.

Very barbershop-sandalwood profile reminiscent of shaving cream. Reminds me very much of Santal Volcanique. Spices and creamy woods, anchored in a somewhat boring and persistent amber wood aroma. Nice but not if you've smelled all the variants of that base in other things. Feels like the exact same situation as the Hedonist in how it's just a variation on a popular theme. If you want a plush, projecting fragrance in these genres it's worth a sample but know they lean bright and musky and persistent. The overall soft, almost casually-simple demeanor is quite attractive, but I don't think they're doing anything that interesting. I think I'll revsisit this to eek out the details a bit more since I used to like Santal Volcanique a lot, but we'll see. This dries down to something less woody and more ambiguously amber-musky, but still casts a general shade of aromatic, soft barbershop aromas with a mild fruitiness. In the end that fruitiness is probably what makes it stand out.

I have this fragrance, I don’t think it’s a masterpiece but the more I smell it and use it. I can’t think of any day I get a bunch of women and men receiving compliments at work or at different places. It’s serious ridiculous and dangerous. I know it’s discontinued but if you can find it? Forget about the price, it’s 100% worth it. It’s very woody, the vetiver is there, somewhat sweet and fresh citrus. Think of Azzaro - Wanted by night but the morning version? I know it’s not the best comparison but the results don’t lie. It’s a hidden gem. This got me on a few dates just because I smell good and I’m just an average guy?? Something Patrick Bateman or Harvey Spectre would wear if they went to an important meeting.

I'm really surprised that no one has mentioned that this smells like SOAP!! I really like it, but it smells like very luxurious bar soap. It has a somewhat fluffy, musky cloud around it. Smells much more clean and crowd-pleasing than uber-masculine and aromatic. The slight fruitiness of the blackcurrant in the background is really nice. Went through a full 5ml decant pretty quickly. I would love a bottle at the $200 price point, but $250 is harder to justify. Very versatile though, so I feel like I would get my money's worth. Longevity seems to be at least 8 hours, but the last couple hours are a relatively simple amber-musky and clean-woody drydown. But overall a very nice everyday wear fragrance.

So I am a 47yo female and I had this sprayed on me by a retail worker. I had no idea it was classified as a male fragrance (yes I know fragrance has no gender). I loved it at first spray. Even more so than Blue Talisman. It's fresh yet dries down musky but very well blended and classy. It does have a mild soapy accord but not overwhelming. I wore it all day and kept smelling myself. It had great longevity - at least 8hours on skin. This is perfectly unisex and classy at that. I am considering a FB myself for spring/summer.

Very fresh and sporty without the citrus bite other sporty scents typically have. The drydown is beautiful as it becomes a soft musky scent that's more masculine. While it is really nice, it's not something that really grabs me. And at this price point, it's hard to justify buying this to smell good, not great. I think Chanel Allure Sport checks this box and has far better value. Or you could buy a CAS dupe for $20 and get an even better deal. 7.7/10

The definition of easy-to-wear... Side notes: Pricey... but it may be worth seeking out on a discounter site and or if you can find it heavily reduced on a frag comm group. Or you could always do what I like to do... purchase a 10ML and if you still enjoy it the same after you go through the 10ML... purchase a bottle. It does remind me of something Prada would have in their lineup.

LOVELY! I am pleasantly surprised. The smell is more masculine, a little reminiscent of old smells, fresh, clean, citrusy perfume. If I met a man on the street smelling of this fragrance - I would definitely follow him to the end of the world, haha. A fresh scent, most suitable for spring and summer in my opinion.

I agree with the barbershop comments. Captures the shave foam/cream accord that’s famously looked for in barbershop fougere. Doesn’t smell like the shop itself, it’s more of the barbers product. Defo shaving cream! Great masculine fragrance and appreciated by many.

It is very likeable and fresh. Like a blue fragrance but without the shiny polish and way more natural smelling. But that scent profile for 250 seems very steep. The name also reminds me of a car fragrance and i automatically associate that with cheap.

Absolut banger of exnihilo again . Very well blended fragrance . For me it’s mix of uden overdose and fruity , spicy vetiver of aventus absolu . For mature dudes who likes classy frag . 10/10 .... Wonderful

Just buy Prada L'Homme L'Eau Prada, it smells 95% similar, with the performance and the price in Prada's favour. Thank me later.

Smells like a niche Loewe 7 Cobalt. Fresh, soapy, peppery. Something floral. Some whiffs give hints of Gentle Fluidity Silver

Smells generic & synthetic ! You could find something very similar for $20-30 instead of paying a high price tag for this.

It might be just me but I'm picking up a strange ammonia aroma on the opening once it settles down it's a killer scent

It is so perfect for me. Older male scent profile musky and soapy clean and fresh. Amazing, I really love it

So clean. So fresh. Masculine for sure.