Les Colognes Vetiver

Bright salty/citric vetiver in the top, that will quickly be joined by a lemon leaf/neroli combo as co-player, as some aromatics and subtle spicy support. The saltiness is way subtlier compared to the original Goutal Vetiver (1985), and the strong allspice-tobacco accord is totally missing here. It wears light, but that doesn't shock me since it is marketed as an EdC. This one is unfairly compared to the 'original' one because, aside a some saltiness facet of the vetiver, it does not have a lot in common, and I genuinely thing that it hasen't been blended to become - at all - an alternative to the original. No, here Goutal just wanted to market a light/fresh vetiver, and they beautifully reached that goal, imo. To my nose, it stands at the intersection with CdG Vetiverru, PE Vetiver Indien and Mugler Cologne, and shares some similarities with DS&D Cowboy Grass (but more remotely). A bit of a TdC 'Sel de Vetiver Light', focusing a bit more on citrus than earthy/salty facet. If one doesn't expect a heavy, dark, quite unique vetiver fragrance like its older brother, but instead shops for a refined, classic styled, mood lifting, easy to wear citrusy-woody EdC, I can't think of a better option. While full retail price is clealry too steep for what it is, I would still highly recommend it as an easy, simple but delightful reach for warmer days at discounted pricing. (current ebay pricing - $50/200ml - makes of this a big winner in my book). If this one sounds like it could walk right up your alley, I'd suggest to rush getting a pop, since this one also is now discontinued. Leans (a bit masculine), but very wearable by both genders. 25+, warmer days. I'm ending this review with a smile on my face :)

I really love this EdC Version of Goutal's Vetiver. I've been looking for a Vetiver scent that was more on the feminine side as most Vetivers are quite masculine and thus just not for me. I was very happy to find this EdC as it combines some of my favourite notes, - vetiver and iris. I wonder why there are only vetiver and "spicy notes" listed here? The Goutal website states vetiver, iris and salty notes and that is exactly what I get, a wonderful, simplistic, very refreshing and elegant combination of cool vetiver with a slightly powdery and sweet, but also fresh iris and a little bit of salt. For me this definitely is a feminine scent and I couldn't imagine my husband wearing this. It's exactly what I was looking for for a long time, an elegant and fresh vetiver scent, that is still very feminine and Annick Goutal gave me just that - love it!

A wonderful antitode to oppressive heat and humidity. What I appreciate is that despite being a cologne, here soft doesn't mean wimpy. An opening of zingy lemon sets a bright tone and alerts the senses. The vetiver that follows is strongly aromatic: flushed by the moisture of sea air and then dried out under a baking sun, leaving behind salt-crusted roots with a faint whiff of smoke, as if on the verge of catching fire. There's also a sprinking of iris - no more than a bit-part player but a worthy inclusion as a mellowing agent to wind down the day. If you want to trade the office for the beach, pounding the pavement for strolling across warm, powdery sand; still air for a wafting breeze; or neon lights for a dazzling outdoor sun... ...Annick Goutal's Vetiver Cologne is just the ticket. A summer staple.

growing up i had a grandmother-esque figure in my life who lived on the beach and always had a cocktail in hand and breeze blowing through her hair. i'm unsure of what perfume she wore, but the trifecta of those three elements has been something i've chased for decades. a few years ago i realized the closest i could get (for reasons i can't quite explain), were proper vetiver scents. but as the note became trendier, more diluted and thrown into whatever blend, i lost that nostalgic effect. i found a this-era bottle of annick goutal vetiver cologne today. i'm instantly transported again. vetiver and salt air. this is what i've been hunting for 30 years. (and alas, is virtually unattainable). i hope to smell the original vintage someday...

Good "salty" vetiver! It reminds me Vetiver Des Sables by Montale, although that one is more rusty and has stronger vetiver in it. I am surprised to see some entries in the reminds-section. Vetiver Ambrato? That scent is one of my absolute favourites, but it's not salty-marine type at all (as this Goutal's is) but rather amber-spicy vetiver, even having less vetiver than usual, and much stronger and deeper too. Cowboy Grass? That one is pungent clary sage herbal version of vetiver, very strong and good while Goutal's is weak, modest, light and has a different smell. But noses and skins are different so there you go, I only described my experience. Everybody's good friend Ms. Statistica here seems to know the truth :)