Vetiver Extreme

(This review is for the current bottle w. green cap) ****+ I think it’s both useful and interesting to read the progress of these long threads of reviews on Fragrantica to see how a particular fragrance is perceived over time, with changes to consumer sensibilities, trends in taste and perception of a brand. With that in mind I’ll start by saying with respect that I think Guerlain Vetiver Extreme has been misunderstood...At first by early Guerlain Vetiver fans who balked at the venerable brand’s adoption of the term ‘extreme’ (how flanker-ish!) and then by people who assumed that 'extreme' implied a beastly addition to duration or projection and were disappointed to find it mostly on par with the original (I actually find it just a hair stronger...) I reckon that Guerlain Vetiver Extreme is best understood as an adventurous alternative iteration of what the original GV did so well: scaffold an 'impression of vetiver' around the vetiver note itself, using herbs and citrus to extend its green tanginess, nutmeg and tobacco to warm its smokiness, and resins and woods to sweeten and ground its rooty oiliness... The 'Extreme' flanker does all of this but focuses on advertising different facets: artemisia opens the composition with a bitter/bracing herbal freshness that rings in the medicinal aspect of the root; I am reminded of the use of artemisia in Yatagan, which, for the blink of an eye, hovers somewhere between bright herbal toothpaste and one of those bitter drinks one only takes in Italy in the summertime... If you follow that comparison, you'll find it easy to imagine how this opening pairs well with the tarragon-licorice accord adds an earthen sweetness to the driftwood-salty/ashy facet of the vetiver note. The effect is both dry and 'sweetened' rather than 'sweet', an impression supported by a wisp of frankincense that deepens vetiver's smokey facet, and the redoubtable tonka bean with its ‘hay’ flavour; underneath it all, of course, is the reliable 'Guerlinade' base of smooth, flower-polished vanillic woods and musks, very recognizably recalling both the bases of the classic Guerlain Vetiver and Habit Rouge. Cedarwood sweetens this a little in a way that recalls the carrot-like, watery sweetness found in some lighter vetivers like Tom Ford's, for instance. The overall outcome is a very coherent but offbeat approach to the fresh and medicinal aspects of the vetiver root...I particularly love the way that the artemisia and nutmeg play off of one another. Nothing here is stark or isolated, and the transition from the rich initial projection to the gently soapy-grassy drydown is like a symphony string session in which musicians are gradually removed until you’re left with a competent quartet playing out the main motive. Aspects of the staging of vetiver that I enjoy in other modern compositions (the humid-summer-raspiness that practically tickles in your throat in Malle’s Vetiver Extraordinaire, the slightly candied accent to be found in Tom Ford’s iris-tinged Grey Vetiver, the peppery, petrichor-like ‘lake smell’ of Lalique’s Encre Noire, or the sweetening addition of chamfered, 'oriental', resins in Dior's Eau Sauvage Parfum) are all here to some degree, plus an increased oily-smokiness that I find both comforting and addictive; the vetiver still smells fresh and bracing but seems a touch petrochemically paternal as well. I am almost reminded of the 'petroleum' accord in Fahrenheit, again set against an impression of dry summer grass made humid by evening. Different aspects of the composition 'waft' in the sillage, producing a multidimensional impression with appealingly rich contrasts, all the while remaining definitively 'green' in character... It's still Jean-Paul Guerlain's gentlemanly conceit of a gardener walking the grounds with tobacco in his pocket, but at the long stretch of an afternoon instead of first thing in the morning: diurnal but settled in, distinctive but restrained, complex but mellow. Full disclosure: I have infinite respect for the original Guerlain Vetiver, but, despite having owned decants of vintages of the 70’s, 90’s and current versions, I have never bought a full bottle, mostly because, on my skin anyway, a sour astringency (a tinny green sharpness), as emphasized by the acidity of citrus and tobacco, emerged in the drydown, ultimately setting my teeth on edge. I can sense this same sharpness in the Extreme version, but it has been bevelled, dusted, and sweetened by other ingredients that make the whole more lived-in and comfortable to wear. I really do not miss the tobacco, which on me could get a bit flat, and I appreciate the way the overall 'aromatic' character of this spicy scent profile meshes with the smell of my skin. This is a great fragrance if, like me, you love the idea of vetiver but cannot always make it work in its sharper, starker, or more citrus-heavy incarnations. While I can see how earlier reviewers (i.e. Luca Turin) found it dissonant, I would argue that some of the modern vetivers I mentioned above have changed the way we think about using this material... I personally find my current bottle of GVE to be a masterclass in characterful blending. It's functional workwear but also great, I suspect, with a white t-shirt on a warm spring morning. Projection is great for the first few hours, then snug but solid through the drydown; longevity is quite good at a trustworthy 7-10 hours, and a little sprayed onto your clothing prolongs the effect nicely but without bombast. Anyway, this is a grower for me, and something I especially appreciate for having one foot firmly in the old school while being both different and independently appealing to justify its existence... If, like me, you find some vetivers either a bit sharp or a bit boring, do give this one a try; fans of the house's roots (no pun intended) will not be disappointed.

A lot has been said on this interpretation of vetiver by Guerlain. This is a very similar but slightly toned-down version of the original with a green twist (tarragon) in the opening, and nutmeg in the drydown. A hint of incense appears in the late drydown. Overall, nutmeg and incense give an impression of tobacco, like in the original. This is a more earthy, dusty, damp take on vetiver compared to the original, slightly more complex, and less citrusy, but still, very close. I can spot the same exact "wet woody notes" as those in John Varvatos Oud. (Indeed, I think that there's no oud in Varvatos, but that's not the focus here) I wouldn't say that V Extreme is a younger take compared to the original. It's different, and like the original, it targets confident men (30+). Despite what previous comments stated, I don't think this can be pulled out in hot summer days because the nutmeg and base woody notes make Extreme more appropriate for Spring and Fall days, like the original. I unfortunately have to confirm a drawback: it projects less than the original, despite its name. Overall happy with my purchase. Excellent vetiver. Should I choose just one? The original, because it's cleaner and rounder. But this slightly sharper and damp interpretation is a must for all the vetiver fans but most of people may find redundant to own both, since they are pretty close one from the other. Me, I love it and will alternate both during Spring and Fall. Ps: I've read that Turin heavily criticized this fragrance. While it was already known that he is a poor scientist (the scientific community destroyed his supposedly scientific results, the reason why he shifted career), it is now also confirmed that he has also poor olfactory abilities and tastes.

I really love this Vetiver! It is my first! I sniffed it some months ago and I could not forget the smell! It reminder me of a nice cedar perfume oil I had when I was younger and used to where at party's. I lost this oil some years ago and never managed to find a replacement. This perfume reminds me of it! I can sense the cedar somewhere in the back the drydown. But also very much there in the opening! This perfume is growing on me. At first I thought it to be sweet, and fresh at the same time. But also green and mysterious. I love the opening, diliciously sweet to my nose. I'm a bit thorn on the drydown. It tends to differ alot, I think it depends on what I've been eating before! The first times I got soupy fresh citrusy drydown, then the other day I realy got the frankincense smokey drydown. I was quite used to that when a few day's ago al I could smell was the vetiver in a strong way. Today 5 ours after initial spray, I get nutmegg to the max! Very odd! I must say I'm smelling lot's of perfumes lately! It has become a new hobby of mine. Quit smoking 3 weeks ago so maybe my nose is still setteling. This one has good longevety and sillage is good for first 2 to 3 ours, then starts to get more close to the skin. When the wheater is a bit more hot I smell this on me all day, and I enjoy it alot! When it is colder it last somewhat shorter. Regular Guerlain vetiver I've smelled only once on my arm and was a bit full, strong for me, maybe it was the tabbaco. After using alot of the extreme I smelled the origin again on a paper and I loved it alot to. Can't wait to have them both. I think they are both great! For me cedar, vetiver, nutmeg, frankincense, sweet (locorice) come out most!

Good comments here from several people - I happen to love this bottle of fragrance! I am a vetiver lover and this fragrance is Guerlain's glorious, deep green (and slightly rooty) vetiver "backbone" plus the artistic use of great aromatic notes blended into a harmonious composition. The notes, subtleties, nuances and accords are all there, but vetiver is constant. I love the tarragon, incense and cedar that warms the drydown versus the tobacco accord of the regular bottling. Only because this is a Guerlain, could this be seen as an "extreme" bottling, but in reality, it is an extremely well-crafted fragrance that puts vetiver on a pedestal and surrounds it with great notes that vetiver compliments and vice versa. Guerlain's flankers from the 2000 formulation came later. I have all of them and respect each for what they offer. However, there is a reason why the Extreme bottle stayed and both Sport and Eau Glacee (Frozen) are now discontinued (sales!). This fantastic composition really "adds more" versus "taking out" notes and ingredients from the flagship. You can read my reviews on both Vetiver Sport and Eau Glacee/Frozen, but this is the shining star of the flankers and an outstanding bottle of fragrance that is incredibly well-made. Very thoughtful and rather daring by the house of Guerlain, who still creates THE benchmark of the majestic root. If you want to read a critic's book and fall in line, that is your decision. But, I am blessed to have my own nose, olfactory senses and opinion - and mine is pure admiration and enjoyment of Vetiver Extreme! Rating 9+/10! Kudos to the Guerlain house - this is wonderful! Highly recommended.

I saw on Youtube K. saying that Guerlain Vetiver was for a 70, 80, 90 yo, and remembered that the experts say that there are only two kinds of fragrances: the good scents and the bad ones. If we shouldn't say that a scent is for women or men, how can one say it is for the very oldies?Is it not fashionable? What is fashion anyway? You are what you smell, smell well? I agree that there are scents with a juvenal, youth aura that suits, of course, young people. Also I agree that thare are time and place for everything under the Sun. But I cannot agree that a scent is good but only if you are over the rainbow and beoynd together with the mothballs. Guerlain Vetiver Extreme is my frst vetiver, although vetiver is in almost everything under that same Sun. And for me it smells great, really wonderful. Walking to work I got winfss of it and I couldn't belelive it was me, my vetiver giving me that very satisfying smell that just makes one feel good with himself and the world, it was almost like the first ... , for me and I am 50+. I suppose K. could say that it is because I am almost getting there. A young profesional man can pull GVE off? Of couse he can, if he wants to be taken seriously. But that is only one of his choices and there are plenty of them. I think I don't need to say anything about notes for other serious reviewers like Ericrico have done better than I ever could. Just a final thought I wear a scent for myselfself firstly and try not to offend the ones aroud me. As Lanier says, five golden stars, with honor.

THIS IS FOR THE 2013 BOTTLE Scent: 7/10 Longevity: 5/10 Sillage: 5/10 Bottle: 7/10 Batch: 4P01 It starts off with a very clean, green, fresh scent in the opening. The vetiver is the most dominant note, and pushes out for the first 5 minutes or so and then the notes start to combine and settle down. It projects about a foot out for the first 2-3 hours and then sits closer to the skin. During this time, the dry down starts to form, and let me tell you, this is the difference between the new vetiver bottles and the 2013 Extreme version, the dry down is very earthy, dry and classy. It smells like an older gentleman, clean and put together. It smells a bit more old school than the new bottles in the beginning. They smell very similar in the opening but the older one smells a little like a classic scent, an old school scent but also modernized. Performance is about the same, it projects the first 2-3 hours and sits close to the skin for the remainder of its life. It lasts about 6 hours and is almost undetectable. I could still smell it in the morning when I sprayed it on my hand before I went to bed, so I guess that’s a good sign that I might just be getting nose blind to it. Over all it’s a great scent, I just wish I could smell it off me until lunch time like some of my other ones, But I guess that just comes with wearing fresh scents

This opens with an aromatic burst of green herbs, grassy vetiver, and a hint of round licorice. The green herbs aren't my favorite, but everything is so well blended that I don't mind. As it dries to the mid, the herbs start fading and the licorice and other rounder notes start coming to the forefront, still incredibly well blended with the grassy, fresh vetiver. At the dry down, it completes that transformation, losing the sharper elements and leaving you with a wonderful, classy smell that sticks around for longer than you'd expect, but doesn't project a lot. Which is honestly preferable to me over heavy projection for an every day frag. I snagged a bottle off eBay after realizing that I liked the original Guerlain Vetiver over so many of the other heavy hitter vetivers (Tom Ford, Lalique, Nishane, and Creed) and sampling the new Guerlain Vetiver Parfum and not enjoying it. Funny thing though, Guerlain Vetiver Parfum is a Parfum concentration of Vetiver Extreme. The licorice/round notes come off more resiny and pungent in the parfum, which makes sense, and the aromatics take more of a back seat. It does last longer, I think, but it mutes aspects of the fragrance that I really enjoy. I can't say I recommend paying eBay prices for a bottle of GVE, but if you do find yourself a good deal then consider grabbing it!

We definitely need to get this beauty in the front of the line! I have/use the classic GV and love it emmensely since 2007. But switch gears for a second. Imagine driving your car at 65 mph on 3rd gear (a fairly high rev) and that's GV. Now put it in 4th or 5th and the rpms drop and you hear the engine drop to a lower grumble, that's GVE which I've been wearing since this past summer. It is definitely woodier, dryer, but nonetheless fresh and masculine and clearly the vetiver we love about GV but is actually heavier and longer lasting. I'm reviewing the formulas from the recent past ribbon bottles and have not had the chance yet to try the fluid from the newly released tall, plain bottles so I cannot say if the formula has really changed or not though I've heard it has, and for the better. GVE is classy and works well day or night and what further appeals to me about this wonderful fragrance is that it is quite linear. The initial spray is fantastic as most are when first applied, but the dry down is wonderful and long lasting. I think GVE should be in the finest collections in the man's wardrobe. JG 022012.

I blind bought this in hopes of receiving a more modern, streamlined take on the original Guerlain Vetiver -- and that's exactly what I got! Vetiver Extreme has a very bright, pleasant opening with a combination of citruses and grassy notes. This dries down to the star of the show -- the vetiver, of course -- along with a very nice incense that makes the scent...darker? No, I don't think it's darker, not even in comparison to the original. But it makes it more interesting. More modern. More masculine. That being said, this is still a very clean, green fragrance that I think most would consider uplifting. I think it's perfect for spring wear, and both professional and casual settings. In comparison to the original Vetiver, I would say that this is greener, less complex, and less soapy (though you can definitely still pick out a "soapy" note in the drydown). It's like the original Vetiver was stripped down to its core and rebuilt with a sleek, updated cast of supporting notes for the same crowd it was targeting decades ago: confident, sophisticated gentlemen. Recommended.

I bought this fragrance to add to my collection and it was a blind buy. I was immediately interested when I read the reviews on here and on basenotes. I was a tad bit nervous when I read on one of the youtube links that some people thought this was "old mannish" That it is not, I am 25 and I really enjoy this fragrance. I don't normally go for the fresh type scents but this isn't like one of thos citric bombs that smells like someone has chucked a few lemons and a load of turf into a blender. This has a really nice sweetish fresh yet smokey but clean smell. I applied at around noon and I could still smell it fairly strongly on myself by around 10pm and others around me could also smell it from a short distance. Now at 2.12am I can still smell it, but only faintly. When I rub my finger on my neck and take a sniff I can still smell it. I have the exact same bottle as pictured above (that in itself is a nice thing) I am not sure if it has since been reformulated as I noticed there is a plain looking bottle for this and the original GV. I give this scent a 10/10

I must sadly state that Guerlain is a bit like Lolita Lempicka in regards to creating flankers that are 90 - 95% similar to the original. Again, this isn't a bad thing rather something to keep in mind when purchasing any of the Vetiver series. I have the original, the glacee or fraiche version, and the extreme version - I think I prefer the fraiche version because it has a more lively citric take on the vetiver theme, but the extreme does deliver on its darker and richer insinuation. There is clearly more of a smokey element present in this fume with a hint of myrrh and incense pairing beautifully with the grassy vetiver Guerlain has mastered. There really isn't much else to note as it is relatively the same - it's potent, durable, and a gorgeous take on the grassy side of vetiver. It is very fitting for business ventures on the greyest of days or a formal date at an upscale establishment - it is a show of power and class! I wish all of you a delightful day! Day 24 - Between wake and dream Listening to: Agnes Obel - Chord Left (Live)

Sold my original Guerlain Vetiver last January as I was desperate to get other fragrances, so I planned to get a new one since it's not that hard to find a bottle here back then. Then today, I saw someone selling a full tester bottle of this Vetiver Extreme and I instantly purchased it (delivered on the same day). It turns out that the batch code is 0V01. I thought it was a bottle from 2020 at first, but then I realised that the bottle is the wide one (with horizontal lines), not the tall one. So, it must be the 2010 batch! And when I sprayed it, it's just like how I remembered. A classic yet still excellent vetiver fragrance, deeper and more intense than the original EDT. It is not as complex as other vetiver fragrances, since it is mostly earthy, green, and herbal (by complex, I mean combining vetiver and other green notes with some citruses, warm/sweet notes, and so on). If you love "pure vetiver", you might love this fragrance. The performance is great.

Classic and a true masterclass of perfumery creation that only Guerlain can produce. Guerlain Vetiver & Vetiver Extreme then, there's everyone else. Although Tom Ford's GV in all 3 iterations are great in themselves, they fall a bit short when it comes to classical mixed with modern facets of perfume creation. However, I will say that Amouroud's Lunar Vetiver is up there as well and I'd put it next to Guerlain's offering. Lunar Vetiver has a bite of a sharper citrus in the opening and feels a bit richer or thicker in the drydown but, it's superbly done and almost as clean & classy. Lalique's Encre line is exceptionally good for the price of entry but, it sits behind all the aforementioned juices listed above. Strip me of all Vetiver fragrances and just leave me with Guerlain's offerings, I wouldn't miss any of the others at all. If you want simple masculinity & class, look no further than Guerlain. Not for teenie boppers or butter flavored syrup chasers.

Vetiver Extreme is very green, dry, fresh (even a little bitter) plus incensed in the opening. No florals nor sweetness here. This is a serious fragrance. I'd mostly use this in Spring but really could be used any time of year. Citrus is not pronounced and the dry down remains green, dry and balsamic (with some very light woods). I have not sniffed the original Guerlain Vetiver but this version is very masculine and serious. Great worn on its own or even as a layer. EDIT: It's now 2 months later and the average temp is 97 humid degrees. Vetiver extreme is very fresh and slightly more rounded in this high heat. The imagery of "Sawdust" comes to mind. It is still dry but not as harsh. This is the perfect weather for it.

I have both Guerlain vetivers and love both- they are reference fragrances for clean, happy vetiver fragrances. Is it redundant to own both? Perhaps-we’re talking about subtleties here. Extreme is a little more modernized, as has been said many times, with warmer notes in the mid and base. Licorice and nutmeg are two of my favorite notes and I love how they work together with the citruses in creating a sense of balance- deep and light at the same time. the original also does this with dry tobacco and civet, more “traditional” notes. It’s the same effect; again the differences are notable yet subtle. Perfect warm weather classic masculine perfume with a wonderful mix of maturity and modernity.

This is a very nice vetiver fragrance. You get all three essences of vetiver here, as it's slightly earthy, herbal, and smoky at the same time. It's vetiver+ some churchy frankincense+ anise liqueur (Pernod or absinth) which makes it smell like the epitome of France in my mind. Whenever I wear this, I'm reminded of my visit to Notre Dame de Paris on a rainy spring day, even though I wasn't wearing this fragrance then. The performance is pretty good, lasts about 6-8hrs and dries down around then to mostly Tonka. Sillage is moderate for about 4-6 hrs. Spray on clothes too if you want it to last longer, and it will. Scent is 9/10. I absolutely love it.

This is a linden tree blossom smell illustration. İf you wanna smell like linden trees or linden tea(and slightly green soap), this fragrance is for you! EDIT: Also it smells like a sawdust! Definitely semi fresh/mild sweet woody scent that reminds me my father's carpenter atelier and sawdust. Shame on me, it took three months to remember that characteristic smell... :) And yes, at far drydown it smells like Play-Doh plastelines! It has tons of nutmeg and surprisingly has some similarities with, Dove Men Care Charcoal+Clay douche gel (which has nutmeg, cardamom, cypress, bergamot) and with Greek Korres Olive Cedar green soap.

Such an excellent vetiver fragrance. If you love vetiver, or if you are looking to get a good vetiver fragrance in your collection, this is a great one to get. It starts with a bright lime note and a strong fresh vetiver. In the dry down it does get a little smoky, and earthy. It feels like it wears close to the skin, which I am starting to like more and more. Clean and classic with a modern touch. I find it leans masculine. My wife, who is notorious for hating vetiver, told me I smelled great today while I was wearing it. I think this is a vetiver fragrance that should be in any collection.

Wow....I lucked out on this one !! Bought this from Fragrancenet.com for $29.94 (35% off code) 3 oz bottle...just like the one shown her/above !!! NOW...I see the exact same bottle on Fragrancenet for like $64 and change.....????.....A mistake was made there...I am sure of it !!!! Lucky me ! I have worn Guerlain Vetiver on and off for years, and found I wanted it again, and wanted to opt for the Extreme version. So glad I did. The extreme takes the original "up a notch"....it's more grassy/smokey...and....more depth. A classic LOVE. Decent performance too.

This is so amazing, it makes me want to cry. I've tried the vintage and current Vetiver EdT and neither last on my skin, sadly. When I discovered this, I pounced on it - without even consulting the fragrantica experts. I've given samples to a few friends and the consensus is in - it's f***ing fantastic. I smelt it and all I got was a super deep vetiver & pepper. It was so intense I had to put it down, I was expecting something like current Vetiver. Much much much too happy with this, I'll have to get someone to restrain me if I try to use it too much.