Bel Ami Vetiver

I have profound love for the notes of vetiver, leather, cardamom, styrax labdanum and elemi in fragrances and this fragrance has all these notes plus civet (this doesn’t smell animalic), carnation and Iris. All of these notes are very close to my heart. Needless to say, BelAmi Vetiver is one of my absolute favorites come autumn. Hermès Bel Ami Vetiver is an elegant, refined take on classic masculine perfumery — a flanker that reimagines the famed leather chypre of the original Bel Ami with a more modern vetiver-centric twist. This fragrance is a must have for someone who enjoys complex, nuanced scents. At the heart of Bel Ami Vetiver lies its leather, but this isn’t a raw or aggressive leather blast. Instead, Hermès opts for a soft, refined, suede-like leather that evokes the plush, deep brown tones of luxurious leather rather than rugged, animalic hide. The leather here feels like high-end saddlery or the supple interior of a bespoke Hermes briefcase — dense, warm, and velvety rather than harsh, sharp, or overly raw. This leather accords gels well with vetiver because it creates a grounding, textural backdrop. The earthy, woody greenness of vetiver softens the tone of the leather, keeping it from feeling overly loud or domineering. Instead of traditional bright or grassy vetiver, here it often presents as a smooth, woody, earth-anchored vetiver that unfolds gradually and harmonizes with woody aspects like cedar and amber. While some vetiver fragrances push a sharper grassy or rooty character, Bel Ami Vetiver uses vetiver almost as a bridge between leather and green aromatics, keeping the scent balanced, elegant, and less rugged than classic russian leather fragrances. Elemi is one of those resinous ingredients that adds subtle liveliness to a composition without announcing itself loudly. In this fragrance, elemi helps to lift the opening with freshness and a slight resinous spice that borders on citrusy or peppery before the deeper accords settle in. Elemi, Styrax, along with the leather, vetiver and Iris also lend a soft, aromatic warmth that complements vetiver’s greenness without overshadowing it, preventing the leathery and woody base from becoming too heavy. Rather than smelling overtly spicy or tropical, elemi’s contribution here is more of a hint of light, sticky resin that brightens and enlivens the early transition between citrus/spice and the heart notes. Styrax is a key supporting note in this fragrance and it plays an important role in shaping its character by adding a warm, balsamic, slightly amber-like depth to the dry-down. Styrax softens harsher edges on the vetiver and leather, contributing to the smooth, nearly smoky richness that makes Bel Ami Vetiver feel classic yet polished. Styrax also gives an almost honeyed resin nuance that can feel slightly sweet or licorice-like, contrasting subtly with vetiver’s earthiness. By stitching leather and vetiver together with this resinous layer, styrax helps achieve the fragrance’s velvety finish — a hallmark of Hermès’ refined approach to chypre and leather compositions. In actual wear, Bel Ami Vetiver evolves in distinct phases: Opening: A fresh, green vibe with citrus and spice, hinting at herbal complexity — because of vetiver and elemi. Heart: Leather becomes apparent but never harsh and it’s more like refined suede, warm and tactile. Vetiver, cedar, cardamom, iris and carnation balance the leather, giving it a grounded, classical feel. Dry-down: Styrax and amber deepen the composition into a smooth, balsamic, slightly smoky finish that lingers elegantly on the skin. This fragrance is best for: Lovers of refined leather scents that lean more elegant than rugged. Those who enjoy vetiver in a woody, earthier context rather than bright, grassy formats. People who appreciate classical structure with a contemporary sensibility — elegant, composed, and sophisticated without being abrasive. Bel Ami Vetiver is not a loud crowd-pleaser but rather a statement fragrance for the person who enjoys subtle complexity: a leather masterpiece softened and elevated with vetiver, warmed by elemi, and enriched with styrax’s resinous depth. Hermès Bel Ami Vetiver is a fragrance that shines most when subtlety, refinement, and quiet confidence are appropriate. Because of its polished leather, dry vetiver, and resinous warmth, it excels in situations where elegance matters more than projection. This fragrance really excels during crisp autumn or spring days. The vetiver keeps it crisp and intellectual, while the leather remains soft and wearable rather than dark or animalic. Think of it as a fragrance for someone well-dressed, walking through a city rather than rushing through it. If BelAmi Vetiver had a personality it would be thoughtful, composed, well-spoken, confident without needing attention. It is best worn when you want to smell cultivated, reliable, and quietly distinguished - the olfactory equivalent of well-worn leather gloves and a tailored jacket rather than a statement piece. Overall I give this fragrance an 8/10.

Ok, so I just recieved my bottle of Hermès Bel Ami Vetiver last night and while Im loving the spices and over all smell, it is EXTREMELY WEAK and what little I can pick up on just fades to an extremely faint skin-scent within 20 to 30 freakin' minutes or so! Now when I say "faint skin-scent" I mean (FAINT AS HELL!) Im just really, RRREALLY hoping that this is one of those fragrances that just needs air introduced into the bottle so that it opens up, but if it hopefully does improve, the improvement needs to be quite drastic bc this freakin' sillage/performance is simply atrocious man! Now, I'm down for an elegant, gentlemanly fragrance which is NOT meant to be "In your face" or be huge on projecton, but this is freggin' ridiculous as I can barely smell it AT ALLl even when putting my nose all up into where Id spritzed it on 30 minites or so prior, and its NOT me going "Nose-Blind" bc Im NOT spraying near my face, ONLY a couple spritzes on a spot on my arm or wrist to test it. I tried doing that several times but the results were the same each time. Now this has happened to me in the past with a handfull of other fragrances in my collection (Namely my Laliques and a few others) where Im pleasantly surprised later down the road after some of their offerings initially having horrible sillage and performance, but sometimes it'll begin changing as soon as the following day after spraying some out, but this bottle has certainly NOT changed at all since last night. Im super aggravated bc as we all know this fragrance is NOT cheap, but Im trynna keep my cool in hopes that the performance changes soon. The batch code for my bottle is 26178 and was made 3 years, 1 month and 26 days ago and Im sure its legit bc I got it from Fragrancenet in which I trust completely, plus I can just feel the luxury and refinement of the bottle/cap/atomizer. I can also sense the very faint vetiver and spices in this WEAK a$$ dna, lol! Oh and also, there is like ZERO oil sheen left on my skin where ever I spray it. Can ANYONE PLLLEASE give me any feedback if they own this fragrance? I did so much research on Bel Ami Vetiver before purchasing it trying to avoid a bad reformulation or any performance issues so that I wouldn't feel like I've just wasted my money on yet ANOTHER crappy reformulation or horrible performar (Im lookin' at YOU Gucci Guily Absolute-Spain reformulation!) , but Im just loosing faith in this juice LOL. I am so bummed bc I really was excited about getting this one in my collection and after watching and researching so many videos and reading so many reviews claiming "Great Performance" with phrases such as "Masterpiece" "Intense Spiced-Leather", "Anamalic and challenging to wear" being thrown around all willy-nilly, It's .Like...Really?!.. What a complete let-Down!. Right about now Im I wishing I would've gone for L'instant De Guerlain Pour Homme edp instead as I was torn between the two.😒.. Folks, I give my word that I am NOT exaggerating in any way and this is 100 percent my experience thus far. I hope this helps someone avoid throwing away their hard earned money in hopes of getting a fantastic fragrance with atleast moderate performance only to be completely let down like myself. Aaaanyways, Thanks to whomever took the time to read my "Rant", and I would greatly appreciate any advice/feedback on whether this has happened to anyone else, or better yet, if their bottle of Bel Ami Vetiver improved at all over-time?? I just can't fathom (ANYONE) being content with this extremely lack-luster performance/Sillage after spending close to $100.. THANKS again and CHEERS!😉 Ill be back for an update later on down the road or as soon as I notice any significant change in performance... So fingers Crossed!🤞

***Update: About 2 weeks after initial use*** I am happy to say that my bottle of Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver has improved, or "Opened up" since I'd initially sprayed my brand-new bottle a couple weeks back. Its much more noticable and has more "presence." Now, with that said this is still NOT the "Strong, punchy, anamalic-Leather fragrance" that I'd watched so many YouTube reviewers as well as some folks claimed it to be in some of these comments made here on Fragrantica as well as other Fragrance forums. Now, I am most definately NOT insinuating that those folks are Lying or exaggerating, but what I do strongly believe is that Hermes has watered down this dna after all the hype and "Positive Reviews" were in and that's what I believe also happened with a handful of other fragrances where EVERYONE was claiming that those frags were also quite potent and long-lasting... Paranoid?? Mmmaybe, but I think Im onto somethin'.. Anyhow, YES there has been an noticable improvement as far as potency and over-all performance goes as well as longevity. Now, with the 2 weeks of Maturation Im still not very content with its performance. Im getting around 5 to 6 hours of longevity with it becoming a noticable skin'-scent at around hour 4 (this is on skin), It does last much longer on clothes where its still there the following day al be it extremely faint by then. When the Vetiver note appears in the far dry-down, thats what sticks around as a skin-scent. The projection is still not all that great once the opening settles say, 30 minutes after having sprayed it on, but I feel that "Gentlemanly fragrances" arent really meant to fill any rooms and they are more meant to be discovered vs being loud and obnoxious. Now, depending on the occasion and on how much you want your scent to be noticed by others around you, maybe just double up on your Spray/Routine like Ive done at times. The actual scent is very nice and the opening and the first half of the mid is quite spicey and sorta reminds me of "Spicey Baked Goods." I believe someone had mentioned "Gingerbread" and Id have to agree, then as it gets further into the mid is when ya start getting the slightly smokey Vetiver and I suppose Leather notes. So, while Bel Ami Vetuver is NOT what I was expecting, it is still very nice, it's nuanced, Unique, gentlemanly and it does have atleast moderate lasting power with an intimate scent bubble/ sillage. Now what I dont get is a ton of the leather note although again, I suppose that it adds to the slight smokiness of the Vetiver Base. Anyhow, my advice for anyone who opts for grabbing a bottle of Bel Ami Vetiver, when you recieve it and realized that its SUUUPER WEAK initially, and ya can barely smell a thing just spray a good 10 to 15 spritzes out to introduce some air into your bottle,, put it back in the box and let it "Maturate" for atleast 2 weaks like I did. So folks, please pardon my "Rant." back on 8/30. as I thought Id wasted nearly $100 by purchasing (YET ANOTHER) super weak.fragrance when EVERY review I'd watched and all the research id done told me I was getting a fragrance with good to GREAT performance.. Guess I got SCUUURED🥺, and YES, a bit CONFUSED😵💫! LOL! Hopefully my bottle of Bel Ami Vetiver Improve more still, but if not, I guess Im content with what I got as far as performance goes.

My first experience with a leather fragrance was Tom Ford’s Ombré Leather, but my goodness do those cost A LOT. Hunting for other leather scents led me to Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver. My first encounter with this made one thing clear: This is not Ombré Leather. Good, actually, because Bel Ami Vetiver is a wonderful brown leather that’s been broken in and lovingly conditioned; as opposed to Ombré Leather’s inky black hides. But, at least for me, there was a shock in the opening that I’ve not seen before. A spiced, warm orange that reminds me of wassail makes up the opening, but there’s a dominant note in the beginning that almost offends my American sensibilities. C U M I N. Yeah that’s a bit different. Bel Ami Vetiver maybe a modern take of the 1980’s Bel Ami, but this stuff is no pushover. It won’t skunk out a room, but it lasts for at least twelve hours. 1-2 sprays is more than enough. Thankfully the aggressive cumin note doesn’t stick around into the heart and base notes. The “leather rubbed with orange oil and covered in spice” vibe is just a phase (contrary to what everyone says during those awkward emo teenage years). After that seemingly endless onslaught of spice, you’re left with that same warm leather note, surrounded by patchouli, nutty vetiver and a faintly gummy note that others have said is elemi. That same “gummy” balsamic note appears in Sauvage Parfum. The spiced orange wafts in every once in a while, well into the drydown. Kind of reminds me of the Christmas markets I used to go to. I must have some masochistic qualities or something, because I had no problem wearing this in the dead of summer. There’s but a faint sweetness, but it never ends up being cloying in the heat. Granted, that’s skin dependent, because my brother made this smell like barbecue sauce. Most my family doesn’t like this very much... Bel Ami Vetiver is not very casual though, unless casual looks like a buttondown and some cowboy boots. Not really t-shirt territory here. Presentation-wise, the bottle is the standard tall Hermes type for their classic (and classic adjacent) offerings. Nice and hefty. The atomizer is generous, so exercise restraint unless it’s real cold out. The label isn’t leather like I stupidly thought it’d be, but it’s a cool textured design that definitely previews what you’re in for. Despite being a modern offering, Bel Ami Vetiver doesnt stray too far from its older sibling’s decadent tendencies. It’s not dated, but it’s definitely not modern, nor does it try to be. Bel Ami Vetiver is a classic leather that has more in common with Polo than with other 1980’s classics like Drakkar Noir. If you like vetiver and either want something more versatile or fresher, try one of the greatest vetivers ever: Guerlain Vetiver. But Bel Ami Vetiver is excellent for if you want an interesting leather. So long as you can survive the cumin... (Is this actually discontinued?)

****update nearly 2 months after purchase**** Maturate, maturate, MAAAATUUURAAATE!!! So, I gave my first review/rant on 8/25/25 and was honestly LIVID after spending nearly $100 on this scent because of how "Barely there" and extremely light this fragrance wore then. It was also very fleeting lasting maybe 30 mins to and hour on skin and NOT a whole lot better on clothes. Id come back to it and check on it every now and then and there were (slight) improvements over-time which gave me hope, but I was definitely still NOT having the same experience as the YouTube reviewers and most folks here on Fragrantica were having so I naturally figured that Bel Ami Vetiver had been horribly Reformulated and completely Neutered. Well now, nearly 2 months later Im having to sorta eat my words as it now smells much better than it had initially! Its really quite BEAUTIFUL, Spicey, much "Thicker smelling" than it was initially and lasts much longer on my skin! (5 or so hours before becoming a soft skin-scent) and is noticable the following day on clothes. After last trying it on 9/5 I was sorta ok that atleast it'd aquired more "presence" and smelled better than it did at first. So resigned, I put my bottle away not expecting much more improvement. Well I pulled it back out today over one month later and YES, it has improved EVEN MORE. The opening smells Spicey- almost like "Baked Goods" or like "Spicey Gingerbread," it then transitions to a slightly smokey Vetiver, and it is much more potent and lasts much, MUCH longer than it initially had! And although it does sit close to the skin, (which is what I believe Jean-Claude Ellena intended) it does have MUCH better projection than it initially had and I do catch small whiffs of it through out the day as I move about (3 spritzes on my neck and 2 on my shirt.) If im being completelyhonest, I do wish it was a but stronger and longer-lasting, but I can fux that with Over-Spraying. I am actually glad that I didnt end up returning this fragrance and Im happy to take back my "rant", and advise ANYONE who purchases Bel Ami Vetiver who then has a similar "Bad experience" as I had, to just spray a good 10 or so spritzes out, store it away for a month or preferably two so as NOT to waste your fragrance trying to get decent performance out of it, and theeeen pull this gem out, and enjoy! I (now) give this scent an 8 outta 10. With a good amount of patience, Bel Ami Vetiver is well worth the nearly $100 pricetag it can be had for☺️.. CHEERS!!!

It’s that artisanal autumn arrival of an array of foliage colours time of year in the Colorado Rockies, so I wore Frederic Malle’s Vetiver Extraordinaire on one wrist and Hermes’ Bel Ami Vetiver on the other before getting in the car. By the third mile, the kids were begging for gas masks, my husband said the car smelled like “leather-wrapped compost,” and I just nodded because that’s exactly the vibe I was going for. I’m fifty years old now, and I’ve been through enough scents, colognes, and perfumes to know that what clings to my skin can sometimes say more than what comes out of my mouth. When I wear Extraordinaire, I feel like I’m putting on a sharply cut suit with no tie because it smells crisp, disciplined, and a touch intellectual. It’s vetiver in its purest, most surgical form being green, rooty, and a little earthy, but also polished into something modern and refined. It’s the kind of fragrance that makes me think about clarity; about clearing the noise; about focusing in on what really matters like suffocating my family in an enclosed space. Almost feels like a meditation in scent form. By contrast, Bel Ami Vetiver is an older man’s smile that’s warm, worn-in, and charmingly rough around the edges. It’s leather and spice wrapped around vetiver, less strict, and more fatherly forgiving. When I spray it on my wrist this morning, I’m reminded of patriarchal evenings with a glass of cognac, an old leather chair that’s cracked in the right places, and a conversation that runs late into the dead of night. It doesn’t cut through the air like Malle’s does; instead, it sits closer and more tactile, like a handshake from a man who’s lived a little but still has fire in him. The similarities? Both live in a vetiver’s world because I’m a material girl, but they approach it differently. Malle’s is the disciplined architect and Bel Ami Vetiver the seasoned raconteur. On my skin, they both remind me that I’m now fifty. That I’ve outgrown the sweet and flashy scents of youth because some boys romance, some boys slow dance, and that's all right with me. Yet they reflect two sides of who I am now with one part craving structure and refinement, another part content with the patina of experience because some boys try and some boys lie, but I don't let them play (NO WAY). Only boys that save their pennies can make my rainy autumn day.

Now I understand why Hermès choice Jean-Claude Ellena a true master, creating fragrance's which leave you mesmerized. Each fragrance which JCE created, both sex's have the luxury of being in awe after being able to smell so good with so many complementing you due to Mr. Ellena. Now about this phenomenon juice... I own Bel Ami and just yesterday I had to go and buy Bel Ami Vetiver after spraying it on my wrist. The entire day I couldn't help myself smelling my wrist as everyone around me was wondering what the heck was I doing. The 3 notes..top-citrus, mid-leather and base-Vetiver gives this frag a real animalistic/attractive aroma and makes it SEXY When you first spray this frag, you get a rush of leather with a smokey/incense note coming from Vetiver, a very high-quality lasting well over 8hrs on my skin. Afterwards I pickup a smig of citrus notes delicately balancing the overall ATTRACTIVE green earthy aroma. Longevity and Silage is excellent lasting well past 10hrs...Silage is very high on my skin probably because of my PH. Final thoughts, Bel Ami is more of a leathery blend with a woodsy base. Bel Ami Vetiver also has a definite leather blend with a unique vib of somkey Vetiver making it absolutely amazing..a real versital frag which could be worn all 4 seasons. Vetiver making this juice a lively woodsy-spicy-oriental aroma. I enjoy wearing this juice so much that if someone else doesn't like it...too bad. I highly recommend this fragrance and have made this fragrance one of my signature fragrance in my top 10 frag's. Not that a woman couldn't wear it, it has more of masculine aroma....10/10 A five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ juice.

I do not understand how the consensus is that this is an "OK" value. This is easily niche quality, way better than PDM and Creed, and I got a full bottle for $60! I suspect, however, that a lot of votes came from the under-40 group who like their hazelnut gourmands and blue ambrox bombs. This is the combination of old school ingredients put together with a modern nose. Carnation, smoky vetiver, basil and styrax (not to mention leather) with very little sweetness is going to limit its appeal to older guys and those who have a few years of fragrance appreciation under their belts. I don't understand the cumin comment. I am very sensitive to cumin, can't STAND Cartier Declaration despite really wanting to like it because of cumin. My guess is that the smokey vetiver, styrax and slightly gasolinic leather, which produce sort of a rubbery brown feel for the first hour, is what is being perceived as cumin. As for the leather: all leather accords in all fragrances are made from non-leather materials combined to smell like leather. Tom Ford's leathers really smell like a leather jacket. This one is a bit more of an artistic impression, constructed by Master Ellena, which gives the soul of leather. You probably won't understand that until you smell this. But the takeaway is that this is a mature fragrance, challenging but in a way that tires. French complexity but with a rugged nature. A fragrance that a CEO would wear to a Board of Directors meeting, then change his jacket and go for a ride on his Harley. That is rare indeed. While not the same fragrance, it will be appreciated by those who like Yatagan or Aramis.

Just got mine from Hermes online. This is just wonderful stuff. I'm surprised with how famous Bel Ami is that this flanker doesn't get more attention. There are not so many reviews here so I thought I'd put in one for this masterpiece. I haven't tried the original, and I completely blind bought this. This was NOT a disappointment. I was blown away at the first spray. I have only had this for a short time and I may have to do an update here for this might be a bit shallow because I haven't worn it a bunch yet. Anyhow, I totally loved the initial opening with the bitter orange and vetiver and the slightly sweet tonka and spice, to me the suede leather was "hinting" at this time. Within an half hour the orange calms and remains into the heart as a compliment to the rest of the notes. When this happens the tonka sweetness increases a bit and the vetiver comes on louder with a suede leather peaking behind. I notice spice and other nuances, my nose isn't quite refined yet, which I am not totally sure what they are. The suede leather keeps coming, I suppose this is the Bel Ami base here, and the vetiver blends in with wonderful cleanness and harmony which is just downright pleasant and very masculine. This has great longevity, 10+ hrs, and average to above average projection and sillage. Just great in my book. I love this stuff and I hope others soon pick this up and enjoy it as I have and am enjoying it. Terre d' Hermes introduced me to Hermes fragrances and all I can say is Jean-Claude Ellena definitely has impressed me with his mastery of purfumery.

"Mixing business with leather" -Beck Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver is just simply that sweet, earthy, leather dandy juice you never knew you needed. This is a hit plain and simple! From the opening we get that signature Hermes quality and class. As with the original Bel Ami you are greeted with a deep rich leather and it is much darker and rugged in tone. With Bel Ami Vetiver the rough edges are all sanded off and every thing is lightened up a bit with a very sweet, earthy vetiver. While the original Bel Ami shouts, dandy out on the town in the winter but he really wants to be indoors. Bel Ami Vetiver is the dandy who wants to take a stroll or drive with the top down. Swapping that navy blue business suit for something gray or green and the tie stays at home. Back to the opening. The leather, vetiver and styrax unleash a warm, sweet and earthy volley that evokes parisian spring in all its' glory. As the scent evolves it only gets richer and better. The elemi, amber and cardamom keep the earthy spiciness rolling. The civet, iris, patchouli and vanilla round out the scent and give it a lovely floral, earthy, slightly animalic rounding out. Bel Ami Vetiver is a stylish fragrance that takes a legendary masterpiece and gIves it a breath of fresh air and a bit of youth. Bel Ami Vetiver is perfect for spring days and nights and works in any social situation. Give this a few sprays before making that late morning meeting with your friends at the cafe to discuss plans for the day or to recount stories of past adventures.

@EnsureESydney Thank you so much for replying and offering your experience. I actually just now returned to this page to give an update on day 4 of owning and trying Bel Ami Vetiver again a couple hours ago. It seems that the fragrance is now starting to "Open up" a bit more. Still quite subdued, bit with much more presence (THANKFULLY!) So, I moisturized my arm with an unscented lotion, did 2 spritzes on that spot and I can actually smell it without needing to practically dig my nose into that spot. It is more substantial now and I can actually smell the Vetiver vs just a nice yet (too faint) mix of spices. Its been 2 hours now and the Vetiver seems to be emerging more during the dry-down and I do believe that like you, Im getting more of the leather as well. Also now that I doubled up on the spritzes on that one spot, I am getting a thin coat of oil like you'd mentioned in your response, and I am LOVING the scent itself 😉. I think that what also threw me off so much was how so many reviewers on YouTube and even here on Fragrantica were calling this a "Potent" or "Punchy fragrance". Some even called it "Quite Anamalic" or even "Hard to wear" which was definately NOT my experience, LOL! Anyhow, although its NOT quite what I was expecting, I get the feeling that this dna will improve even more over time and probably be "Ready to Rock" in the Fall season. Again, TYSM for replying @EnsureESydney! VERY coo and super helpfull of ya! BLESSINGS!! 😁

This reinterpretation of the classic Bel Ami fragrance by the ever talented Jean-Claude Ellena is yet another masterpiece to add to the Hermes stable. Bel Ami Vetiver opens especially spicy and oriental in tone. There is a very brief burst of citrus with an intermingling of delicate ginger noticeable from the start. This is expeditiously replaced by an amalgam of spices; cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon (to name just a few). It is here that I noticed definite similarities with another of Ellena's creations: Epice Marine from the Hermessence line. The rich warm spices are a perfect counterpoint to the citric notes of the opening. Ever so gently one begins to appreciate the soft glow of vetiver, with its woody and nutty facets amplified. Once again my mind was taken to yet another of Ellena's previous fragrances: Vetiver Tonka. Here he deftly combined vetiver with woody and nutty counterparts in the form of tonka bean, praline, and hazelnut. Clearly there are similar tonalities in the base of Bel Ami Vetiver. The effect is creamy, lightly sweet, with just a hint of smokiness (as if a recently used tobacco pipe is nearby). Overall Bel Ami Vetiver is a warm and richly layered fragrance with an undoubtably masculine edge. Perfect for the brisk cold evenings in Autumn and Winter. While wearing Bel Ami Vetiver, surely those special to you will want to come a little closer and inhale this comforting scent. (165)

What is it Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver When was it launched? 2013 What vibe / image do I get? It smells exactly like stepping into a custom Hermès workshop in Paris—surrounded by polished wooden furniture, freshly cut leather hides, and expensive wool overcoats. Performance: What is the longevity 12+ hours What is the Projection Top: Opens as a spicey resinous leather and hints of bitter orange. 3 feet 45 min Heart: The bitter orange fades and it morphs into a spicy, slightly powdery, resinous, dry earth, floral and leather scent with hints of animalic undertones. 8 hours, slowly goes to intimate Base: Settles into a smoky, nutty, and rooty vetiver scent. 8+ Skin Scent What are the notes that I get? Vetiver, leather, elemi, styrax, amber, carnation, cardamom, iris, vanilla, civet, basil, patchouli, bitter orange Is this one still on the market? Yes Compliments? Yes, a few over the years What attire Upscale casual to formal. Places / events you can wear it Works better in cooler weather, high stakes business meetings, high end dinners, cultured events, like the theater or opera. Anyplace that is more upscale vs casual Where NOT to wear this one: High heat, the gym, the beach Who is the audience - age group Masculine and mature Why you should try it. If you are looking for a fantastic dry leather and vetiver dominant scent that represents serious, old-school perfumery craftsmanship, you should try this one.

This fragrance is without a doubt one of the most underated vetiver fragrances out there, it really flys under the radar from the mainstream, Tom Ford, Roja, Guerlain etc that get air time. What makes it unique, is it's just class, in other words it is a true dignified sophisticated gentlemen scent. Beautiful sweet suede leather is what you smell immediately and the notes are blended so well that you will struggle to pick them which gives it an air of mystery. The creamy vetiver comes later in about 30 min for me, naturally this will vary for different skin types. Needless to say, as previous reviews have noted this, the scent is just a beautiful and a pleasure to smell. Compared to other fragrances on the market it is in it own category for vetiver, that being a conservative dignified class. This would be perfect for a cool spring day or autumn / fall for a gentleman dressed smart casual. Longevity, well that depends on your skin so you have to test it. The fragrance is just to wear for pleasure in a reserved manner not to gain attention for complements and hence it is a rather un-offensive fragrance to those around the wearer, especially those who do not like leather. Perfect for the office (when that was a thing) or daily wear. I would say it suits ages that are 35 up but if your younger than that and this is what your after just go for it, there are no rules. To me this is a masterpiece.

It's hard trying to pin down Bel Ami Vetiver - a heck of a lot is going on here. Vetiver is easy enough to pick out, and of course there's leather too, as befits a flanker to the original celebrated for the accord, though here it's altogether smoother and more reserved. I get assorted spice in quantities to imagine someone having emptied the entire contents of their dry spice rack to form a large mound. It goes some way to explaining why I had thoughts of christmas pudding and gingerbread swirling around in my head, anyway. But that only scratches the surface and marks the point where what I smell - or think I smell - breaks off in in varied and crazy directions. Essence of Play-Doh? Or is that cookie dough? Why yes, I do believe one or both somehow sneaked their way into the composition. Grassy knolls, you say? Yup, I can't shake that image either. Now I'm sitting beside a roaring campfire roasting marshamallows...that could do with being gooier and sweeter still. Just as well I came preapred, then: your choice of treacle, molasses, caramel and/or vanilla sauce to drizzle generously over them. Don't forget to breathe in the smoke and soot filled air while you're at it. I dare not go on out of fear of even greater uncertainty. Bel Ami being a superlative fragrance, however? Of that I'm absolutely certain.

***Update About a year since purchase*** Just wanted to give a final update for this BEAUTIFUL, spicey/Vetiver fragrance. Initially when Id recieved my bottle about a year ago I was BEYOND DISSAPOINTED bc of how extremely weak and short-lived it was. Throughout the moths Id bring the bottle out to test it and would notice slight, sllllow improvements untill finally at around the 6th months or so, my fragrance got some "OOMPH" And would last a good 6 to 7 hours on skin, the scent was much stronger, more nuanced, just better all around. Well after about another 6 moths of not using Bel Ami Vetiver, I pulled it back out last night and did 2 spritzes on my arm before bed and WOW! I was reminded of how gorgeous this is! The kicker is that now this lasted on my skin untill the morning into now/early afternoon! So YES FOLKS! Maturation is indeed a thing. Not sure if other folks had the same experience Id had with the bad initial performance bc Ive heard of "Bottle shock" which can temporarily effect a fragrance, but I just wanted to share my experience and for folks to NOT be turned off by any negative reviews especially regarding the performance. If your not happy inttially with your purchase, with a bit of time and patience, you'll have an AMAZING scent which is totally worth the wait! Love, Love, LOOOVE!

نمی دونم چرا فرگراتیکا نظرات رو پاک می کند.مدت ها بود دنبال اين كار بودم. اول به خاطر تركيب نت هاي ان كه ساختماني از چرم وتیور و چوب و نت های اسپایسی بود و من تا به حال تجربه چنین فضايي رو نداشتم و دوم رويوي منتسب به ايكاروس عزيز كه گفته بود برای معادل سازی می توان عنوان کرد که این عطر به نقش گتسبی بزرگ می خورد.می خواستم از سر کنجکاوی ببنیم چه طور رایحه ای است .در نهایت پس از کلی جستجو ان را خریدم.نت اغازي هجوم بي رحمانه نت سبز، وتيور و نتهای اسپایس و کمی صابونی است.جالب است وتیور و نت اسپایسی تا اخر عمر عطر در پشت صحنه حضور دارند.اوج داستان از زمان ورود چرم اغاز مي شود كه همراه با نت اسموكي كه من حس مي كنم به وتيور زده مي شود داستان را به اوج مي برند.اصلا فكر نمي كردم تركيب وتيور كه من يكي از فن هاي ان هستم با دود و چرم این قدر کلاس کار را رسمی و بالا می برد.بر خلاف بل امي اولیه قابليت پوشیدن در محیط های اداری و تجاری بسته را بسیار بیشتر دارد.بل امی وتیور م عطری است تقریبا نیمه سنگین برای سن میانسالی .اما از حدود نزدیک سی و پنج و چهل سالگی .برای یک فرد رسمی پوش به خصوص مدیری اراسته.البته بسیار اراسته.فکر کنم در هوای خنک بهاری و پاییزی نیزپاسخ خیلی خوبی خواهد داشت.تست ان را به علاقمندان وتیور پیشنهاد می کنم.شاید برای شما نیز خوشایند باشد. May 26 2018

No Panic. I'm coming from the Hermes boutique. I was there with the only purpose to sniff this new fragrance. I own and love Bel Ami. The shop assistent immediatly gave me a cold shower "it is Bel Ami. They have just changed the name and the bottle to relaunch it on the market." I tought she was mistaken and with bad informations in hands. But Actually into these high class boutiques usually the staff receive breefings and infos about the products. I tested anyway on the paper and finally on me. She must be right I said. I still not persuade that the jus is totally identical. But if there are some changes are minimals. It seems to be more intense. More leathery. round and sweet. toffee. Less green. Ok maybe is another fragrance but the fruit do not fall far from the tree. More close to the original cocktail mixer bottle formula in some way. Magnifico. I don't understand and I don't approve this kind of deceiver relauches, but as the result is gorgeous, I will forgive that. Can be an excuse to make people try again the same juice (BelAmi) without prejudices.

I have loved Bel Ami for a long time (although never getting around to buying it), but I had never tried the Vetiver flanker, as I am not usually a big lover of vetiver. However when it came up on AllBeauty for £62, I took the risk and blind bought it; and what a pleasant surprise it offered me. The soul of Bel Ami is still very much here: the warm and spicy cinnamon, the robust, almost smoky leather, as well as the rugged aromatics in the base. But it has been modernised, given the characteristic lift and minimalist makeover in typical Ellena fashion. All the bushy beard and puffed-up chest of the original has been toned down, tempered by a much more delicate leather, chewy resins and only a touch of earthiness, to result in the same manly character, now adorned in a fine Italian suit and good manners. I do think the original is superior, but come on that’s one hard perfume to beat. This is a gorgeous dressed-up version of Bel Ami, made contemporary and versatile without compromising on class or refinement; would you expect any less from Hermès?

I wasn't sure of this on first spray, it was a nose full of sweeter-than-expected spicy citruses and dry iso e super (think terre d'Hermes edt) with leather, but less than a minute later, I finally 'got it'. A bright and dry spicy carnation, leather and citrus opening settling into a warm smooth leather that doesn't shout at you like a Tom Ford, with a quality smelling smooth vetiver and a fresh brightness from elemi, all bought alive with a nice spiciness. It's honestly blended to perfection. I'm pretty confident that the complaints with longevity stem from olfactory fatigue as it immediately did what Terre D'Hermes edt does to me and made me almost completely noseblind where I can only smell if I move into my scent cloud or sniff myself, when I know for a fact this is radiating off my quite significantly (thanks for letting me know wifey) I can smell this on my hand over 12 hours later if smell closely, mainly the vetiver This is staying in my collection which I'm SUPPOSED to be reducing.