Morning Chess

Morning Chess is my first try from Vilhelm Parfumerie and I'm delighted to finally sample it after seeing it around a lot. The scent is fruity, creamy, slightly woody, slightly smoky, and yes, my immediate thought upon applying it was that it smelled a bit like Creed Aventus. It wasn’t apparent from the note listing that this would be the case but even without pineapple or blackcurrant in the notes specifically, it nonetheless does have some fruity qualities that resemble the Creed superstar, though admittedly it’s not nearly as similar as, say, Creed Cedrat Boise, or the scores of seemingly very deliberate clones. To solely compare Morning Chess to Aventus is to sell it short and oversimplify it, but it’s the elephant in the room. That said, though, it’s creamier, darker, and dare I say a bit sweeter than Aventus, and it that respect, it sort of stands out in its own ground as a more woody/smoky/resinous and therefore cold-weather-friendly combination. Despite the only fruit listed being bergamot, it does have a sort of bright fruitiness to it along the lines of a pineapple or blackcurrant, but what I think is happening here is that it’s a mix of the bergamot and a fairly liberal use of galbanum that foster the sweet, creamy vibe that rather sufficiently feels like fruit. The other main notes are leather, patchouli, and black amber, and I can’t say I get much of any of these. Overall, it’s a really nice fragrance and I’m instantly a fan. It’s somehow fresh, delicious, and a bit dark and provocative all at once, and I enjoy that, compared to Aventus, it’s relatively dense and more cold-weather-friendly despite being an overall year-round-pleasant, gender-and-situation-versatile offering. The overall performance leaves a bit to be desired, though, at least on this initial wearing, which seems to be contrary to the consensus I’m seeing online, and since perfume generally lasts a long time on my skin, it might need some more tries. Still, with the retail pricing of $245 for 50ml (Aedes and Saks sell it, to name a couple), it really falls into the category of one that I’d need to totally love in order to buy it, and I’m not sure I’m there yet, despite it being great. 8 out of 10

"Morning Chess" known for taking it's inspiration from @ventus, differs with the inspired scent with a drier and slightly greener take and adding a mature but soothing smooth suede like leathery accord. It doesn't have the pineapple many likes but in place is the citrusy bergamot. However the bergamot here doesn't hold and stays, unlike in @ventus the pineapple stays as other notes develop. As the scent develops it shifts away and becomes a separate scent. It gets abit Ambery with some patchouli support towards the end. On clothes it's also more musculine and mature. I'm sure there'll be many fans of this scent development for the dna. A bottle of Morning Chess doesn't come cheap so if you are looking at something similar or even better, perhaps you can look towards the perfumer's creation. The nose behind this fragrance is Jérôme Epinett. He is the man behind the original Zara Vibrant Leather and The Orchid Man Frapin. However I find that Morning Chess has similarities to one of his newer creation also under Zara, namely Vibrant Leather Extreme in the use of black leather and patchouli, not exactly the same since VLE has some candy accord to associate it with 540 too. Personally, I really like leather take on the dna and for those looking for a more prominent leather in the dna, you can look at Invincible Bergamot Hugo Boss. The bottle's presentation is nice and unique but with it's design, spraying becomes slightly clumsy with my smaller palm and fingers. Longetivity is pretty decent half day to 8 hours thereabouts. If you like a more mature and musculine take on the dna with some green, leather and patchouli at the end, try Morning Chess.

Ok, so where do I even start... First of all, while this has an Aventus vibe, it is not a clone and quite different. I used Aventus back in 2012 when the quality was high and the scent was smokey. Morning Chess has a similar smokeyness to it but no pineapple note. Instead, we got bergamot which works quite nicely. Now some people say that this smells similar to a Zara fragrance called "Vibrant Leather". I cannot confirm this as Vibrant Leather is out of production. Apparently there is a new Zara fragrance which is similar to this one, but has an awful performance. So why even bother if the cheapie has no performance? Morning Chess smells great and has a good performance. I tried newer batches of Aventus and they straight out suck, both in scent and performance. While Morning Chess is miles better than current Aventus batches, I will compare the old Aventus (good luck finding it) with Morning Chess and give my interpretations. Old Aventus Batches: Napoleon returning victorious from the battlefield. Confident. Morning Chess: A well spoken and charming Dandy. Confident as well. A few hours on the skin I get a mix of smokey bergamot and a hint of patchouli. The performance is good enough, I wear this to the office currently with 2 small sprays and it lasts for roughly 6 hours on me. The real Aventus is gone for a long time already and this is my personal replacement for it. New signature scent! 4/5 my only complaint is that it could last longer.

This is what I wanted Aventus to be for me. I absolutely love Aventus Cologne but not so much the original. This gives me the vibe of Aventus Cologne mixed with PE. It is definitely more green than Aventus Cologne but has that really sexy alluring scent trail that I miss from the very first formulations of the OG Aventus that were more aromatic in my opinion. I really love this scent a lot; I agree that the performance is a slight issue as it really is not the best. For the $250 price point at retail I have experienced much worse in the niche world. Cough Cough (Much Ado About The Duke) although that's one of my all time favorite smells ;). This is a solid ass fragrance if you have the budget for it. You can wear this anywhere, anytime and feel confident and like a don. This scent really gives you that "Im the boss" feeling. Great for a signature if that's within your budget and great as a splurge for a special occasion scent as well. This does it all and for not a terrible price tag. You can sense the quality in this scent from the presentation to the bottle to the smell. This really does it all and says "I'm here to get stuff done".

This is quite the fragrance! Just to get this out of the way now, this is not a Aventus clone to my nose, yes there is a pineapple top note which is very heavy and prominent on the top and mid but that is where the similarities end. I would say this is closer to hacivat but more balanced, less sweet/less cloying, just about as long lasting but more projecting with a much better scent trail. This is ALL Pineapple and Leather! Pineapple is very strong in opening that lasts for over an hour blending seamlessly into the mid where the distinct leather note comes in...lasting to the base 2hrs in. Once it hits the base its 90% leather with the pineapple just there adding a slight sweetness. Lasts all day on skin and clothes, scent bubble is there for 4+ hrs. To me this is 50ml worthy for sure, while not redundant if you have Aventus they are 'similar' but Morning Chess is just as high quality, lasts longer (longer lasting than any Aventus made after 2017) and best of all its cheaper even at full retail. I picked up 4 2ml samples from Twisted Lily, used those up and bought a full 50ml bottle. 8.5/10

Opens with a bergamot, refined galbanum-leather that is a bit less acrid than one you’d find in Moroccan Leather by Memo Paris, more refined actually (a somewhat bright-greenish leather). The galbanum serves as the continuum for the citrus bias, but overall the profile is a bit dirty from the black amber, and patchouli, in that order, for intensity. In a way, its very reminiscent of No 16 Tomato Leather by Cognoscenti, except here its more approachable, and the leather is more lived in (but formal), in a clean fashion. Its presentation is more like Golfjazz by DS&Durga but in the sense I’ve described beforehand (bright). It’s not as “screechy” as some might put it like Leatherize by DSDurga, but probably louder than something like Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford, and definitely miles ahead of present-day Aventus Creed. A layerable, FBW worthy choice for more formal occasions that speaks loud but isn’t conventionally screechy, but will remain in my queue for the time being. +1 * Leather -> -- A great render by Jérôme Epinette.

Ananas notası olan her parfümün Aventus ile kıyaslanması saçmalığını buradaki yorumlarda da görüyorsunuz. Parfümün Aventus ile yapı olarak alakası yok..Bir başkası eli yükseltmiş ve Zara Vibrant Leather in aynisi demiş. Parfüm öncelikle kalite hissi yüksek bir yapıya sahip. Ananas ilk 10 dakika yeşil ve deri ile ortak bir açılış yapıyor sonra geri plana çekiliyor. Notalarin hiç biri tek başına sahneye çıkmıyor. Yorumlardaki tespitlerde katılacağım tek nokta kalıcılığın biraz zayıf olması. Biraz daha kuvvetli olsa çok keyifli olabilirdi. Marka ambalaj, şişe ve sunum açısından gördüğün en iyilerinden birisi. Tabiki önceliğimiz parfüm, kutu ve şişe değil. Ancak tüketiciye ve parfume saygı unutulmamalı. Ilk aventus üretimlerinden birisi var bende ve kapak, kutu vb. Tam anlamı ile rezalet. Son yıllarda kapak ve etiketler biraz düzeldi ama halen her tarafından ucuzluk akıyor. Bu marka bu anlamda çıtayı biraz yüksek koymuş. Markanın 5 farklı parfümünü daha kullanıyorum ve yukarda söz ettiğim kalite hissi hepsinde yüksek.

Back in 2015, I stumbled upon my first bottle of Creed Aventus—a 2014 batch that smelled absolutely heavenly! Fast forward to 2023, and I’m in the market for a new one. Sadly, when I sampled it, I discovered that the entire formula has been revamped. The ambergris is gone, the oak moss is now DNA-altered and the pineapple scent is reminiscent of cheap bergamot. I didn’t want to spend my money on anything that didn’t live up to the original, especially since ‘Aventus’ and ‘average’ just don’t mix. So, I did a lot of digging and finally found Morning Chess. It’s the perfect successor to the original Aventus. It’s not quite as amazing, but it’s definitely a solid second best. Overall, the scent is darker, heavier and more serious than the 2014 Creed Aventus. It can last for 8-12 hours with just 6-10 sprays. The projection is great for 2-3 hours, but after that, it becomes more contained. The presentation should really put Creed & PDM to shame. It’s a fantastic purchase, and I absolutely love it!

I tried Morning Chess two years ago in the discovery set but was so overshadowed by my instalove for Basilico and Polly. Last week I spritzed a little on in Anthropologie and now I can’t stop thinking about it. This is an attractive scent. It’s the scent of an embrace. Masc patchouli and pebbled leather eloping with sweet bergamot. And some other distant tropical fruit. Green mango? Pineapple husk? Morning Chess is more “cologne-y” than I like for myself, but I’d honeymoon with this scent. Or go on a slightly flirty business trip. It’s very clean, fresh, and totally SFW. Tasteful on men, “yes chef” on women. Mental Snapshot: James Bond yachting about summertime Stockholm. Daniel Craig or Idris Elba. Or Cate Blanchett. Nonbinary Bond. They’re leaving that life behind, just for you. They subscribe to the Times; you do the crossword over your green juice and açaí. Followed by skinny dips in the infinity pool, after tennis club. tl;dr: hunky health club 🛥️🍸

I found this fragrance in a sample swap box and almost skipped it when I first sprayed it to smell it because it reminded me a little of 1980s Speed Stick deodorant. But there was something about it that was intriguing. I kept going back to sniff the paper I'd sprayed it on and broke back into the swap box to take it because it was so much more than sporty deodorant. It's extremely heavy on citrus and leather. But there's also a creaminess to it and almost a fruitiness. The patchouli blends in really well so that you don't smell it and think of it as a patchouli scent. It has a freshness to it that I think feels better for spring or summer. Somehow, it's both bright and comforting. It's a unisex fragrance that skews male because of the leather. I think it may be too masculine for some ladies, but I like it for me. It's one of those scents that, when you're wearing it, you're not thinking about your next scent because you're enjoying this one so much.

Long overdue thoughts about Morning Chess.... The bergamot and green apple on top is juicy and natural. There's a faint green herb supporting the top, too. It's very uplifting, refreshing, and clean....but in a very sophisticated way. After an hour or so the leather/wood/patchouli start to creep in. It leans suede leather/smoky for the remaining 10+ hours but I'm still getting whiffs of the bergamot and green apple....and it's fantastic!!!! This is 100% clean and sophisticated. I wear this all year round whether I'm wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants or if I'm going out on a date with my wife. It cuts through the cold like a hot knife going through cold butter and will put every summer "freshie" to shame. On my skin I easily get 10+ hours and 24+ hours on my clothes.....this is not an exaggeration. This is easily blind-buy worthy in my opinion. It checks all the boxes that makes my brain fire on all cylinders! Cheers!!

Ugh, these reviews are exhausting. Not every fragrance with citrus, leather, and woods is an Aventus clone! Morning Chess is a beautiful, sophisticated fragrance. This fragrance shines in the dead of winter or the heat of summer. Sounds contradictory, but it evokes the embrace of a cold, harsh winter; or quite literally, the cool relief of a summer morning. This fragrance smells like that guy who completely captured your attention in a coastal town. You don't know his story, but you find him completely mesmerizing, and you're sure his life is far more intriguing than yours. Even though you didn't speak to him, you remember and think about him long after you return home. It definitely skews masculine, but I am a woman who enjoys wearing it as an elevated daytime, fresh fragrance (I would never reach for this for evening). However, it can definitely be dressed up or down, and worn day or night, by a man.

Ive read so many reviews of Vilhelm scents and due to most of them being negative I've stayed away. I've heard many times that the scents are synthetic, which is an immediate turn off. I haven't tried any other scents but I got a sample of Morning Chess yesterday and I was blown away. This is SOOOO much better than I expected! A very pleasant surprise! The galbanum gives this one a sweetness with a slight earthy undertone. I can see how people think this smells like Aventus, I think it smells more like Hacivat than Aventus but I understand the comparison. I've gone from not being interested at all to being wildly eager to sample other offerings from Vilhelm. I highly recommend trying this fragrance, may not be for everyone but it is undeniably pleasant. 8.3/10

This is without a doubt smells like Aventus Creed. I am not well versed enough in Aventus to reference any specific formulations. However, if you are a generally a lover of Aventus Creed, then you will really enjoy Morning Chess. UPDATE: I originally considered this scent too masculine to wear for myself and set aside the sample for my husband. On a whim, I decided to give it a try for myself. I wore this to a hot outdoor summer patio dinner and a concert. I got whiffs throughout the evening and reapplied only once. It was delightful! Refreshing without fruit notes to go sour on sweaty skin. While the leather kept it feeling appropriate for an evening event. I purchased a full bottle immediately and look forward to wearing all summer.

I tried a recent batch of Aventus, and frankly, was nonplussed. Aventus is a beautiful fragrance, but it had zero staying power and I'd have to literally bathe in it to get any appreciable scent bubble going. I am wearing this tonight, and by God, this is way more interesting than Aventus itself. It has a patchouli funk that combines with a mild sourness (from the bergamot and galbanum perhaps, or maybe its a licorice accord that isn't listed?) to form an irresistible, seductive aroma. I have smelled a bit of this type of aroma in another take on Aventus, Dua's Poseidon Mod 3, where the licorice facet is even more prominent. This is a really enjoyable, classy, and enigmatic fragrance that has easily bested Aventus, in my mind.

I don’t really understand how people are comparing this to ‘Aventus’ by Creed. This one is far too heavy on the leather, and the only similarity I can smell is something tropical and sweet that may resemble the pineapple in ‘Aventus’. This perfume starts of as a green and fresh fougere with a bit of sweetness. The leather is light and soft, almost velvet-y, and not as hard and harsh as I am used to leather being. Something spicy is hiding in the bottom of this, but just so much that it ties everything together. For me, this was a definite love at first sniff, but it is way too masculine to wear myself... But to imagine someone wearing this, whilst wearing a cool shirt and drinking a cold beer. I would die...

Morning Chess is to Aventus what the shades Cyan and Ultramarine are to the blue color spectrum. If you appreciate the nuances between these colors, you’re likely to enjoy this fragrance. However, if you are over the Aventus DNA you may want to look elsewhere. A note from the brand: "Inspired by the cherished summer holidays spent with my grandfather, Morning Chess captures the vibrant, green lushness of summer on the coast of Falkenberg." It feels as though the perfumer's grandfather was steeped in Aventus, and those mornings spent together were accompanied by a fresh, dewy breeze that infused the air with their likely signiture scent. In my personal opinion this is a 10/10.

Had the pleasure of smelling this one today and brought it in my arm. It is clearly, clearly similar to Aventus, but it stands out on its own. The SA didn't really agree with me, but the similarities are uncanny. Very smoky, the mix of sweet notes you see in Aventus is replaced by only bergamot. It was a wild card that the SA threw at me, but I must say, a very interesting one. If you want the Aventus DNA but don't want to be "yet another Aventus wearer", I would certainly advise you to see this. To people saying this is discontinued, the SA didn't say anything regarding that, Nadia Perfumaria in Madrid, they sell online if you're interested.

Wow this is incredibly well blended! It smells as expensive as it does refreshing. I can't smell this without it evoking the idea of sophistication. This has elicited several comments from passers-by the first day I've worn it. It's masculine, leathery, but airy and fresh. The bergamot in this is citrusy but so well blended that I wouldn't necessarily recognize it as such, it's green and juicy but given depth with the leathery notes. This might be the best masculine-leaning scent I've smelled in quite some time. This would be a safe blind-buy for any guy (or girl, I could definitely see anyone wearing this).

This sits in between creed aventus and aventus absolu. On the opening and for the first few hours to my nose it smells like a more pineapple forward aventus, but less pineapple heavy than absolu. On the drydown the leather really comes out and it suits the fragrance perfectly. Aventus was always one of my main go to's but this is £100 cheaper and smells just as good imo and more importantly projects and lasts longer. Brilliant fragrance and anyone looking for an aventus style fragrance that smells high quality I would strongly recommend a sample.