Reviews of Vetiver (1961)
by Guerlain

Multiple personalities in this French classic: a crisp and bright fragrance that dries down to a woody, earthy vetiver and from there to a tobacco-rich, spicy goodness. (Whew! Talk about a ride!)

I do not care for the recent Guerlain re-formulation -- it lacks the "teeth" of the original and is, IMHO, a pale reflection of the same. Sadly, the vintage Guerlain is getting harder to find all the time, and more expensive. Nevertheless, I try to always keep a bottle of the original, vintage version in my collection. Always.

Guerlain Vetiver shootout

Left Arm: Vintage Guerlain Vetiver EDC
Right Arm: Guerlain Vetiver EDT

I applied 2 good sprays of each. At first, they seemed equally strong, but the EDC had no detectable citrus, rather, it had a sort of burned sugar and caramel note at the top, and the vetiver was immediately apparent--dry, rooty and nutty. The EDT was a bright citrus blast, sweeter than I remembered the last time I wore it. To my nose, the lemon is the most prominent, but it is very well tempered by the other citrus notes so that it doesn't come off as an edible lemon or household cleaner. The citrus lasts for quite a while and is very pleasant. These are the main differences for the first 20-30 minutes--they basically smell like different fragrances, the EDC edging more into the vetiver while the sweet citrus develops in the EDT.

There is a point where they begin to intersect--the EDC vetiver note develops slowly, and the brulee note fades. Likewise, the EDT loses the citrus brightness and sweetness to reveal the drier grassy, dirty vegetal notes of the vetiver. When the top notes in both are gone, they smell identical to me in strength, sillage and quality of the vetiver. Vetiver in general is quite long lasting. I got some of the essential oil on my hands last week, and couldn't wash it off for more than one day, despite repeated hand washing, lotion applications and a shower. So, my expectation for any fragrance which has vetiver in it (if it is natural) is that the vetiver will last long and develop from the nutty, sweet, syrupy start to a dry, woody, smoky finish (if the vetiver is of similar origin). The two Guerlains behave pretty much in this way, except that the EDT is turning out to be longer lasting. It has been about 5 hours since I applied the two. The drydown of the EDC is barely there, except for a salty, slightly sweet and soapy scent. The EDT is still grassy, rooty, smoky and woody, except that it has faded quite a bit. In today's wearing of the EDT, I am not getting the extreme soapyness I had from the first time, but the spicy pepper is definitely there.

My impression of the EDC is that it is more about vetiver than anything else. The vetiver comes out right away, and dominates the fragrance throughout the development. The EDT has more distinct stages--citrus to vetiver to spicy/soapy. I suspect the shorter longevity of the EDC is due to its lower concentration. Of the two, I am not sure which one I prefer, but I think the EDC is more versatile. Plus, I get to enjoy the yummy parts of the vetiver with none of the bitter drydown that I sometimes get from the EDT.

2nd only to Paco Rabanne Ph and Fahrenheit. calm and smooth. no opening sharpness and no heavy musk residual sillage. I cant find a better word than organic.

I was a bit hesitant to post a review on such a talked about scent.

I sampled it on a card and of course didnt like it.

Last week I sprayed some on my skin and got some in an atomizer to take home to try.

I was floored with everything that happened from the topnotes to the base on my skin. This is something that belongs on every man's wardrobe, regardless of age. It's probably one of the most perfectly balanced frags ive ever tried.

Guerlain’s classic Vetiver introduces itself with a very wet, round citrus accord. It takes some time before the citrus is underpinned by a relatively mellow vetiver note. Later in the course of its development Guerlain’s Vetiver reveals a touch of smoke and some crisp green notes that extend the life of the opening citrus accord.

The fragrance cruises along in vetiver-citrus mode for a long time, and I find its uncomplicated structure brisk and refreshing. Guierlain’s Vetiver is a classical fragrance in the true sense of the word. Like an ionic temple or a Mozart concerto, it exhibits perfect balance, with no extraneous elements to distract from its essential form. If you’re looking for the aggressively earthy, stark, potent vetiver of Route du Vetiver, Vetiver Extraordinaire, or Etro’s Vetiver, you won’t find it here. But if you want a comfortable, civilized approach to the vetiver root, this is it.

Vetiver is one of the notes I am so picky about, most of the time because I'm so wary of its bitter edge juxtaposed to its green citric and earthy qualities, how a nose can play these qualities up or down, usually for my case, playing it down. Other notes, like patchouli, a "sweaty" variety of cedar, and sharp cumin are also notes that can break my attention from the rest of a fragrance composition, and I'm totally put off by the scent--no second chances most of the time. I'm not saying that I won't wear scents with these notes in it, but I'm just picky in the way how it plays its part in the whole composition.

I've smelled Guerlain's Vetiver before, and I was hit left and right by notes that just made me think that this composition was brash and unrefined, starting with its blast of citrus right to its bitter edge that seemed to smell frankly of rubber as many have mentioned.

Trial upon trial, it never seemed to catch my attention, I seemed to fixate in my mind that it smelled brash to me and very un-Guerlain like IMO.

After some years of simply detesting this scent, bored out of my mind smelling newer creations of late, I've resorted to appreciating and re-appreciating classic fragrances. I think I've reached some sort of level in scent preference, and in this instance, trying Vetiver became a whole new vision and appreciation of this scent! Instead of fixating on notes that seemed to jut out at me, I started noticing the other nuances in this scent. Now that I've found peace in Vetiver I'm noticing its deeper, spicy and resinous qualities. No longer too sharp green and grassy, I'm finding it smelling sensual, refined, bold yet reserved at the same time. The tobacco is not the green variety to my nose, but more the spicy aspect of the dried variety, probably because of the pepper and nutmeg. Simply ingenious the way it's blended into the composition.

I didn't purchase a bottle right away, but when I went home and kept taking whiffs of it, I became obsessed. I kept thinking of its scent for a whole week before giving in and purchased a bottle. Funny how the mind can keep an olfactory memory exactly like the way it smelled sniffing it for real. So real that I was obsessed about it all week!

I had plans of waiting to purchase it online for cheaper, but I just couldn't wait any longer. It had to be mine. I'd be in pure ecstasy if Guerlain comes out with a version with even deeper qualities to it. But with the way this scent was composed, it's hard to create a winner better than this original.

I still can't understand why I love this scent so much now, but this definitely has set another benchmark in my understanding of perfumery.

Some saying that is very classic and is true.
But is one of the best "vetiver" that you can find in a normal cosmetic store with a normal price.
Ist calm and rellassing frangance. Nice for hot days.
Spraying a lot in your shirt and you will be very fresh all day.
Try also the shower gel is also very nice.
The version "Extreme" is completly differente and i dont liked.

I like Guerlain's Vetiver. In fact, I like it a lot. I don't love it, however.

I simply don't experience the same complex development on my skin that so many others have reported here. Yes, I get the citrus and pepper top notes, accompanied by the prominent "soapy" vetiver scent. After 15 minutes or so, the soapiness subsides and the citrus is joined by a spiciness which I find difficult to describe. It's not rich and sultry, more lifting and aromatic the way a Thai green curry is lighter than similarly spicy Indian curries. Not that Vetiver smells of curry, though! Perhaps it's the notes reminiscent of lemongrass that made me think of that simile. At this point, however, Vetiver stalls and I don't experience any of the rich earthy notes that I had been looking forward to when I bought it. That's a shame, because I think that added complexity would have elevated this fragrance to the level of an all-time favourite.

Perhaps the lack of development is a skin chemistry thing. Or perhaps it's a climate thing. I understand Vetiver was originally developed for the Central American market and, although I've not yet been fortunate enough to visit that part of the world, I think it's pretty reasonable to state that it is significantly warmer than chilly Scotland!

As it stands, Vetiver is still easily head and shoulders above the boring citrus and ozone clones that clog up the fragrance shelves of British pharmacists and department stores. I might not love it yet, but this could be a slow burning romance and I'll certainly enjoy getting to Vetiver better as I work my way through that chunky green bottle.

I can understand that some people may not like vetiver. I've got to say though, as far as I am concerned, it adds a tremendous amount of "freshness" to a fragrance and is a good counterpoint to any sweet notes. It's a sweet-sour kind of thing. I love this stuff. I sniff myself over and over during the day when I wear it.

Longevity is very good for me.
You can't complain too much about the price either.

A wonderful fragrance. It seems a bit astringent when first applied, but it mellows down to a very agreeable and refined masculine fragrance. I can never imagine this being a unisex scent, there is not a feminine note in it. It lasts on the skin a long time.

This is the most elegant vetiver I have ever tried. It is bright, crisp, almost astringent compared to the earthy, smoky varieties offered elsewhere. (Guerlain must use this vetiver in a host of its fragrances, floating in the background.) The topnotes contain lemon and pepper, the middle is remniscent of frankincense in its dustiness, and I believe there may be some aromatic cedar in the formula. It is an open, clean, dry, meditative aroma. This vetiver is mellow and smells deliciously like a cellar full of wine barrels filled with a fine, dry, white wine.

Elegant, urbane and mesmerizing. Although the bottle design has changed since I last owned it (back in the early 70's), the fragrance is to my untrained nose, the same.

Well I'll admit it, I've never tried this fragrance before and I'm almost as old as it is!

In the search for a new scent recently I gave it a go at a local Department store and was very disappointed. A hotch-potch of scents that seemed way too overpowering but when I returned to work the response from colleagues was very positive. This scent takes time to work its magic! I went straight back and bought a bottle and it's been in constant use since.

A very sophisticated, clean and long-lasting fragrance that suits me to a tee. To think I wasted all that time on weak summery fragrances until now. As old as it is, this is a fragrance that stands out from the crowd.

I'm new to this forum and it will take time for me to learn all the terminology and subtleties of what makes a good fragrance. At this early stage in my development all I can say is that this is a real winner.

A citrusy, Cologne-type opening soon yields to a rich, spicy vetiver. I love vetiver, so what's not to like? This is my favorite masculine from Guerlain, bar none. I love it on my skin, but I also love spraying a little on my bed linens before going to sleep--it's guarantee to give me sweet dreams. If it still smells this good after all of the reformulations supposedly ruined it, it really must have been some kinda fantastic back in the day.

This is my first review here at basenotes and, of course, I must review my favorite scent, Guerlain Vetiver. I use other scents at times, but mostly I reach for my Vetiver bottles. Clean, crisp, fresh, like having a bottle full of happiness, it makes me want to walk to our grassy meadow and lie down naked under the sun. Or the moon. Which I would, but there are bugs! I absolutely adore this scent. Thank you, Jean Paul.

I sampled this in a comsmetics store, and I really liked it.
It is sporty and elegant, reminiscent to me of the summer time because of so many summers spent in Quebec in the company of cedar hedges and pine trees.

It, unfortunately, smells too old for me. This isn't because of any intrinsic old-man quality of the fragrance. Indeed, it smells very fresh and sporty. The problem is that my generations' fathers wore scents like Vetiver.
And it's awfully hard to find something sexy when it reminds you of your father.

Another criticism I have of Vetiver is that, at least for me, it is a little too reminiscent of other fragrances that one can get for cheaper. The opening is unfortunately a lot like the cheap English Leather, with the middle notes and base notes a little too much like the original Polo by Ralph Lauren. In fact, when I came home from the store, my left arm still smelling quite strongly of Vetiver,
my father remarked that, if I had wanted to get Polo, he would gladly have parted with his old bottle.

About 35 years ago (when I was a VERY young boy mind you), I was given a little miniature bottle of Guerlain Vetiver along with a couple minis of some other scents which I can't remember. I loved Vetiver and wore it often. I'm pretty sure I was the only kid my age wearing cologne at that time, but I drained that bottle. I had pretty much forgotten about this one until fairly recently. I have heard that our memories of smells are fairly accurate, and to my nose this one smells identical to the one I had all those years ago. I read of how horrible the current incarnation of Vetiver is since all the reformulations, but I still love it as much as I did when I was a kid. It's a classic spicy, woody, citrus, tobacco scent that works for me in all times and in all situations. I hope I'm never without it!

Even if you hate it in the beginning, Vetiver tends to win you over in time.

There is no self-respecting man enjoying fragrances who has not tested this bold statement from Guerlain. It is inevitable. It is such a powerhouse fragrance, such a name, such an establishment, even if one hates the scent, he must respect what it stands for: Vetiver is a scent created for the perfect gentleman, and a perfect gentleman is the man who wear it with confidence.

It is a mystery to me, because some days, it smells really wet, but other times, it smells really dry. Very very Green, Vetiver is what is is named after: vetiver note on every aspect of the scent from top to bottom, but enriched with different notes at the different stages of it life on your skin. It is decidedly green, and slightly dirty even, but really really fresh. I feel like this scent alone inspired many other summer-y fresh scents like the Issey Miyake line, because it is a very bold ode to every green note possible. The other thing I must say though: within all its rawness, it is a very delicate, transparent, and elegant scent.

Opening is nutmeg, bergamot, neroli and lemon, orange, coriander and tobacco. It is decadent, and slightly sharp. Call me crazy, but there is a very soap-y feeling to this opening to my nose, I don't know why. It can be slightly nauseating in the beginning: all that green with all that Vitamin C, but that phase passes rather fast. Orris root, vetiver, sage grass, pepper and sandalwood at the core of the scent makes it very green and very bold. Now, this is the part that causes debate- if you'll like it, you'll love it, if you cannot stand it, then you will never touch this scent again. The carnation note evens the greenness of the scent a bit, but still, it smells very natural, pastoral even.

The most legendary part of Vetiver is its drydown though: the smooth transition from all that foliage to civet, tonka bean, moss, leather, amber, and myrrh is done exceptionally well. Vetiver actually smells ambery to me within all its greenness, that is why there is a clash of warm and cool I feel. It is a unique experience, because still to this day, I am still rediscovering more about this scent I love, and cannot complete my journey with it. For instance, everybody keeps saying that this is a perfect scent for daywear during summer, but i feel like it works best on me during winters at night. Under the summer sun, it becomes too much; suffocating even. But with cooler temperatures, it is simply a force radiating charisma.

I really like Vetiver, but it can never be a blind-buy. Try it once, and see how it will work for you. I feel like Vetiver knows no age or race. It is particularly masculine and very very elegant.

How can I not love this scent? Despite the rumours about having changes and worsened along the years, for me it's one of the most classic, inoffensive and gentlemanly scents still available today. Besides the discreet, but persistent lasting power of 12+ hours on my skin (altough after about 12 it becomes a very dim, yet not vapid presence, it's just that i'm marginally aware of it, even after so many hours after application). What i love about this one is the clean, crispy warmth, the exquiste impression of effortless distinct and the fact that it developes into something containing much more than Vetyver- it takes quite a while to discover what is beneath the initial earthy and resinous blast of vetyver, but after that, the finesse up to the point of imperceptibilty of aromatic notes (altough "green, very different from vetyver, the spice and even a slight leatehry touch, which can neither be described as the dark, macho, gothic leather found in some scents, nor the vapid, teenie suede note found in others, it's rather an uncomon tobacco-leather mixture, including the most complex and uncommon association this note can trigger, come to life). I think it's admirable that a fragrance from 1961 is not only still available today, but also upholds very conservative standards of quality seldomly to be found in contemporary fragrance orld. Almost an oldtimer style trip into the depths of the (unfortunately) increasingly inaccessible of true Parisian chic. Hence, this one can be called- along very few other classics- one of the last scents of the golden age of French perfume,which, inspite of being a flawless masterpiece, a luxurious reflection of couture, of both exclusively elegant and highly intellectual salons, has managed to avoid the trappings, complications and restrictiveness of niche marketing- it's not afraid to show that it's "just" a designer fragrance, however finely crafted by one of these few famous designer houses which managed to avoid the hype, the overblown frenzy created around the niche frags lately, counterbalacing them with
a simple, puristic reputation, a gurantee for outsyanding and countiously upkept quality, for sheer, undissmulated, but almost axiomatic, almost dogmatic quintessence of unquestionable elegance, that particular mood of French stylishness, which can be natural, sensual, bohemian, without failing one single second to be effortlessly mannered, elitist, high-class and high-culture at the same time. For this reason, i guess that GV and a very few other other equally cleant-cut close contemporaries from other traditional designer houeses, bear a name and a myth equal to an unlimited, always upkept promise and guarantee of good taste, somtetimes even putting some overrated, but much more moody, unpredictable and less sustainable niche houses in inferiority (and remember, this comes from a hardline fan of niche frags)- compared to these, GV is a more sober, apaprently more simple, but much more safe, inoffensive and discreet way to smell like niche and even beyond, for the cost and the implications opf a designer scent.

A truly classic, earthy, 'cut grass' fragrance, very serene, warm yet fresh. A worth having fragrance!

Enough has been said about this scent's topnotes, middle notes and basenotes. So I'm going to take a different approach and write about what Vétiver reminds me of.
After putting it on, my mind slowly travels back in time and fond memories of one afternoon on my honeymoon just a couple of years ago reemerge.
...I'm sitting in the backyard of our ancient house in Sicily. It has just stopped raining after a long period of drought.
The sun, slowly but powerfully reappears and you can see the water evaporate on the hot asphalt just outside our garden. Meanwhile in the garden, scarce Sicilian nature takes its beautiful course.The water trickles away slowly leaving behind a quiet, sizzling noise. Consequently the plants in our garden are breathing a sigh of relief, soaking in everything the now harsh sun doesn't take them away. Looking closely you can truly see the yellowish grass and the lemon and orange trees becoming revitalized. As the sun becomes ever more vigorous, causing the remaining water covering the plants to evaporate at an ever faster rate, a tranquil wind gently carries away the newly released scents....

warning. guerlain vetiver is very addictive!
it makes me want to sniff it again and again and again.
this is a very manly juice, unique and pronounced.
a bright scent with a bit of an edge. something that is original, fresh and very sexy.

it is imaginative too,
it makes me think of a mighty forest in the summer, you smell the woods, the moss and the earth; it's refreshing and rich, it's dirty and deep.
walking through, there's rays of sunlight piercing through the giant trees. the sound of silence, the trees waving in the breeze, and the birds singing. the atmosfere so full and rich!
being there alters your spirits. this is what i get from this scent.

plus, it's so well orchestrated!
it is truly one. and not flat and boring, like many juices that find a place on the shelves.
someone said it smells OLD? not in a million years.
actually i think it's very fashionable.

sometimes you really like a scent, but .. very nice while it lasts, but you know you won't get another bottle when it's finished!
then, there are the few that would break your heart when they are gone.

yes. i love this scent.

classic.

Vetiver, tobacco, coriander, cedar. These are the main notes in this classic of Guerlain's golden age of men's fragrances. The best way to wear this is in black tie. Wing collar, cuff links and shirt studs, an impeccable pocket silk. Then the aroma can develop to its full glory, in the surroundings where it feels most at home. This really is an elegant scent, whenever and wherever you wear it.

I respect this legend so much that I am standing while I am writing this review…
First citrus, then vetiver and tobacco. Very simple, very beautiful.
Vetiver is probably the most natural scent I know. Sometimes, when I wear Vetiver and when I’m alone in my office (I don’t want someone to think that I’m a crank) I close my eyes and imagine that I’m laying in a meadow and I feel the sunshine on my face, smell of the grass and worm earth under my hands.
If Vetiver is a synonym for natural, its antonym could be Cool Water or 212 Men or Echo…

I live in a pathetic little country, which shall remain nameless here. Well, the country is so small that Guerlain Vetiver was taken off the shelves shortly after the relaunched 2000 version, apparently due to poor sales. Another blow to quality and another victory for hyped designer scents and provinsialism.

The good thing is I can have this one for my self. And a very good thing it is.

GV has one of the crispiest citrus openings I have experienced, it wakes you up and gets you ready for a challenging day. The coriander can be a little over the top, and comes off as somewhat synthetic, especially if you overapply on the same spot, but it's just a passing odd note. From the invigorating top notes it moves on to the heart of the scent which is a synthesis of pepper and tobacco, wherein the scent turns from crisp to warm. From here the intensity fades slowly, and again the scent takes a new direction, into a discreet, green vetiver that stays with you for the rest of the day.

The diversity and progression of the fragrance, while retaining its harmony and deliciousness through every phase, is amazing. The ingredients have the right masculine connotations. All in all, GV has class in abundance, and it will gladly lend you some.

It's a timeless masterpiece, that transcends any discussion about old fashioned/modern regarding fragrance. Certainly I can't detect any old fashion-ness in GV, despite what some think in this forum. But it is very different from contemporary trends in fragrance. And thank you for that!

Does true vetiver smell soapy? Well, this does and it's been heralded as the best vetiver scent. It actually is very good. I like the tobacco and pepper notes in this. Very classy and great for a signature/personal fragrance. I recommend trying before buying, though.

When I first got this fragrance, I was somewhat surprised with what it actually smelled like to me. I felt a little put off by what smelled like "Afta" after shave. But, I've heard so many good things about this one that I thought I'd give it a while and not dismiss just yet. I tried it again a couple days later when it was nice and hot outside and boy did this fragrance take off.\

The opening was sharp and citrusy which lingered for about 15 minutes. This top note faded into what I can best describe as green and spicy. This I would assume would be the vetiver with a hint of cedar as well as the pepper and capiscum in the base.

In general I have longevity problems with most fragrances...but not with this one. I put it on at 8AM and it was still going strong around 3PM. By the time I was going to bed, it had not completely faded away and was still very distiguishable....of course it was close to my skin.

This one definitely grew on my quick. I quickly dismissed my original impression of this fragrance and realized that even though it slightly smelled like "Afta," the other notes dominated this. And to someone who has never smelled "Afta" or other cheap aftershaves, they would make no association with anything like it....or the stereotypical "old man smell."

This is a must have for anyone's collection. Great for hot days and I'm sure I'll still be wearing it well into the winter months.

Its THAT good. I'm into sweet and heavy and this is not sweet at all. I don't even know why I like it. It's one of the few frags that lives up to the hype. It lasted 3 days on my wrist and most of it was an addictive tobacco note. Yes I bought the big bottle and I have not regretted it since. Thank you for this beauty JP.

Nice fragance for people who love classical ways. This product is maybe simple: Vetiver. Nothing else....Thats it.
Quality 100%. I recommended for people of 30 years old and up. Ideal for summer time, fresh, soapy. Very confortable.
I feel VERY confident when I use it.

I bought this classic powerhouse based on what I learned on Basenotes. It's an interesting and long lasting scent. While I don't find the greenish topnotes very alluring, the drydown to a veritable flower garden is quite amazing. I don't wear it often, but I enjoy the fragrance when I do.

I have been wearing Guerlain Vetiver (GV) for over an year now, and its strange that I haven't reviewed it yet. It's probably because I have been enjoying this fragrance so much that whenever I put it on, it imposes on me a feeling of calm, its earthy yet tranquil vetiver note intoxicating in its expert realization in this manly potion.

Wearing GV is like having a knowledgeable and friendly tutor help you accomplish a task which absolutely has to be done. In this case, the task would be to familiarize oneself with the vetiver note, a note which many find too pungent and ghastly for their taste. GV makes the note apparent from the very beginning - BUT, like a good tutor/teacher, it eases you in by flanking the note with crisp citrus notes. The top construction eases you in - from there, GV evolves to a more rich and heavy base of tobacco and vetiver. During intense summers, the tobacco note may become more pronounced and might even be offputting to some - I find that if applied evenly using no more than 3 sprays, the notes flow better. Longevity and sillage are near perfect.

GV is ultimately one of the easier introductions to vetiver. Some may prefer Creed's Original Vetiver (an excellent offering itself), but it comes at a price...no, I am not talking about the less intense vetiver note, I was hinting at the $195 price tag. If you are willing to venture out of Original Vetiver's protective cocoon, GV will be an excellent choice. Its easy on the wallet, and a top tier fragrance to boot. Citrus, grassy, with a base of tobacco. JP Guerlain created this when he was 22 years of age .. a hell of an accomplishment that. Be a man, take the plunge.

Rating: 8.5/10

I recently bought this classic fragrance. It was a blind buy based on the list of notes combined in this extroordinary fragrance. Guerlain's Vetiver is different to all my other fragrances. It is complex and changes from fresh, green, citrussy top notes to earthy vetiver, leather, and tobacco as well powdery and soapy notes on the dry down when to me it smells less like "old man" but more like baby powder - sort of lavenderish. Still, it does not smell soft or flat but strong and lasting with character. Even my fiancee likes the fragrance, although she usually does not like earthy fragrances, especially patchouli. Because of the contrast between the top and the base notes, this fragrance is very interesting and unique. But I can perfectly imagine that this frangrance does not work on everybody. If Goutal's Duell suits you well, this fragrance might be the perfect choice for you.

This review is under revision.

My favourite along with Nantucket Briar...

Jean-Paul Guerlain was the first (and last) family member to create several fragrances for men, and Vetiver was his first masculine creation. Ever since the company's great cologne period, Guerlain hadn't created another men's fragrance except Mouchoir de Monsieur and Jicky. Vetiver filled this gap. In fact, Vetiver was first created for Mexico, one of the biggest consumers of Guerlain's 'Vetiver extract', but in 1958, Carven's vetiver scent became a threatening presence on the market, and director Jean-Pierre Guerlain wanted it modernized. It became a job for his 22 year old nephew Jean-Paul, who let himself be inspired by 'the smell of a gardener' - tobacco and earth. It was launched in 1959, and its spicy earthy-freshness deriving from the Indian vetiver grass root proved to be an instant success. The fragrance is from the outset dominated by a distinctive, slightly bitter nutmeg note that is considered uniquely delightful by fans, a bit harsh and 'medicinal' by some others, but the scent rounds itself upon wearing and ends in a surprising, sweet tobacco note. Although Guerlain maintains that the composition of Vetiver has not been changed during the years, most Vetiver-lovers are convinced that it has been made brighter, fresher and less 'earthy' in the current edition. It's still up for debate, though, if the oldest edition's earthiness and darkness is only due to ageing of the fragrant juice. In 2000, Vetiver was launched with a modern bottle, juice color, packaging and advertising, and it's still a favorite among many men. Recently, several modern variations on the Vetiver-theme has been launched, like the spiced up Vetiver Extrêmewith added vetiver root, tarragon, licorice and smoky frankincense, and the more tender and flowery Vetiver pour Elle.

I'm still a bit new to the world of fragrance and this is my first review, so bear with me. Passed by the Guerlain section of Dillards and saw Vetiver and just HAD to try it after all I've heard from all the bn-ers. I got a spritz on the wrist and the moment I put it up to my nose to inhale I was transported back to my childhood. "THIS IS BABY COLOGNE" I told the SA, she just looked at me with a confused expression. (My mom used to get baby cologne from Spain, actually had a similar experience when I smelled "agua de sevilla" in Seville, Spain a few years back). This frag. was a trip down memory lane, going to buy a bottle soon!

Superbly formulated classic for today yeaterday on anyday still beats all these newer fragrances into the ground.

Elegant vetiver, but a little too much on the masculine side for me. However, a definite classic.

I first tried this a madrid airport and thought it was a bit differnt to most other "chin whiff".
I think that it is one of the better vetivers and the after shave Gel is really nice too.

Excellent. Just grass, lemon, and a little vanilla. Inoffensive and classy. Perfect for the office.

What a disappointment. I figured Guerlain is a big time house, therefore the juice should big time. Not to my nose...until I saw it was over 40 years old!!! SO, thumbs up it is.
Smells shy green...no boldness whatsoever, possibly the nicet green. It is also quite dry to the nose like Champagne is to the mouth. Is it a classic? yes, but not a must have.

Guerlain's "Vetiver" is definitely in my top ten. The first two or three times I wore it I was not quite sure what to think. Now it's one of the fragrances I like best (together with Chanel's "Pour Monsieur"). "Vetiver" is a great scent for the office, but it works just as well for a night out on the town. Works in the winter just like in the summer. When the weather it hot it brings out different aspects of the fragrance. A very masculine fragrance. Great vetiver, love the tobacco note too. The fragrance was launched 46 years ago yet it stands tall among today's fragrances. A must have!

I've compared this with Creed and Lanvin and I own Dunhill Original and Blend 30.
This lasts longer than Creed (what doesn't)compared to which it is drier and creamier. It is much more restrained than Lanvin but I lean to the Lanvin as it is brighter and cleaner. There is just a hint of good, earthy,sexy earth here though. I like it but the Lanvin is half the price...

At first reminds me of what my grandfather might've worn. Only if my gramps was much, much cooler. Evokes and old barbershop. Soapy/clean and green. Most say it's a warm-weather fragrance, but I find it great year round. Def. day time, however. An adult scent, for sure.

I got this after reading the mostly positive reviews although it was a blind buy. I must admit that initially I found it to smell like something a more "mature" individual. After letting it dry down though, I really enjoyed it. A definite warm weather scent though.

(New Version)
Wow, very impressed.
The hot spice and sweet spice, and green roots blend so well together it smells like a single scent.
Like the better cousin to cloves.
And just enough citrus and sweetness, not too much.
My favorite of all the Vetiver colognes by a wide Margin.

Love this stuff. Highly recc'd. Fast drydown, and it seems to get better and better afterwards.

Big time scent here by this legendary design house. I love this stuff, the best guerlain out there. The best vetiver out there. Complex, sophisticated, classic, perfect. In my top 7 of all time.

Bought a bottle (EDT) 3 weeks ago having read reviews and sampled on a card. My first thoughts were "If I put it on eBay now should get a good price", it just seemed too overpowering, my wife hated it, "Too soapy" is all she could smell.

Was going to give up and sell it on eBay but decided to keep trying and cut back on the spraying. Now I "mist" 2-3 light presses (2 neck, one to wrists), I find myself really liking it. Sillage is good, and it lasts all day. My wife still doesn't care for it but I find it pleasant and calming.

As an ex smoker (6 months) I have taken up fragrance as a hobby and use it for my own pleasure and aromatherapy rather than for how I smell to others. Guerlain Vetiver is an example of a fragrance which treated in moderation hits all the right notes but which in excess can smell truly awful.

I am a very recent convert to the wonders of the bottled scent, and the gorgeous green Guerlain was my very first purchase. Apparently I take well to the Vetiver, because I love this stuff... And the hotter it gets outside, the more I love it. L-O-V-E it.

This is such an amazing fragrance. I am a late-comer to this classic, but I'm so glad I tried it. Vetiver is a note that I had to take some time to learn to appreciate. This stuff is so sophisticated and able to go anywhere you want. Great stuff!

A genuine classic which definitely still has a place in any guy's wardrobe. Fresh, invigorating and citrusy turning to a peppery, very masculine, base. If you are tired of smelling the latest slightly sweet, fruity, powdery, etc., etc. designer fragrence, return to this classic scent from one of the worlds great houses. To paraphrase another poster, be a man -- get a bottle!

THE BEST GUERLAIN SCENT IN MY OPINION.
PERFECT FOR A HOT SUNNY DAY.LONG LASTING.LOVELY COMBINATION BETWEEN THE VETIVER NOTE AND THE TOBACCO ONE WICH IS BETTER REVEALED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS HIGH.

I have just bought this one. It is a very naturell smelling scent. The bottle is one of the most beautiful ones that I have seen. I really appriciate this one. Especially the wonderful tobacco drydown. As always I do think it could be a little stronger. I recommend it anyway. It is a good scent.
benb

the formula was obviously modified
but what made this fragrance so unique is still perceptible in an attenuated way...even with this change Vetiver remains IMO the greatest masculine fragrance I've ever smelled; a rough unsweet fragrance, perfect in any situation, complex and rich...the fragrance that I'll wear all life long

Another classic scent, a go to for the summer. I didnt much care for VG at first and gave a vintage bottle away. Sometime later I gave it another shot and it clicked. The new version smells lighter and tamer to me, less longevity as well, still nice. My preference runs to the classic version which is full bodied but still warm weather wear.

I let Vetitvers by Guerlin, Creed & Jo Malone dry down on my skin and bake in the sun and dry in salt sweat. If I'm outside all day then it's reasonable. Only Guerlin's captivated me. There wasn't anything pretty in there, maybe even dirty? Not interested in getting compliments, but I do feel that confidence that was alluded to below. It's a standard for me now.

I have read many posts on basenotes and vetiver was a reoccoring theme. i went out to try it. i drove an hour and a half to a bloomingdales and tried it out.
i first sprayed the card. I kept smelling the card nad after a while thought this one is wrist worthy. At first, it is citrusy. I was looking for soapy. I didn;t really get that, but vetiver quickly lost the citrus smell and i could smell the vetiver (faintly) and spices. Maybe the coriander, perhaps the nutmeg.
in the end it leaves a spicy-clean smell on my skin. i don't have any fragrances that do that. I bought a bottle online ( much cheaper that bloomingdales) and i have worn it for about a week. i haven't received any compliments yet, but i like the originaliy of the smell and i think it will do just fine in my fragrance rotation.
unfortunately, it doe not last long on my skin (to me), but if i wash my hands, or rewet the fragrance in some way, it pops back to life.

Can't believe this one gets so many bad reviews. While it's a very different sort of smelling fragrance from what I grew up thinking a "cologne" was, the clean and soothing vetiver is carried on nice cool green notes of citrus, lime in particular (to my nose). I don't get much cedar out of this - but the drydown of tobacco and spicy peppers is probably my favorite thing about it. No surprise that it's another classic from Guerlain - along with Heritage and Habit Rouge have what I consider the "holy trinity" of fragrance. What does surprise me is how many compliments I get wearing this fragrance.

I bought what must have been a tester of the original Guerlain Vetiver EDT about 10 years ago. The bottle has the rectangular green sticker on the front, and clear stickers on the sides detailing the fragrance: Vetiver, Spices, Woody. This is the first good fragrance I bought, and I've loved it, so this note is more of a sentimental one than objectively critical. It seems to be a very simple, well made fragrance - it's definitely got a huge vetiver aroma, but it's made juicy with lime and spicy with cedar. It's a warm scent, without a lot of unnecessary things to get in the way of the high quality ingredients. It has good sillage and longevity on my skin, usually lasting 6-8 hours. The interesting part about this is the drydown - a lesser fragrance would feel the need to have all sorts of powdery/sweet notes on the bottom of this, but not Vetiver - it remains spicy and green, with the lime topnote going away over half an hour to reveal beautiful vetiver and cedar. It's a great manly fragrance, one that inspires confidence whenever I wear it.

Vetiver and I go back a long way. I enjoy wearing it in cold weather, as it is a very warm, peppery scent that is refreshing at the same time. I began buying it for my man, and of course, I steal his whenever I am wool-shirt casual. It smells SO good on him, it is manly, sensual, sexy, (refined and rugged at the same time) Nice sillage... it floats off the skin.
Try it in weather when you are craving warmth. If you try this on a sweltering summer night, you may not care for it at all.
The coriander and tobacco notes work some kind of magic together ... very manly, ( but I like it too. )

I agree with a previous reviewer's comment that this is not a "modern" fragrance and should be judged in that context. This is an extremely masculine fragrance that has a strong, spicy, and earthy base that remains potent for hours and hours. It's such a unique scent, that I save it for special evenings out on the town. One thing to keep in mind, I've had my bottle for a few years, and the juice seems to "sour" after a few years.

An ideal summer fragrance, can't wait to try it in the winter too.

As others have said, particularly great on really hot, humid days. The citrus fades fast (not exactly news), but the vetiver/tobacco/cedar accord soldiers on and on and onward still in fine fashion.

A very natural smell with great sillage whose greatest asset apart from its actual smell is its aggression - the vetiver possesses a real edge particularly within the first hour or so in combo w/the citrus. Sharper than a sushi chef's knife, this stuff can cut through a fog of synthetic freshness unlike anything I've yet tried. Synthetic freshness has its place as well, but with this in the same room on the right person there is no competition:-)

Never had the pleasure of trying the original, but somehow I'm not too depressed as there are so many other vetivers I hope to try soon. Starting with such a classic may have boosted my expectations a bit though - rest assured I will find out.

A new essential edition to my wardrobe. May it remain in production for all time.

This is a phenomonal composition. The balance is perfect. It is not a modern perfume though, and this needs to be remembered when assessing it.

I have taken a long time to make my assessment on this though, as there are some notes in here which smell quite synthetic to me.

However, I just wore it for a week solid while on holiday and observed that when worn outside, it smells really natural; the silage reminds me of summer vegetation.

So my conclusion is this: from close up and indoors it smells good but there is a synthetic edge to it which puts me off slightly. Outdoors and from a distance it smells utterly natural and amazing. The "fresh" note especially seems to take on a natural character, it reminds me of the herb lemon balm.

The vetiver is earthy and masculine and the tobacco rich drydown is very good.

My only other reservation is that it endures too well. It seems shower proof to the extent that I can't change my fragrance on a day when I wear this and sometimes it persists after a night and a morning shower.

Overall it is a classic and i recommend it as a purchase.