Creed silver mountain water review basenotes
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Is there any better feeling than strapping on your skis and gliding off down a mountainside? It’s a freeing, fortifying experience — and one of Olivier Creed’s favourite feelings. Yet, while most can only dream of bottling that inimitable skiing sensation, the sixth-generation ‘Créateur Parfumeur’ at The House of Creed has managed it. Show
With just one spritz of , you’ll be transported to the slopes. You’ll find yourself atop the Alps, sun beating down and craggy peaks stretching out ahead of you. You’ll feel the mentholated mountainous air swirling about you, and you’ll immediately have a hankering for those lazy wintry afternoons spent slicing through the powder of a far-flung range or resort. Like Virgin Island Water or Viking Cologne, Creed’s Silver Mountain Water is a one-way ticket to a coveted corner of the world. Yet, unlike the hot, heady scents that Olivier Creed used to create many of his other globe-trotting bottles, Silver Mountain Water demanded a different approach to get the fragrance right. It begins, then, with head notes of tart, zesty citrus. Think bergamot and orange; hints of bitterness to evoke the bitter cold of the mountainside. The heart notes offer a clever counterpoint — warming aromas of hot tea and ozonic accord swirling into the mix to create the feeling of a plush jacket or welcome apres-ski apéritif. And the eau de parfum’s bold base notes finish things off by grounding the scent in the icy, earthy aromas of musks and sandalwood. Uplifting, energising and exhilarating, it’ll carry you up into the mountains like a ski lift, calling to mind fond alpine memories every single morning. Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised by Creed’s amazing alchemy. The brand has over 260 years of experience in conjuring up memories and bottling such sensations. In fact, the fragrance-making family has created over 200 perfumes since they first set up shop on Jermyn Street in 1760. Today, it is the duty of Olivier and Erwin Creed to travel the world to source and inspect the rarest and most exquisite ingredients each country has to offer. Then, when back at their base in Paris, the fine raw ingredients for each fragrance are weighed, mixed and macerated by hand, keeping alive increasingly rare techniques and the skilful craftsmanship that assures Creed’s place as one of the world’s most premium and authentic fragrance creators. And Silver Mountain Water is nothing if not authentic. Bringing to life the extensive and pristine beauty of Switzerland and the breathtaking Alpine region, it uses natural hesperides and essences to create one of the most pure eau de parfums available today; as clean and clear as the mountain water from which it takes its name. The bottle, too, makes for a masterful addition to your grooming cabinet this winter. As if carved from ice itself, the sheer white is topped with a glistening silver cap — much like the mountain streams with sources at the pinnacles and peaks of the Alps. So if you, like Olivier Creed, are spellbound by the snow-dusted slopes, this ultimate alpine aftershave is the perfect seasonal scent for you. Creed Silver Mountain Water£245.00 Looking for more from the British brand? The House of Creed’s Viking Cologne is a masculine masterpiece… Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here. Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card. For us at the Gentleman’s Gazette, colognes are a great part of man’s grooming repertoire. Among our favorites are from one of the fragrance world’s powerhouses, Creed. We’ve previously looked at some of Creed’s expensive bottles to know if they’re worth it, and today, we’ll rank 11 of their fragrances! Table of Contents Unless you’re willing to spend a huge sum of money or spend over two hours hovering at the fragrance counter of your local department store, it’s very rare to be able to smell so many of Creed’s amazing fragrances side-by-side. We’re so happy to receive Creed’s now-sold-out collector’s coffret. It contains 15 sample sizes of Creed’s most iconic and famous scents. Note, however, that Creed has not sponsored us for this post. Four of the scents on this set are made with the female wearer in mind. So, that gives us an impressive 11 scents to compare and rank. And, going by the prices on Creed’s website, buying even the smallest sizes of these 11 scents would set you back $3,900. Thank goodness for sample sizes! Overall, we do think that Creed makes great colognes. But, once we compare them, how would the classic stand up to the newer and more unique scents in their lineup? Our HQ team ranked and compared all of the 11 scents. Rather than going with letter grades as we’ve done in previous ranking posts, we’re going to simply rank these from least favorite to the most favorite. As we go through our rankings, we’ll give you the official word from Creed first, so you know exactly what they were aiming for with each of the fragrances. 11. VikingLaunched in 2017, Viking was the first major men’s scent to be released since the best-selling Aventus from 2010 and it achieved a UK GQ Grooming Award for Best Limited Fragrance. Creed frames the scent as “a symbol of voyage and undeniable perseverance.” The aim of Viking is to capture the success, power, and spirit of skilled seamen of the 9th century with Iceland serving as Olivier Creed’s inspiration for this powerful men’s fragrance. Top notes include bergamot, lemon, orange, peppermint, pink peppercorn, and absinthe. Heart notes include allspice, clove, jasmine, lavender absolute, orris butter, and rose. Base notes include cedarwood, tonka bean, vetiver, and white musk. We all agree that this is not a subtle fragrance. Powerful is something we all agree with. Great at the first whiff, but then the complexity fades quickly. Most of us missed the lighter citrus and floral top notes. We thought the spice and woods came through the most clearly and intensely. The spicy and cedar base notes remain, so it quickly becomes a very intense and one-note fragrance. And we were split on if this should be a day or night fragrance. And that’s not really a challenge you want when selecting your fragrance at the beginning of the day. In terms of wearability, we lean toward cool and cold seasons, including spring, fall, and winter. 10. Original VetiverIn 2004, master perfumer Olivier Creed challenged the notion of vetiver used in perfumery with the creation of Original Vetiver. Creed says the result is a captivatingly fresh, yet warming fragrance. The scent is meant to evoke “an endless sunshine that bathes the legendary landscapes on the south of France in summer.” Intended to be sophisticated and romantic, Original Vetiver bottles a captivating atmosphere and an irresistible allure of the fresh outdoors. Top notes include ginger, green notes, and lemon. Heart notes include vetiver, fresh floral, coriander, and cypress. Base notes include white musk, cedarwood, and guaiac wood. This one smelled like an old-school take on a fresh scent. I found that it was timeless. Cedar, vetiver, grass, and clove came through very strong for all of us; all of which are tried and tested fragrances. While some of the team thought it was quite a flat scent overall, Preston said it smelled like a hospital dam. Definitely not an alluring scent. Otherwise, I got interesting feedback as it was a cold-weather, daywear suggestion even though its marketing would have you think it would be a warm-weather scent. 9. Spice & WoodSpice & Wood “celebrates the classic allure of the tall, dark, and handsome.” Creed leads heavily into marketing this as a gentleman’s sent by painting a picture of the type of man who would wear Spice & Wood. “As tenacious as he is courteous, the true gentleman acts with vigor, sophistication, and a sense of cutting-edge style. Irresistible, seductive – those around him are drawn to his refined yet unmistakable power.” Top notes include pink berries and bergamot. Heart notes include Jamaican pepper, Angelica root orris, patchouli, and clove. Base notes include cedarwood, vetiver musk, and birch. This one was 9 of 11. We weren’t big fans. though none of us gave it the highest or lowest ranking. So, it wasn’t as polarizing as other scents in this lineup. This scent is very spicy. Interestingly, most of the team thought that Spice & Wood was more approachable than Royal Oud, even though it ranked lower. Overall, we all felt that it aged poorly; being too cedar heavy on the remaining notes. And no one wants to smell like a plank of wood all day. 8. Original SantalIntended to capture “the passion and grandeur of India, Original Santal is reminiscent of sultry, humid evenings and horizons painted in magnificent sunset.” The scent is designed to be “equally powerful and masculine as it is sweet, warm, and daring.” With a distinctive spice and warmth coming from “the essence of the Royal Sandalwood tree.” In Creed’s own words, this fragrance is “designed to infatuate and leave a lasting memory of the wearer.” Top notes include ginger, juniper berries, bergamot, rosemary, coriander, and mandarin. Heart notes include lavender, geranium, orange blossom, and sandalwood. Base notes include oakmoss, musk, tonka bean, and cedarwood. Our initial impressions were to describe the scent as old school. Effectively, it’s like a less aggressive version of Royal Oud. It’s still warm and mature with a much-reduced intensity. That being said, we all felt it was very well-rounded, even though it fell flat in the base notes. Even though we all agreed on those general points, this was actually quite polarizing for all of us. Some loved it, while some did not like it. The atmosphere in the room was almost as intense as the smell of all of those fragrances. In summary, we all felt like this was a traditional choice for winter, nighttime wear. 7. Silver Mountain WaterAn invigorating breeze of fresh, icy mountain air, Silver Mountain Water is “inspired by the beauty of Switzerland and the breathtaking Alpine region. This fragrance captures the essence of crystal clear Alpine waters descending over a frosted rock face, whilst retaining the comfort of a warm and plush jacket.” A contemporary unisex scent, Silver Mountain Water has been designed to balance “crisp and sharp citric notes with warming sweet blackcurrant and charming musk.” Top notes include bergamot, blackcurrant, galbanum, and orange. Heart notes include tea and ozonic accord. Base notes include sandalwood and musk. Our scent notes lilac with heavy flowers. We also felt that it was good for spring. 6. Virgin Island WaterVirgin Island Water emulates “a sailing trip across the Caribbean waters.” Taking inspiration from his own love of the ocean, sailing, and traveling to spectacular destinations, Olivier Creed “captures dazzling tropics, clear blue sea, and warm Caribbean air in this fresh, crisp, and exotic fragrance.” Bursting with fruity citrus, floral summer blooms, fresh coconut, and tropical woods, Virgin Island Water has been created to transport you to “a sun-drenched paradise getaway.” Top notes include bergamot, lime, and tropical fruits. Heart notes include coconut milk, coconut water, jasmine, and white flowers. Base notes include tonka bean and white musk. In our scent notes, probably one of the most unique scents in this entire lineup. Honestly, we’re a bit surprised that this ranks so highly, even though it’s in the middle of the group. Based on the description alone, this feels like it’s a very niche fragrance. I think that speaks to how intense some of the more traditional and masculine scents are – like Spice & Wood, Original Santal, and Viking – and how polarizing that family of scents is: either you like it or you don’t. The most important observation is the strong, sweet coconut notes. They become the most prominent note over long wear. Of course, coconut is heavily used in cocktails, but it’s also reminiscent of sunscreen. We’re honestly not sure if either of those is a good thing. We’re not sure you need to pay over $300 to smell like a piña colada, but some of us thought this would be a great tropical vacation or beach wedding scent. Definitely not one for the office. 10 Best Summer Fragrances for Gentlemen 5. Royal OudOud is one of perfumery’s greatest spiritual treasures and Royal Oud is Creed’s unique and modern twist to classic oud fragrances. Taking inspiration from Persian palace architecture, Olivier Creed uses the finest ingredients from around the globe to create a silky smooth, refined, and daring scent for both ladies and gentlemen alike. Top notes include pink pepper, lime, bergamot, and galbanum. Heart notes include Angelica seed, cedarwood, cardamom, and clove. Base notes include musk, ambergris, frankincense, guaiac wood, and oud of Vietnam. Royal Oud is another unisex fragrance, and an intense one. If you don’t like strong scents, steer clear. This scent also came across as very old school but in a good way. We described it as dark, heavy, woody, and bold like whiskey and a cigar in a cedar-lined closet and a bottle. There’s a touch of sweetness to the scent. We found this one to be very long-lasting. We all agree that it’s a nighttime cold season scent. Ultimately, being far too intense for the office. 4. AventusLaunched in 2010 to mark Creed’s 250th anniversary, Aventus is “inspired by an emperor’s theatrical life who fought fearlessly.” The fragrance serves “as an homage to iconic leaders,” such as Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. “Bottling success and charm,” Creed considers Aventus to be “perfect for the sophisticated and modern man. Maintaining its title of the most successful fragrance in Creed’s history.” This famous scent has been worn by discerning gentlemen for over a decade. Top notes include lemon, pink pepper, apple, bergamot, and blackcurrant. Heart notes include pineapple, jasmine, and patchouli of Indonesia. Base notes include birch, ambergris, cedarwood, oakmoss, and musk. We certainly understand why it’s a bestseller. It’s a broadly appealing classic scent. We find the main scents to be spicy woods with fresh notes, grass, and citrus. Overall, this is a sweeter scent, which lasted between two and three days for some of us. We all felt it was a great, all-around scent that didn’t need a specific time of day or season to be worn, but the freshness made us lean toward warmer weather and daytime. Our only criticism is that the scent did feel a bit generic, but that might simply be because so many scents are trying to copy it. 3. Millésime ImpérialA milestone in Creed history, Millésime Impérial “marks the House perfumery’s 150-year anniversary since its establishment in Paris. Relocated at the request of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie, Creed has savored a long and rich history with the elite, including the Imperial courts of Europe. Paying homage to Creed’s royal and influential clientele, this fresh and stylish scent captures warm and sparkling notes richly layered with a sophisticated base.” Top notes include bergamot, blackcurrant, and violet leaves. Heart notes include orris and marine accord. Base notes include cedarwood, musk, and sandalwood. This is a top three favorite for Nathan, but it got high marks from all of us. Nathan was just especially vocal about it, who found the notes to be herby floral with citrus notes coming through. Definitely a light scent, but borderline too light. As this is a blended scent, there isn’t one strong top note that dominates; making this a very approachable, elegant, almost unisex fragrance in its profile. We thought it was a great daytime scent for warmer seasons or just for men who want something fresh and light, no matter the occasion season or time of day. Our only criticism is that it doesn’t last long. Though, we know others have found otherwise. 10 Cologne Hacks for Men – How to Make Fragrances Last Longer 2. Aventus CologneAventus Cologne is the latest addition to Creed’s men’s fragrance collection. “Completing the Aventus family, this is a modern and urban-spirited Eau de Parfum. Aventus Cologne takes its inspiration from a refreshing and uplifting cologne.” Exuding style, success, grit, and vigor, Aventus Cologne “provides a fresh burst of modernity to an Eau de Parfum.” “With Aventus Cologne, I was inspired to create a new legend – a fresher, modern compliment that would create an olfactive experience entirely of its own” – a quote by Olivier Creed. Top notes include pink pepper, rose pepper, ginger, and mandarin. Heart notes include vetiver, patchouli, and pineapple. Base notes include birch, styrax, and musk. Naturally, we compare the scent to Aventus; almost more than any other scent in this lineup. Most of us noted more citrus and woody notes than the original. It has a very similar appeal to Aventus, but with a drawn-out sweetness and a bit more warmth. Overall, it’s a great, highly-versatile scent that would work with any season or time of day, making the scent a great investment if you want something maximally versatile for your dollar. 1. Green Irish Tweed“Crafted after Olivier’s uncle’s time at the Linton Tweed Mill, Green Irish Tweed pays homage to the Creed family’s couture heritage.” “Painting a picture of sweet meadows coated in a frosty morning dew, Green Irish Tweed offers the perfect dose of nostalgia.” It’s classic men’s fragrance “encapsulates the essence of an exclusive countryside estate,” where hip flasks and horseback riding through the lush countryside were once custom. “Green Irish Tweed offers the definitive touch akin to a perfectly tailored riding outfit or the finest tweed suit.” With notes that resemble earthy tones of luxurious hand-woven yarns, this fragrance explores the nature and craftsmanship that is associated with the English-based mill. Top notes include peppermint, verbena lemon, bergamot, and galbanum. Heart notes include geranium of Egypt, lavender, and violet. Base notes include sandalwood, cedarwood, ambergris, and oakmoss. It should come as no surprise that we all agreed Green Irish Tweed is the home run of this lineup. It’s woody but fresh, clean, classic with floral notes. It’s a well-balanced profile between fresh and warm scents in this grouping, which ensures it’s not overpowering but has a great presence. Overall, it lasts all day on the skin and it smells great on everyone we believe it’s totally worth the investment. Creed Fragrances: Are They Worth It? ConclusionIn the end, it turns out that famous colognes are famous for a reason. These really are some of the best scents out there. Even though the Collector’s Coffret is sold out, you can still create your own customizable sampler of three scents on Creed’s website for $39. It’s undoubtedly pricey for a few samples, but then again, it’s probably better than spending three to four hundred dollars per bottle of cologne. See, we always try to snuff out a bargain for you. What did you think of our ranking? Have you sampled any of Creed’s scents before or perhaps you own a couple and would rank them differently? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Outfit RundownToday, I’m wearing a navy blue jacket and a blue and white striped shirt. I’m pairing it with a Fort Belvedere pocket square that has green notes complementing the green trousers. Finishing off the look are brown dress shoes and Fort Belvedere socks. Fort Belvedere Dark Brown Two Tone Solid Oxford Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton – Fort Belvedere Fort Belvedere Moss Green Silk Wool Pocket Square with Printed geometric medallions in blue, red, black with eggshell contrast edge by Fort Belvedere What does Silver Mountain Water Creed smell like?Citrus & Rich A cool, clean and mentholated fragrance, Silver Mountain Water is reminiscent of sparkling icy streams coursing through the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Is Silver Mountain Water feminine?The Creed Silver Mountain Water is a unisex Eau de Parfume, which was launched in 1995 and was created by Olivier Creed Sixth Generation. What are the notes on Silver Mountain Water?TOP NOTES: Bergamot, mandarin, neroli. MIDDLE NOTES: Green tea, blackcurrant bud. BASE NOTES: Sandalwood, musk. Is Creed Silver Mountain Water men's?A contemporary unisex scent, Silver Mountain Water. |
