I’m often imposed with the simple (yet loaded!) question of “where the hell do I start!?” when a budding enthusiast is looking to dive head first into the world of niche fragrance. With an overwhelming cornucopia of options out there (with intimidating price tags to match), the task always seems daunting to say the least. However it’s all part and parcel of the journey and fun of experimentation and discovery.
Yet for those who simply don’t have the time or the patience, here is a good starting off point for a connoisseur in the making to hone in on their personal tastes and develop their nose. With that said, the best place to kick things off and procure samples in the US is:
The Perfumed Court (www.theperfumedcourt.com)
Surrender to Chance (www.surrendertochance.com)
Lucky Scent (www.luckyscent.com)
In Europe:
First in Fragrance (www.firstinfragrance.com)
So without further a due, I give you the entry level part 1:
Creed- Green Irish Tweed
Notes: French verbena, Florentine iris, violet leaves, sandalwood from Mysore, ambergris.
The Fisher-Price entry level scent for any budding enthusiast entering the world of niche fragrance. With a fan base ranging from George Clooney to P-Diddy, this is your elegant, jack of all trades, Swiss army knife fragrance. As refreshing as a walk through the Irish countryside, Green Irish Tweed is one of the signature scents of the house of Creed. Rich, fresh, green, spicy, sporty, original and unforgettable.
Revolutionary in its day and remains one of the most talked about, complimented, mimicked and coveted fragrances in the world.
Rating: 8.5/10
Creed- Aventus
Notes: blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, apples, pineapple, rose, birch, Moroccan jasmine, patchouli, musk, oak moss for depth, ambergris, vanilla.
Meandering its way to the top of the king of the “compliment getter” list, slowly muscling out its brethren and predecessor Green Irish Tweed with it’s sneaky stealth projection in the process. Very fruity, woody and refreshing, interesting in its own right, yet personally I’m not a huge fan. Many rate this as their all purpose go to scent and holy grail, so it’s well worth checking out.
Rating: 7.5/10
Creed- Millesime Imperial
Notes: crisp fruit notes, sea salts, Sicilian lemon, bergamot, mandarin, Florentine iris, musk, woody and marine notes.
Imperial Millesime was originally created for King Faisal of Saudi Arabia — for himself and members of his court. A salty watermelon aquatic over Creeds trademark Millesime ambergris base. Smells expensive, garners compliments and is extremely versatile, yet poor longevity has always stopped me from procuring a bottle. I’ll also add that to me personally it resembles a watered down Green Irish Tweed, making it somewhat redundant.
Rating: 7.5-8/10
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