Description
Designers described this male fragrance as the “magical elixir that turns all that’s negative into positive”. Available on market since 2006, it is classified as oriental – woody. It was created by Alienor Massenet and Pierre Wargnye. Top notes are refreshing with bergamot, mandarin, bitter – sweet grapefruit, mint and Guatemalan cardamom. The heart is spicy and floral with Sambac jasmine, cinnamon, orange blossom, lavender, African geranium, nutmeg, freesia and violet. The base brings warm and powdery – milk notes of sandalwood, vanilla, Indonesian patchouli, sensuous white musk, amber, caramel, incense, Texan white cedar, Guaiacum wood and Tonka bean. It was presented as an antidote fragrance that heals, unlike their explosive female “first-born” Flowerbomb. Fabien Baron designed the bottle. The fragrance was launched in 2006, won the FiFi Award 2007 as the best male niche fragrance and the award for the best package.
kirastr – :
beautiful green fougere fragrance.love the allure homme vibe it gives me up top…the lavender in this done very classy….the citruses are beautiful as well.but the price tag is ridiculous now…its an awesom 9/10 juice but not worth that price tag.buy a 2/5 ml sample and you will be good to go.its a must try..,…very unique high class designer fragrance…sad it didnt sell so well and they had to discontinue this…a shame really 🙁 love this stuff
CenoBlediadia – :
This is the number one fragrance of all time and that will ever be. If anyone knows of replacements please message me
olsu – :
I have my original bottle from late 90’s. It’s green lavender scent with a touch of fresh spice. Honestly, it’s over hyped here because it’s discontinued. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a really good fragrance that’s unique and lasts 6+ hours. However, it did not sell well and that’s all you need to know. My wife doesn’t like it and neither does my sister. I work it to work a few times and got no comments from the ladies. But a few guys asked what I was wearing. So I guess this is more liked by guys than the ladies.
As for the $200 to $350 price this is going for on eBay. That’s just crazy to pay such a huge markup. But it’s your money.
nepstr – :
its a combination of greeny and sweet lavender, a prelude to the modern men’s sweet aromatic era.
You can tell this has higher oil concentration as its juice leaves oils in your skin, unlike today its basically scented water. The sillage for this is average its not a beast and comparable to modern fragrance with performances 2-4 hours only.
srapsak – :
antidote is one of those fragrances well crafted like rocabar by hermes, u can feel the complexity of the notes without any confusion or disorder. it’s so complex that anyone, based on his own experience, can say different things. it seems to be a safe scent instead is very polarizing. if i have to describe the smell, antidote is a mix of bleu de chanel edp-boss bottled-ysl jazz+ herbal notes. the less interesting part is the opening, fresh with the bergamot but nothing impressive. then the woody-spicy notes begin to come, and after a while i detect somthing like apple and cinnamon tipical of boss bottled. after an hour the herbal notes are more detectable. it’s only my humble opinion on what i can smell on my skin. the final result is a great spring-fall fragrance, maybe it doesnt have the “wow factor” but i love this juice and i consider antidote a very very interesting fragrance. the most disappointing part is the performance, almost average in longevity and sillage, just decent in projection for the first hour. it’s not worthy for crazy euros or dollars but if u find a good deal buy it like i did(125ml for 50euros).if there’s a tester still available in a store try on your wrist because it’s so much better on the skin than on paper. un profumo fatto molto bene.
scent:8,5
long: 7
sillage:6,5
versatility:8
bottle:8
uniqueness: 8,5
my vote:8,5
in one word: complex
ps: it was sealed but the sprayer came off loosely. i dont know if im the only one about this experience.
21wek – :
یه ترکیب خاص و پیچیده و زیبا برای افراد مشکل پسند و عطربازها.
تستر سایز 75 میل اینکار همراه با جعبه به قیمت 800 هزار تومان بفروش میرسد
همراه 09155109887
pavel1955 – :
Very rich and complex. The scent is neither linear or bland; it remains quite interesting. The 1990’s sure was a decade of great scents for men and women. Sadly, another discontinued gem :’-(
Scent: 9 / 10
Projection: 8 / 10
Longevity: 8 / 10
arnak – :
scentitar, that is a statement that explains the turn we made in 2007 to the sweet side. why did we do this? it sucks….. if this was re-released it would hit BIG TIME! i own a 1/4 bottle 2.5 of antidote and a full 2.5 and after shave box because this stuff is amazing. its depressing that we became so plain in the last decade with these crappy releases.
str002Negeltzex – :
I can see why people love this and why it is discontinued.
On one hand this is perhaps the most complex fragrance I have ever smelled, green, yet light, heavily projects and yet aromatic. It is green but does not smell of pine or oak moss. It has a sense of mint that last for a long time.
This fragrance is quality and memorable, and special. This is a fragrance that is pleasing, yet daring and speaks out to certain people or a certain group of person.
On the other hand, this fragrance is loud and slightly daring, it is so different it can be seen as strange, but again pleasing. This alien shocks yet, impresses you.
I do not believe the young people at the time , likely buying le male, and aqua di gio , would be searching out this more expensive and perhaps exclusive scent that is more mature.
I do not know if I will sing it’s praises, but I do suggest you smell this for the experience and would have hoped the market would have went this way instead of the sweet phase we had after the aquatic phase , something I believe this fragrance could have done.
malkout – :
Two parts Allure Homme , one part eternity, one part Prada Luna Rossa and 1 part mystery…..
This fragrance I have a backup 1.7 and a quarter bottle of a 1.7 both in storage conditions… my god this fragrance is something so mysterious. It literally is a mystery to me how v and r thought of such a hauntingly beautiful men’s cologne. Antidote is straight magic that casts a spell to remember the classic and sophisticated demeanor of men’s cologne . It cries a sad funeral like feel that odes to the death of beauty and art to fragrance. Honestly this stuff is the most complex fragrance of the century thus far and signifies the end of complex fragrance for men.
Today fragrance is all the fricken same with the disgusting men’s EDT like ,Bleu” de Chanel………. why ? Or y? lol
I remember cologne being a statement of love and mystery.. what the hell has gone on that we have to pull out mass appeal garbage?
I will remember the ode to Antidote!
набоков – :
since this scent is very very “hard to find” as it has been discontinued – can i get suggestion some other frag that smells closest to this beautiful scent?
ueg687speagoessenda – :
If Antidote was a person he would be like:
A kind-hearted and generous but very mysterious (at the same time) renaissance gentleman leaving in a mansion. He spends most of his time in his liberary reading books and does not care about what happens around too much.
The scent is one of my all time favourates.
jzi326speagoessenda – :
Like Dior Dune, V&R Antidote its a romantic air but for cold days…fall and winter nights. Rara avis in fragrance family…
Moorporbuck – :
Amazing fragrance . Great for fall early winter. It’s kind of a “sad” fragrance and seems to be very romantic. A true work of art for those smoky fall / winter nights .
Loodofoubre – :
Got a full bottle, bought from a genuine
Department store MYER in sydney australia.
Looking to swap with someone from australia.
fortust – :
Today I bought a back up bottle.it has a nice floral masculin fougere scent.I feel kind of bubblegumy vibe at the opening.but moderate longevity and progection.
inigueadure – :
I thought I’d never smelled Viktor & Rolf Antidote but upon obtaining a decant of an older batch just recently, I’ve remembered that this is something I do recall from a decade ago, and it’s phenomenal, mysterious, and signature scent worthy. Perhaps some nostalgia, even from a decade ago, makes me want to keep smelling it over and over again, but it’s likely the combination of notes that hits a few areas just right.
The note listing is immense, so I’d mainly hone in a few accords: the freshness of the lavender, soft woodiness of the cedar, and sharpness of the mint that adds a little bit of an edge to an otherwise smooth and unassuming mixture. I
Antidote is classic, vaguely in the barbershop fougere sort of way, a little closer to Chanel Pour Monsieur EDT than some of the other kin, but still in separate territory, a composition somehow unlike those yet reminiscent of the same type of gentleman that might wear it.
Performance is quite stellar for an EDT, with quite strong projection and longevity.
Really a superb blend, an instant favorite and one that I hope to acquire.
9 out of 10
Dutnubcoons – :
I saw tons of this at an outlet like 5 year ago and they were practically giving this away. I remember it being very sweet and floral and somewhat synthetic. Of course I am kicking myself now and this stuff goes for over $100 on eBay. But still, if I passed at this stuff at a dirt cheap price, it was never meant to be.
DJRAFDJ – :
I keep hearing this has been brought back?! If your in the U.K let me know where your seeing this…
Baxtur – :
– Peculiar spicy woody – ★★★☆☆
Add two parts Chanel Allure, two parts Calvin Klein Eternity and one part Gucci Envy. Finally sprinkle the concotion with a dash of mint and a pinch of incense for some additional flavour. Voilà, you now have created Antidote!
Love love love this. Easy to wear, smells amazing, lasts long and is extremely versatile. Comes off as generic at first but given time Antidote reveals incredible complexity and depth. Light orientals are my favourite fragrance category and Antidote fits in perfectly next to Allure, Arpege and Envy. It’s a shame that the trends of late 90’s to mid 10’s are slowly disappearing along with the perfumes that were created in the flow of it. Nowadays only Allure and Opium PH are left standing vigilant amongst the ambroxan monstrosities that are Sauvage and Versace Dylan Blue.
R.I.P
Tomato – :
Finally i came across a niche brand and i discovered a really similar perfumes with higher intensity and louder , but price is much higher , it has been my favorite , but i feel glad to find the new gem ; I suggest whoever like Antidote to try a perfume from Cupid , its number 4 from the series , cheers
Platinumax – :
I have this 3 piece gift set also:
75 ml eau de toilette, 7,5 ml mini and 100 ml aftershave balm (Batch may 2007).
I got it a while ago, but don’t see this anywhere available.
JiganW – :
This is niche quality fragrance I don’t understand why it had to be discontinued and disappeared from the market so quick.
Oblighblothrx – :
Neffyo:
I Just read on Amouge Bracken Man page that this should smell 99,9% like it…
It’s a lot pricier than Antidote.
Got myself another antidote 75 ml this saturday in a little perfumeshop nearby.
19 jan 17 Edit: I did test Amouage Bracken today on my skin, I don’t think this smells like Antidote like mentioned on the Bracken Page
alexmar76 – :
Why, just why this is no longer on the market.
Powdery, charming, unisex, long lasting, floral, sweet a bit spicy.
I remember first time smelling this. It was first love, didn’t expected that beautiful smell. Campaign for this fragrance was so good, actually i got in my mind vision of the smell – Baroque garden on hot day with powdery note in it, but cleeeeaan ahhh.
If you have any different similar fragrance – please let me know. I have just 2 bottles left.
horbachov – :
Sentence summary:
Goes on like Juicy Fruit chewing gum, then changes to the smell of a Monk walking out of a Barbershop holding a Joss Stick.
Overall rating 7/10
bigtorrent118 – :
I found a tester of it online .its really well blended fragrance.at first its fresh.somthing like bubblegum like smell .then it gets warmer .its modern while its classic at deep . I love it .I can see why it has been discontinued.
But its atomizer come off loosely.is it natural.or its impared.
ingrem-hell – :
I’d much rather pay higher prices for this than some of the other niche colognes I’ve paid $100’s for. This is a clean/green/woods scent that reminds me of an Abercrombie and Fitch cologne i wore in high school. I think it was called Abercrombie woods maybe. That was 15 years ago, so maybe I’m not remembering the Abercrombie smell correctly. Anyway – I’ve been sampling Tom ford vert des bois this past week and I think these two are similar. Antidote isn’t necessarily groundbreaking – but it smells very good and can be worn for a multitude of occasions. If you’re looking to add a heavy woods/green scent to your collection, and don’t mind forking over some bennies, this is a great option. PS – the bottle is sweet.
saynniina – :
Is this stuff non-existent these days? My old roommate used to have this in our bathroom back in 2010, I used to sneak sprays in all the time, and man did it smell awesome, really refined, and just extremely unique. Now you can’t find it in stores anywhere, and when you find it online, people want $200+ for it! I suppose the good really do die young.
inkorn334 – :
This one is so unique and so complex it’s hard to even describe. It’s simply wonderful.
armeec26 – :
I first got this one back in 2009, the 125 ml one and I LOVED IT… in fact, it has been the ONLY fragance which made a lady to stop me in the street and ask me what I was wearing. Not before, never after someone have asked me the same again.
It was a shame it was discontinued, and only found it in a 75ml bottle, which I treasure and use only ONCE a month.
alalaif – :
Unfortunate for some reviewers of this fragrance…I simply fell in love with this stuff. In fact, this was why I fell in love with the brand and later purchased Spicebomb (great fragrance, by the way).
I was very glad that I purchased a bottle of this!! Comes off sweet, not in syrupy kind of way, less stark. The notes are blended with finesse and harmony..not seeing the confusion as some have suggested…Overall, a great fragrance!!!
MrMurder – :
I love these out-of-the-box, masculine scents and purchased a bottle of Antidote exactly 1-year ago. While I wore Vintage Kouros yesterday and I am wearing Azzaro Pour Homme as I speak, I just haven’t felt any love for this fragrance during in the time we’ve spent together. Sad, but true!
Yep, I should love it…but I don’t, and I’m not quite sure if I even like it. I just find Antidote to be an oddball fragrance that triggers visions of my being sprayed down with Scope mouthwash. Perhaps if I were a drinker then I would have first-hand knowledge of wearing Scope on my skin…but that’s the only way I can describe Antidote to the masses.
Regardless, I am glad that others are enjoying this fragrance but it is definitely a try before you buy. Moreover, never pay more than full-retail for this or any other fragrance…and surely not the crazy eBay idiot prices, which would make you just as culpable of thievery.
Update: another year has passed and, although I wear Antidote sparingly, I do like and appreciate it more. However, I still believe this fragrance would be renamed “Antiseptic” which is probably why it was discontinued…just not a lot of mass-appeal, but interested nonetheless.
Icemonkey – :
i was meant to comment on here – i think this has been RE-continued! i saw this in Jenner’s in Edinburgh.
сергей.к. – :
Pretty certain this isn’t discontinued as I have just bought a bottle from Boots (major retailer in the UK).
Lantorrenter – :
I really want to wear while I pity to wear it , a sensational aroma with several stages , if it were possible it would buy two more pelomenos of about 125ml , discontinue a shame … a niche in my humble opinion ! 10/10
вовуська – :
I have owned this fragrance from the first week it came out.
I still have the 125ml bottle, nowadays only the 75ml is available.
I also still own 3 bottles of Gucci Envy and to me Viktor&Rolf Antidote is a turbocharged version of Gucci Envy.
Not in the opening but after it has properly dried down and been worn, there are a lot of similarities, and on me it smells like Gucci Envy on PED’s.
I really think that it’s no coincidence since this fragrance was launched after Envy was discontinued, they even made the liquid have the same colour. Sillage and longevity are good, lasts all day.
Over here in Holland, this fragrance hasn’t been discontinued and is readily available.
HroasH – :
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers.An amazingly complex fragrance from the top notes through the spectrum.I get lots of fougere,woods & spices.A recent discovery but I rate it very highly.
Xeroxxnuud – :
Lovely scent but does not turn out to be the ‘masterpiece’ some reviewers rave about. I would classify it as a warm pleasant and elegant fragrance with a lot of subtle complexity layered in. One can question if all that complexity is worth it because looking at the notes listed it’s very hard to find all of the different accords back in antidote but non the less, chances are high that you will get something new pending on the temperature and air moist level.
Projection is medium but the biggest problem here is longevity, it lasts around 4 hours and afterwards it becomes a skin scent and mellows out to a sweeter scent.
It’s hard to say something bad about antidote in the end, I’ll stick with lovely and highly wearable but comes without a charismatic punch.
Compliments : none/nada/zip. Which is weird because I would see this as a somehow sexy scent to the opposite sex.
One side node : the bottle design is great although the cap embraces plastic too much. Also the green color as advertised is much watered down in reality.
7/10
vitas94 – :
Ideal male complement or mate of La Nuit de Paco Rabanne, Armani for her 82, Femme de Rochas and First … Balsamic and resinuos, warm and creamy like a licquor or brandy … Only for winter evening and night… gorgeous!
wamgueque – :
This is the juice! My most loved one, indescribable, so unique, herbal and incensed with a cozy floral! One of the bests I own.
herecomesthesun – :
This is very complex fantastic scent. Woody, spicy, minty, floral, sweety, incensy, leathery…
U cant expect that everybody can understand it.
Strong projection and great longevity.
Sexy, very hot as fire.
Can be worn daily, casual, and 2office. Perfect 4 romantic occasions. Better for fall, winter and spring.
All ad etc remind me the movie: The Perfume.
It is really magical elixir.
rozavirte – :
This is a good and spicy fragrance with
a hint of the 80s powerhouse DNA, but at
the same time more modern and classy for
todays frag heads, i like it a lot, to bad it is so
hard to get this days.
karepelli – :
So I finally got to test the famous and now discontinued Antidote.
I must say I had high hopes, given the praise it receives in the community. At first try, I was disappointed – it’s complex and hard to point out the single notes, but seemed slightly generic.
At second try, a picture started emerging painted on a peppery sandalwood canvas. Please note that I am not too fond of pepper, but this was discrete.
From the third try and on, lovely notes of lavender, cinnamon and incense are peeking through on top of the sandalwood/amber/pepper background and I’ve grown to like it.
From the outside, it smells like a quite simple familiar barbershop scent with some spiciness thrown in, but it appears there are several layers hiding and every time you catch a whiff of it, the top notes are a little different. Also has a little more “gothic” vibe when you work your way into the composition, which suits the bottle design quite well.
I really like it, but still have a gnawing feeling that if it were still in production, it wouldn’t be hyped so much.
My opinion : if you can get it for a reasonable price ($80 or less) give a shot – if more expensive, don’t buy without trying. I believe you can get better perfumes for your bucks at this price.
wsqdqielan – :
Wow, I must say, I just got this and though I am more of a gourmand man, I must say this scent is VERY unique and I LOVE it!
I get a strong mint top note. Then, minutes later it melds into sandalwood/incense/tonka/musk. It is rather a lovely, very classy and refined scent! It is warm, yet the minty top can definitely make it sneak into a summer fragrance. It is just borderline soapy, but retains that oriental warmth and sweetness that the tonka mixed with incense brings. You can tell this is not just a bunch of notes thrown together, it is done rather classy and unoffensive.
Big KUDOS to V&R for this, it is very silky and refined.
Scent 8.5/10 very classy, I would wear this with a suit and tie!
Silage 8/10
longevity 8/10 (been wearing it since 9am it is now 3pm and I can still smell it, it is beautiful!)
-Henry
Adcitty – :
اینقدر نظر خوب راجع به این خوندم تا بلاخره از زیر سنگ یکیشو پیدا کردم و حالا میخوا بیام بپرسم چرا اینقد از این تعریف میکنین؟؟؟
HoBsposyhesty – :
Sorry @nexangelus but if this is spicy barbershop then it’s one shop that i never want to leave.. shame on people for not buying this while it was still in production. Fantastic scent. Another blind buy for me and so glad I did. 10/10
gororiso – :
Spicy barbershop. That is all…okay…classic oriental fougere. Gentlemanly and clean…is that better? Not bad, but there are better scents in this category for me…
bless_angel – :
I managed to get a bottle of this and God I am soooooo glad I did. There is something so mysterious about this fragrance.
There are other reviewers on here that said that they didn`t like this at first but when they went back to it and tried it again, they loved it. That is the enigma that is Antidote. It changes like the tide, some days it smells wrong but wearable but other days it just smells soooo good. The packaging is great, the bottle is simply beautiful and the contents……..well words can not describe just how wonderful it is. You need to try it, not just once, not just in the Winter…..just try it and you will love it, if not at first, then sometime, and without regret.
htatqgdyvfj – :
A herbal masculine scent,captivates like a Rainforest.
Никон – :
I second what Kasper Larsen says below: spicy and a bit heavier, but not overwhelmingly so because of the fresh herbal notes. I’d say it’s classy and stylish. On my wishlist.
kent47 – :
I used to wear this many years ago. I still have half a bottle, I stopped wearing it cause I found it too cloying- especially in warm weather. Today I tried it again and I really missed it. To me this smells like no other out there. It’s spicy and heavy but very different from Spicebomb.
This is more herbal and magical. Somebody mentioned Gandalf below and I can see where it’s coming from. It’s quite a mature scent not for the youngest boys. Also the bottle is stylish and mythical with a green liquid – inspired by Middle Ages and wizardry.
Antidote is one of my favourite winter fragrances, I sincerely hope they will bring this back again one day.
Scent 9/10 (very unique)
Longevity 8/10
Projection 7/10
Design 10/10
lagun68 – :
nothing incense. it’s only a flower floral scent. but not bad. 35
neronkanuni – :
My fiancé and I are often searching for the best of the best incense fragrances ~ fragrances that smell the best when burned as incense. We found that Antidote is the one of the most pleasant Designer fragrances to be burned as incense. Its main note is Incense, and all the other notes compliment the Key Note perfectly. Smells so good!
shuntik112 – :
I have to mourn for use, a jewel that should back up with his flankers!
Bugor22 – :
When it first came out I remember it being very sweet! Just recently I came across this fragrance and tried it again and I still found it sweet but much more attractive smokey/powdery aroma. I do pick up a hint of a floral aroma..it completes this juice.
Both Longevity and Silage is better than moderate lasting over 6-8hrs.
Finally thoughts,
When I first sprayed it on my skin yes it’s a bit sweet but it quickly changes to a more warm/woodsy/spicy juice coming from vanilla, amber and musk supported by sandalwood, lavender and incense coming altogether as a fall /winter fragrance. To describe this fragrance in a word…luxurious or elegant =8/10
piatka – :
This is one of my most favorite fragrances. I can’t believe this was discontinued.
Treider – :
This is Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings signature scent. Anybody wanna argue?
diw581speagoessenda – :
A super safe scent for men. It has the perfect hint of masculinity and is really a hit with the ladies. I was lucky enough to find this in my local fragrance shop (last bottle) I purchased it as a complete blind buy off of the hype in the community in mind. All the notes and depth truly made an amazing fragrance. A true antidote, the fruity top is nice, I get great spicy cinnamon and lavender with freshness from the mint and vanilla throughout the life of the fragrance. Perfect mix of sweet and spicy, and longevity of the fragrance lasted for over 8 hours of work for me. Not sure about how well it projected, but I could still smell it on my wrist after work.
rossya – :
my favorite perfume all time , very deep mysterious soft unique elegant , being discontinued is too hard to accept for such a masterpiece , as much as was hard to discontinue Gucci Rush .
when looking to the composition Antidote you can never imagine how it will smell , many ingredients to have a nice perfume is really genius work .
unfortunately i stopped using my bottle after using half of it not to lose the rest since i believe always that genuine is always the best .
zo – :
This intriquing perfume by Viktor & Rolf is a warm, sweet scent pouring with myrrh … it is intense with good longevity and a beautiful sillage … it projects great and that makes it one of my favourite … so kudos to Viktor & Rolf
xam001 – :
OK. Finally sampled it today.I was pretty surprised that it has no character of itself, and I can smell a bit many other great ones mainly Chanel Allure Homme, Versace Dreamer and hint of Dior Homme. This has flowers at its heart but woodiness wraps it with a musky undertone brilliantly. At the base I get strong tonka and a definite dose of Iso E Super. This perfume has a characteristic of metamorphosis……you will get different vibes depending on temp, flow of air, mood etc….in that it is worth a buy. But I would not call it original stuff and may still recommend a sniff before a buy. But surely stands out from the ordinary without a doubt.
VALERECH1 – :
At first spray, I can see how this fragrance can turn people off. But the dry down is actually quite delightful. Very deep and oriental. This fragrance will get you noticed!
Andruxa4248 – :
I gave it a couple of chances but I can’t get past the wet dishcloth stink
bara-gara – :
Antidote Viktor&Rolf for men is a very odd scent. It smells like a drugstore. It’s sharp, herbal and sweet.
It isn’a a pleasent smell. It can give you a headache. It’s more for a formal occasions. I don’t see anybody in plain clothes wearing it. It’s a suit and tie fragrance. There’s something very formal and also “sad” about it.
It’s the scent I would wear for a funeral and not for a wedding – if you know what I mean.
It brings to mind a very rich gentelman who lives in a gloomy castle.
seriks5 – :
Loved it at the beginning but now I hate it. Orange blossom just isn’t my note and it ruins it for me. One similar and better than this is APOM pour homme by MFK. This just smells annoying and feminine to me.
jyx267InsuffBooni – :
@hdn Not sure where you are based but Antidote is still readily available here in the UK. Try House of Fraser or Debenhams if you can. Saw it on the shelves a little over two weeks ago. Good luck!
kre803Unlogrere – :
Well Antidote I found you at last! I figured this had been discontinued too as it was difficult to find but I managed to track it down at house of Fraser in Manchester. It was actually suggested to me by the sales assistant who was really pushing it.
My verdict then?…well… please not meaning to offend anyone because I know how pretty much universally hated this fragrance is but I think Antidote is initially similar to (dan dant dahhhh!) JOOP HOMME!!!!
This being said maybe an unfair comparison because I think I’ve found the sophisticated alternative to Joop and original santal/Individuel that I’ve been looking for!
Antidote has the cinnamon and vanilla thing sure but it is also massively complex and not just the note breakdown here but to your nose as it changes on the skin. You get sweet floral jasmine a bit of sandalwood and lavender with a deep incense vibe, it’s altogether a different animal from the fragrances I’ve mentioned above. The drydown is pleasant kind of sweet almost gourmand but woody and
On a superficial note I really like the clean lines of the bottle and the colour and name of this juice.
All in all…a good outing from Viktor and Rolf will probably take a few wears before I commit to adding to the collection.
Dark Sword – :
I got a chance to pick up a 75 ml bottle of this in Dubai recently and went for it. I had sampled Antidote sometime before and was – as many before me – not terribly impressed. However, the growing appreciation for this in the community (indirectly correlated as usual to actual availability), and the notion that it takes some time to figure out such a complex fragrance, led me to pull the trigger for $40.
Clearly this is a fragrance that you need to ‘work through’ to appreciate and I know it may take quite a bit of time to get the notes (which others refer to as ‘popping up’ through the life of the fragrance). All said, however, what carries through the time with Antidote is a certain minty incense and clean lavendar. This is absolutely fine for me and is actually one of the better incense fragrances I have smelled recently. It reminded me of Gucci Envy at times but Antidote is clearly more targetted at an older audience.
In short, Antidote is quite understated, classic in its execution and definitely a quality scent. It’s downside is that it could probably do with more projection (especially as I get a bit anxious about heavy applications of such a complex fragrance, three sprays is enough). I recommend this – if you can find a bottle – as a versatile, formal fragrance that is non-offensive and definitely an interesting wear. If you wear fragrances for yourself – which you should – you will undoubtedly appreciate this. I am looking forward to spending more time with Antidote.
Edit, 28 January, 2014: Have just recently picked up Antidote after-shave balm (100 ml for less than $4) and must say that it is a really good complement to the EdT. Highly recommended, very close to the original scent, doesn’t seem to lose any notes, and serves as a very good base for added longevity with the EdT. Excellent.
leriadielia – :
Antidote was my real all time favorite for over two years and I agree with all reviewers who found it amazing. I just wanted to change for a limited time to Tomo by Annayake and then come back to my beloved Antidote, but now I had to find out that it was discontinued in the mean time and I can’t get it anymore, not even in web stores. There are even already opened bottles for sale on ebay for ridiculous prices. I’m really down and would like to get your suggestions which fragrance could possibly replace Antidote for me.
Waiting while crying…
Hamster – :
I blind bought this small bottle of Antidote and I think it has good longevity and sillage but I think that it is strong. Only need 2 Light sprays. The cinnamon came through in this one as well. This one is for older gentleman for sure.
Genri Morgan – :
Finally i got it.
It is really out of this world…absolutely divine!!!
THE EPITOME OF PERFECTION
neolait – :
I found this accidentaly today in some perfume store here in my country at a very special price (50% discount)34euros/ 40ml & 44euros/ 75ml. I had never smelled this jouice before because it is discontinued on the market but now after this wonderful experience i fell in love at first sniff.Totaly amazing no more no less.
I was planing to buy Exceptionnel by Mont Blanc but i think it can wait.I will grab this one asap,it is so distinctive,unique,clean, very elegant and well crafted. A Masterpiece in my opinion. Longevity is between moderate and long lasting on my skin,projection could be better as i find it moderate but i think this is in the whole idea of it because it is not “in your face fragrance” in purpose.
It works like a real Antidote and lifts the mood in heaven instantly!!!
Thumbs up V&R but the only complain is why did you discontinue this gem?
Highly recomment