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lemolombCam – :
I salute the direction and the risk the creator decided to take. Bourbon Vanilla is in a class of its own, different from all the vanilla for men we find on the market. First try was a little misleading considering the notes and reviews, then, if like me your nose got seduced by this strange mixture that evolves with great subtlety, you might be in for a treat. If I could describe it simply regardless of the notes I would say a golden honeyed ylang-ylang first, through which some kind of fruity note is trying to emerge, then slowly becoming a sweet medicinal syrup. It does become sweeter along the dry down, but not really in an opulent gourmand way. It still remain subtle and well blended and totally wearable, but don’t expect freshness coming from ginger, vetiver or rose. Their qualities are there, but immersed in this golden syrup (I don’t detect vetiver though).
I agree with sproaty, there isn’t anything boozy really about this fragrance, at least on me. Bourbon Vanilla offers a different approach to vanilla. It doesn’t smell like a vanilla pod. it isn’t dry. Vanilla is there, but part of a complex mixture where the ylang ylang note seems to be more present giving this a subtle & bright fruity-floral immersed in syrup. The sweetness makes me think of white chocolate sometimes. Longevity is excellent, a good 8-10 hours, projection is moderate.
List of notes on Zegna website:
Ginger & Davana Oil
Turkish Rose Absolute, Ylang, Cassie Absolute, Cypriol
Vetiver MD Oil, Tonka, Vanilla, Cocoa Bean
dimdim – :
I’m extremely confused over so many reviews describing this as “boozy” – is it because of the word bourbon in its name? Bourbon Vanilla is a type of vanilla grown in Madagascar… I detect nothing boozy about this.
I quite liked this from first spray (and I usually dislike vanilla) but as it’s drying down it’s become super sweet which has put me off somewhat. Performance is definitely good but unfortunately this is the first Zegna that’s not left a very good impression with me. I’ll definitely revisit it since this is based on one spray to my arm maybe 4-5 hours ago, but this is definitely one for fans of sweet scents.
I own every Essenze/Spice besides Indian Spices (and I have a decant) but after one wearing of this I sold it. Unfortunately not my cup of tea and my first disappointing Zegna
stepnickii – :
I had high hopes for this, and it *sort of* delivered. I can’t say I like the opening – it was very sweet and almost harsh, not the sort of vanilla I was hoping to smell (like a spiced vanilla gingerbread, perhaps because of the ginger and cassis). After an hour or so, the harshness disappeared I was left with a smooth, boozy vanilla, couldn’t detect any florals. If it wasn’t for the opening, I would get a full bottle. I can’t justify the price if I can only appreciate the drydown.
narimanbala – :
Incredible, just incredible scent, gingery vanilla which gives a slight boozy vibe. Like a Fahrenheit Le Parfum mixed with Tabac Rogue and Tobacco Vanilla. Really pleasant, spicy and smooth, with stunning performance.
brandt13427 – :
This, to me, is one of the best vanilla fragrances ever made.
In the opening is very similar to carner barcelona EL born.
It’s boozy with some herbal green notes and vanilla in the background.
THe green notes can be a little hars in the first 5 minutes, but then, the vanilla is the star of the show..
It’s a bozzy vanilla with some earthy notes.
In the drydown it is a bit similar to Lutens un bois vanille, but much more masculine.
It really lasts, but the projection is moderate.
TO me, better than SDV and one of the best if not the best masculine vanilla.
chaa – :
This is an exceptional fragrance, both in scent and performance. One of Zegna’s best releases (this is saying a lot considering Haitian Vetiver, Mediterranean Neroli, Indonesian Oud are so gorgeous). I usually really dislike vanilla-dominant fragrances and don’t tend to enjoy sweet scents in general. Bourbon Vanilla changed my mind.
The opens with a beautiful blast of spicy vanilla. It’s smooth and sweet, but has a very exciting tangy aspect to it. The most interesting thing is the airiness of the fragrance despite such a sweet body–I’ve never experienced that before. Additionally, the vanilla here is really sparkling, which makes it even more delicious. Aside from vanilla, I get some subdued spices and perhaps mixed fruits?
The fragrance is very linear in my opinion, which is a great thing considering the lovely scent. The fruitiness fades after a few hours and we’re left with a sweet, airy and sparkling vanilla.
The performance is excellent; I get more than 12 hours of longevity with very good projection for about 4-5 hours.
This will be the first vanilla-dominant fragrance in my collection.
Underrated gem.
rortcrasoup – :
Initial blast on skin I get cacao and vanilla then it mellows out to an earthy boozy vanilla with a touch of dry spice and cacao. Faint rose and ginger. Great blend of notes. seems like it will last and project. Nothing feminine about this one although the lady’s could pull it off no doubt. (On paper I pick up more rose and cassis) and yes I know cacao is not a listed note.
anton_mef – :
For me the dominant note in Bourbon Vanilla isn’t vanilla but coconut. Creed Virgin Island Water is very similar to Bourbon Vanilla. The main difference is the lack of citrus in the opening of Bourbon Vanilla.
Sedov90 – :
Forget tobacco vanille by Tom Ford if you want a sweet rich hypnotic fragrance this one is totally beautiful lasts all day on skin really easily, on a shirt or jacket lasts for days. It’s totally unique deep and intense. Unlike other zegna fragrances on me this is a real powerhouse fragrance.
zzz777 – :
This one will definitely be on my radar.