Description
New and more intensive Vetiver was introduced almost half a century after the classic Vetiver, which has remained one of the most popular men’s fragrances until today. The new Vetiver has got more modern tone due to intensified presence of spices. The green grassy notes are not so strong like in the classic Vetiver. In the top notes the citrus harmony of bergamot and lemon is followed by tarragon and Licorice note. The hot spicy notes of the heart include pepper and nutmeg, what accentuates the extreme adventurous side of the fragrance. Frankincense adds dramatic smoky note to the heart. The base is more oriental and intensive then the classic version, and beside vetiver root it includes cedar wood and balsamic Tonka bean note.
Vetiver Extreme was launched in 2007.
nik2485 – :
I think I prefer this to the original Vetiver. It’s not stronger, nor is it really ‘extreme’ in any sense. It’s more spicy, a little less fresh but still has strong elements that would otherwise have it be fresher. There even seems to be a bit of rhubarb mixed with grass. Lots of pepper, quite smoky but the vetiver is also a bit more earthy. The licorice gives it a delicious quality that’s hard to describe.
It’s a little of the ‘same same but different’ vibe.
wolver – :
Such an excellent vetiver fragrance. If you love vetiver, or if you are looking to get a good vetiver fragrance in your collection, this is a great one to get.
It starts with a bright lime note and a strong fresh vetiver. In the dry down it does get a little smoky, and earthy. It feels like it wears close to the skin, which I am starting to like more and more.
Clean and classic with a modern touch. I find it leans masculine. My wife, who is notorious for hating vetiver, told me I smelled great today while I was wearing it.
I think this is a vetiver fragrance that should be in any collection.
katia2010 – :
Sweet, smoky vetiver, pepper, hint of cinnamon. Not bad. I like this better than the original, I think.
romaandrejj – :
I’m 40 and still find that I’m not old enough or put together enough to rock this frag. Very aromatic and barbershop’y…it’s certainly a wonderful smelling concoction and can see why it gets great reviews. My Dad, at 77, will definitely be able to pull this off. Maybe I’ll offer it to him…
Edit: A couple of months later, I’ve really grown to appreciate this. It’s a very ‘awake’ and lively scent that would pair well with a pin-striped shirt, braces, and an heirloom briefcase. Very Wall Street in a good way.
Mepnu801bedyWelty – :
Its a really interesting take on Vetiver, taking it to a rather smokey affair. It starts off fresh (as vetiver is meant to be) with a smokey undertone, and dries down to a total smoke fest, so much so , that on clothes it actually smells like you been a bit too near the smoker’s lounge the other night (which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you feel about smoke)
in any case, i would say a high quality, and rather interesting take on the vetiver game, however, non smoke lovers must not apply.i personally stay with chopard’s noble vetiver, as it has far more emphasis on the fresh , walk in the morning jungle side of vetiver.
sasa311027 – :
Definitely a wonderful fresh grassy, citrus scent, with a pinch of pepper….. the only issue I have had with this is the silage is sooooo soft, like too soft, I would love that extra little kick to enhance it more. Longevity too about 2-4 hours on me which is sad.
That said it is a quality product, in terms of ingredients.
Overall I will give this;
Silage 5/10
Longevity 6/10
Smell 8/10
DofsDoumb – :
Beautiful, natural smelling fresh vetiver with some citrus, smokiness and tobacco impact. Smells like a walk on the Irish countryside. Better constructed than the original, with a more modern appeal. Masterpiece & pure class.
wolf07 – :
This fragrance has high quality. Definitely niche level.
It is slightly less versatile than Tom Ford Grey Vetiver as it includes inscene and “earthier” or greener vetiver.
Not agressive/dirty as Encre Noir or shallow/clean as Mugler cologne.
it is classy, elegant, masculine, excellent in the winter due to the inscense and licorice but also refreshing in the hot weather with its high quality soapy aroma. Good for casual, good for formal. Best for 30+ or mature crowd.
I got it over tom ford as I found it discounted online at 35 $ and very happy with it.
egoroviktor – :
This is excellent . I have also tomford grey vetiver edp and they both smell exactly the same . This opens up more green but that quickly faded away to reveal a creamy aromatic vetiver . This is exactly like tomford grey vetiver except this is like 5x stronger and with a cheaper price tag . If you don’t want to pay tomford prices then look into this because it’s just as good if not better .
Kovich – :
Very beautiful very attractive. Long lasting , projection very good .
VasiliHam – :
Nice, but not on par with the regular version.
122dima – :
After Carven and Givenchy my favourite Vetiver so far. The worst is Givenchy which is so dark and minimal. It’s a relief to have a fresh vetiver that mixes the rooty vetiver smell with a fresh vibe and spicy/oriental ingredients that gives it a classy allure.
The performance is not amazing but very decent. For me it will be used in spring and summer. I am very happy so far but I have many more vetiver scents to discover so I cannot say it’s the best. I want to give it a 7/10 at very least.
22 – :
I really like this one and I am a woman. It smels spicier more herbs and smokier then the original Vetiver, but still a wonderfull smell of wet gras, herbs, slightly sweet and a bit smokey toward the drydown with some cedar and litle tonka.
Honestly, I preferre the original Vetiever because it just smells more complex and more grassy hey and more uplifting because of orange smother tonka and tobacco. I think both last eqally long.
Original Vetiver is a loved one. In my opinion this is what Chanel 19 should have smelled like. Not vintage)Vintage Chanel was my to go frag but now it is just a shadow… anyway. so much for this Perfume:-)
softmasteru – :
This is so amazing, it makes me want to cry. I’ve tried the vintage and current Vetiver EdT and neither last on my skin, sadly. When I discovered this, I pounced on it – without even consulting the fragrantica experts. I’ve given samples to a few friends and the consensus is in – it’s f***ing fantastic.
I smelt it and all I got was a super deep vetiver & pepper. It was so intense I had to put it down, I was expecting something like current Vetiver. Much much much too happy with this, I’ll have to get someone to restrain me if I try to use it too much.
Quippousene – :
I suppose when I bought this I was expecting the “Extreme” suffix to denote more Vetiver. To my nose, it doesn’t. Nor does it equate to more longevity and projection.
What you do get is less of a citrus opening, and more spice on the dry-down. Which is fine, actually. Just not Extreme.
GV is my signature fragrance so, naturally enough, I like Extreme too. Just not enough to buy it again as either an alternative or as an alternate.
kolyan.vinogradovvvv – :
Guerlain vetiver extreme is a grassy root vetiver that give a nuance of green and fresh with a slightly soapy barbershop scent. it is so green, its like you are being in an adventure to someplace in europe then suddenly you found a green field near to a lake after you passing the wood. it smells like the grass after the rain. i think this fragnance could be best to wear in the spring with relatively cool weather. you can wear it after shower and it will give you a beautiful fresh clean scent that everyone loves it.
Scent : 7,5
Sillage : 7
Longevity : 7
iluha1357 – :
Little bit too soapy, just like TF Grey Vetiver.
But it’s ok )
lexabas – :
I have quite a few from this house and to be honest, I’m a little torn on this one. I love everything from this house with the exception of this one. I like it but I don’t love it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great quality like everything else Guerlain puts out. I just don’t know if it jives with me. It kind of reminds me of Lalique Encre Nior and no surprise, I’m not a huge fan of that one either. If you are looking for a “dirty vetiver”, this one is for you.
7/10
evgen999 – :
The best spicy scent I have ever smelled.
aurshar – :
A great vetiver fragrance! Just as good as the regular, this is more spicy and “extreme”. I tend to use the regular for leasure and work, and the Extreme for evening, formal events, and when I like to “dress up” a bit.
DuecegesFum – :
I must sadly state that Guerlain is a bit like Lolita Lempicka in regards to creating flankers that are 90 – 95% similar to the original. Again, this isn’t a bad thing rather something to keep in mind when purchasing any of the Vetiver series. I have the original, the glacee or fraiche version, and the extreme version – I think I prefer the fraiche version because it has a more lively citric take on the vetiver theme, but the extreme does deliver on its darker and richer insinuation. There is clearly more of a smokey element present in this fume with a hint of myrrh and incense pairing beautifully with the grassy vetiver Guerlain has mastered. There really isn’t much else to note as it is relatively the same – it’s potent, durable, and a gorgeous take on the grassy side of vetiver. It is very fitting for business ventures on the greyest of days or a formal date at an upscale establishment – it is a show of power and class! I wish all of you a delightful day!
Day 24 – Between wake and dream
Listening to: Agnes Obel – Chord Left (Live)
MONADA – :
I just reviewed l’Homme Ideal and basically took a proverbial on it after having the experience of going through two 50 ml bottles (one blind buy and one gift). I noticed some really pointed comments by a lot of its lovers to the effect that the only people who really hate it are fanatical Guerlain purists. I love Guerlain, hate l’Homme Ideal, but I’m by no means a fanatical purist. Guerlain is capable of producing competent fragrances for the modern world, but does a terrible job of popularising them. VETIVER EXTREME is the perfect example of that.
This is cooler, darker, damper, and more mineral than the original Vetiver. I have a soft spot for the original and wouldn’t change it for the world, but I see this “extreme” flanker as a more refined and up to date rendition. There’s something well-rounded and well put together about it, and I get complimented every time I wear it. Its manly, smooth, green, earthy, lasting, complex, but won’t bludgeon anyone over the head.
Yet as wonderful as it smells, I never knew it existed until last year and was surprised to discover it was released so recently. This has always been the case with Guerlain, though, and it sucks because it has some really fantastic compositions that could bring in the money it needs and make the Guerlain name every bit as big and profitable as Parfums Chanel or Parfums Dior.
malishtim – :
Looking at the note pyramid, I think it is a bit out. The pepper and incense are in the opening, not the heart. Then you get vetiver and rosewood, made smooth and classy by the nutmeg. I enjoy this fragrance except for the opening, which lasts about 30 minutes. Good longevity, and the deep drydown is exquisite.
bandit007 – :
Deep, earthy and rooty vetiver highlighted with fresh citrus in the opening and supported by aromatic green herbs, subtle spices and a woody smokiness in the drydown; a very long lasting, mature and extremely masculine fragrance in my opinion; strangely addictive!
aleksei.2 – :
I really love this Vetiver! It is my first! I sniffed it some months ago and I could not forget the smell! It reminder me of a nice cedar perfume oil I had when I was younger and used to where at party’s. I lost this oil some years ago and never managed to find a replacement.
This perfume reminds me of it! I can sense the cedar somewhere in the back the drydown. But also very much there in the opening!
This perfume is growing on me. At first I thought it to be sweet, and fresh at the same time. But also green and mysterious. I love the opening, diliciously sweet to my nose.
I’m a bit thorn on the drydown. It tends to differ alot, I think it depends on what I’ve been eating before!
The first times I got soupy fresh citrusy drydown, then the other day I realy got the frankincense smokey drydown. I was quite used to that when a few day’s ago al I could smell was the vetiver in a strong way. Today 5 ours after initial spray, I get nutmegg to the max! Very odd!
I must say I’m smelling lot’s of perfumes lately! It has become a new hobby of mine. Quit smoking 3 weeks ago so maybe my nose is still setteling.
This one has good longevety and sillage is good for first 2 to 3 ours, then starts to get more close to the skin. When the wheater is a bit more hot I smell this on me all day, and I enjoy it alot! When it is colder it last somewhat shorter.
Regular Guerlain vetiver I’ve smelled only once on my arm and was a bit full, strong for me, maybe it was the tabbaco. After using alot of the extreme I smelled the origin again on a paper and I loved it alot to. Can’t wait to have them both. I think they are both great!
For me cedar, vetiver, nutmeg, frankincense, sweet (locorice) come out most!
StivC – :
I own and like the original Guerlain Vetiver. The same is true for Encre Noire. Vetiver Extreme however is much more difficult to appreciate for me.
While Vetiver smells mature and masculine, Vetiver Extreme smells dated to my nose.
Foolish blind buy, so there it goes back on ebay. May the next owner appreciate it more than I can.
oicook – :
Waaay better than Guerlain Vetiver (and not the same smell to my nose). Classic, barbershop smell, not in a soapy way, rather a bit warm and dark. Magnifique!
hfg868elipseskism – :
I was looking forward to trying the extreem after enjoying Guerlain vetiver, and other vetiver frags. It’s mostly like the original minus the tobacco, which puts off people nowadays. The extreem is less complex as Darvant reviewed in basenotes. I can only understand the title as extreem in that the extreem is hotter, more peppery. Guerlain vetiver is my favorite green fresh fougere. This extreem is also fresh and green and will be a nice alternative to the original.
There is a nice strong tangyness to the extreem like a ginger note. Ginger is a great component to freshen a frag like M7 Fresh, one of my favorites. Maybe it’s the citrus and tarragon. A nice distinction in the Extreem version.
I thought I would do a side by side comparison. The original has a greater herbal spicy blast in the opening. The Extreem is toned down a bit sweater opening. I will stop there. The name is missleading, if you are not put off by the green aromatic tobacco in the original the Extreem may not be worth buying. It’s still a good flanker, with it’s own uniqnes, but the original I think is better more complex.
I would like to add a positive note for the Extreem; with the increase of nutmeg and addition of frankincense the extreem has a very nice smooth more contemporary mid than the original.
Rating: 7.25/10
Melegrott – :
A deep vetiver, earthy and fragrant but almost totally obscured by tonka bean. Good scent nonetheless and worth having.
Ar2 – :
I think the original is better in my humble opinion
Aerohoplenerijui – :
When is extreme not extreme? When the word is used in the perfume industry, that’s when.
I got my sample of this from the Guerlain boutique in Toronto, so I know it’s legit. Problem is, it’s very timid. I have a bottle of the 1959 Guerlain Vetiver that inspired this, and it is almost an all-day fragrance, even on my fragrance-neutralizing skin. It’s rooty, pungent, woody, green and all around delightful. This “extreme” flanker, however, has great top notes and that’s about it.
Seriously, about an hour after I sprayed it – on cotton, yet – it’s essentially gone. What gives?
What a disappointment! I’ll be sticking to plain old original Guerlain Vetiver, which is a masterpiece.
EFES47 – :
Very solid summer night scent, IMO. It smells more like Encre Noir than it does Guerlain’s original Vetiver. But it’s better than the overhyped Encre Noire, at least to me. This is a dark, vetiver scent that has solid lasting power. I am not totally passionate about this stuff, but I do suggest you sniff it out if you can. Guerlain is such high quality that you have to seek out all their stuff. I give this a solid B, B+ rating. A good deal for $50.
rolfnegmelf – :
Amazing perfume,I prefer the old bottle design.
Hoorrynes – :
I had version 2000 and now I have Extreme version. They are same line but different character. Guelain perfume has character and style. Extreme is least fresh more incense more earthy more dark than Original and 2000 version. Extreme is Sophistication Elegance charismatic and polite. It’s good for business meeting or special occasion. Very good long last and good sillage. Try it may be you will love it same me.
DroniDepe – :
First of all,this fragrance never discontinued since 2007! Change bottle as the original version.Still remains and sold in Guerlain official website.In my opinion this vetiver scent are better than the original,much better! I love this scent! I wish never discontinued!
jxu972speagoessenda – :
I used to own the original Guerlain Vetiver and forgot how wonderful it smelled. I now got the “extreme” verison and I like it even better. I love colognes with vetiver and this one is my No. 1. To me vetiver smells fresh and clean, especially in the South Florida climate.
Guerlain Vetiver opens with a blast of vetiver and that delights the senses. A true classic cologne for men.
raincitterpal – :
Very, very green. This has the heady depth demanded by Guerlainistas albeit with no trace of the Guerlainade. At a single spray, and no more, this is more office ready than my beloved powerhouse Habit Rouge Parfum (at which point I should confess I bought Vetiver Extreme largely so the bottles could bookend one another).
At twenty minutes in, I am still not detecting the promised frankincense but a dry pepper and a yet more dry vetiver wrapped in an unlisted aldehyde accord. To me, the latter is so pronounced the fragrance reads Vetiver by Chanel.
Agapelko – :
Vetiver Extreme has the dna of the traditional.
Opens with a green chord by artemisia, tarragon and lemon, and reconciled a touch of licorice liqueur.
This mix makes it kind of an absinthe, sugar and slightly bittersweet, along comes a touch spicy and smoky incense for the remarkable, intrigue majestically.
The background with earthy vetiver complete this beautiful version, which sounds more modern and more intriguing than the original.
herblovx – :
Just a fast note of melancholy.. I was very excited when I ordered the V Extreme because the Original GV is absolutely near and dear not only to my nose but my soul.. the first time I wore it I wasn’t quite sure how I felt.. I thought perhaps I had to get used to it..welp..I’ve worn it a few times now and,honestly, I’m not getting an Extreme Experience .. it actually seems weaker than the OGV and doesn’t last nearly as long for me.. I think in the future my Guerlain dollars will be spent on Just Plain Vetiver and the host of other Guerlain frags I’m mooning over( Coriolan,Homme,Tonka Imperiale,L’Instant Homme,Heritage,Habit de Metal,Arsene Lupin Dandy,Chamade Pour Homme etc.)..yes I know some or perhaps most of those will be crushingly unavailable but I live in hope..and even though the V Extreme has been a let-down, Guerlain will always have my love and respect… so G .. show me your jalwah !
david176 – :
I saw on Youtube K. saying that Guerlain Vetiver was for a 70, 80, 90 yo, and remembered that the experts say that there are only two kinds of fragrances: the good scents and the bad ones. If we shouldn’t say that a scent is for women or men, how can one say it is for the very oldies?Is it not fashionable? What is fashion anyway? You are what you smell, smell well? I agree that there are scents with a juvenal, youth aura that suits, of course, young people. Also I agree that thare are time and place for everything under the Sun. But I cannot agree that a scent is good but only if you are over the rainbow and beoynd together with the mothballs. Guerlain Vetiver Extreme is my frst vetiver, although vetiver is in almost everything under that same Sun. And for me it smells great, really wonderful. Walking to work I got winfss of it and I couldn’t belelive it was me, my vetiver giving me that very satisfying smell that just makes one feel good with himself and the world, it was almost like the first … , for me and I am 50+. I suppose K. could say that it is because I am almost getting there. A young profesional man can pull GVE off? Of couse he can, if he wants to be taken seriously. But that is only one of his choices and there are plenty of them. I think I don’t need to say anything about notes for other serious reviewers like Ericrico have done better than I ever could. Just a final thought I wear a scent for myselfself firstly and try not to offend the ones aroud me.
As Lanier says, five golden stars, with honor.
bigsam – :
In comparison to the delicious and timeless original, this version lacks vetiver as well as tobacco and smells synthetic to me.
It has little to do with vetiver essential oil, which I own.
5/10
machakhina – :
i have bee n checking out vetivers, right now Frederic malle vetiver extrodinaire is my fav followed by tom ford grey vetiver then tonka vetiver
this one is much harsher then the above mentioned….I do not like it all
Midas – :
I bought this fragrance to add to my collection and it was a blind buy. I was immediately interested when I read the reviews on here and on basenotes. I was a tad bit nervous when I read on one of the youtube links that some people thought this was “old mannish” That it is not, I am 25 and I really enjoy this fragrance. I don’t normally go for the fresh type scents but this isn’t like one of thos citric bombs that smells like someone has chucked a few lemons and a load of turf into a blender. This has a really nice sweetish fresh yet smokey but clean smell. I applied at around noon and I could still smell it fairly strongly on myself by around 10pm and others around me could also smell it from a short distance. Now at 2.12am I can still smell it, but only faintly. When I rub my finger on my neck and take a sniff I can still smell it. I have the exact same bottle as pictured above (that in itself is a nice thing) I am not sure if it has since been reformulated as I noticed there is a plain looking bottle for this and the original GV. I give this scent a 10/10
dsb7777 – :
We definitely need to get this beauty in the front of the line! I have/use the classic GV and love it emmensely since 2007. But switch gears for a second. Imagine driving your car at 65 mph on 3rd gear (a fairly high rev) and that’s GV. Now put it in 4th or 5th and the rpms drop and you hear the engine drop to a lower grumble, that’s GVE which I’ve been wearing since this past summer. It is definitely woodier, dryer, but nonetheless fresh and masculine and clearly the vetiver we love about GV but is actually heavier and longer lasting. I’m reviewing the formulas from the recent past ribbon bottles and have not had the chance yet to try the fluid from the newly released tall, plain bottles so I cannot say if the formula has really changed or not though I’ve heard it has, and for the better. GVE is classy and works well day or night and what further appeals to me about this wonderful fragrance is that it is quite linear. The initial spray is fantastic as most are when first applied, but the dry down is wonderful and long lasting. I think GVE should be in the finest collections in the man’s wardrobe. JG 022012.
annowewLymn – :
Good comments here from several people – I happen to love this bottle of fragrance! I am a vetiver lover and this fragrance is Guerlain’s glorious, deep green (and slightly rooty) vetiver “backbone” plus the artistic use of great aromatic notes blended into a harmonious composition. The notes, subtleties, nuances and accords are all there, but vetiver is constant. I love the tarragon, incense and cedar that warms the drydown versus the tobacco accord of the regular bottling. Only because this is a Guerlain, could this be seen as an “extreme” bottling, but in reality, it is an extremely well-crafted fragrance that puts vetiver on a pedestal and surrounds it with great notes that vetiver compliments and vice versa. Guerlain’s flankers from the 2000 formulation came later. I have all of them and respect each for what they offer. However, there is a reason why the Extreme bottle stayed and both Sport and Eau Glacee (Frozen) are now discontinued (sales!). This fantastic composition really “adds more” versus “taking out” notes and ingredients from the flagship. You can read my reviews on both Vetiver Sport and Eau Glacee/Frozen, but this is the shining star of the flankers and an outstanding bottle of fragrance that is incredibly well-made. Very thoughtful and rather daring by the house of Guerlain, who still creates THE benchmark of the majestic root.
If you want to read a critic’s book and fall in line, that is your decision. But, I am blessed to have my own nose, olfactory senses and opinion – and mine is pure admiration and enjoyment of Vetiver Extreme!
Rating 9+/10! Kudos to the Guerlain house – this is wonderful! Highly recommended.
adik3333 – :
My signiture scent is the orginal Vetiver, so I thought I’d give this a try – and it hasn’t disappointed. It’s very similar – just a bit smokier and woodier – except it lasts awfully longer than the orginal, which is great. It’s a heavier scent, not as ‘chic’ as the orginal I’d say. I still love it though, i like to wear it during colder weather. Not a summer scent for me.
vasya2500 – :
Three vetiver frangrances for men are at the top of the vetiver ( or vetyver in some cases) line.
-Carven vetiver old original version
-Lanvin vetyver old original version
-Guerlain vetiver
Guerlain Vetiver has not changed over the years IMO in fact they have come out with a sport and a frozen version and for the lovers of the intense siliage they now have the Extreme version. I can´t have enough of it.
Golfmania – :
I think that Vetiver Extreme is absolute a must have – for all ages. I don’t agree with Luca Turin’s opinion at all. If there is one House that is good in using vetiver, it is Guerlain!
gygabyte3430 – :
this is what i call strong stuff, its lasting for long long time.
at first sniff i smell something like Soap , but disappear after while, then i got Cedar Vetiver Incense as i guess.
anyway i like it so much but i think not everybody will like it for sure . its more fitting for men over 30y.
this cologne is good example for Woody Spicy in my opinion.