Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I could earn a commission if you purchase something you like through one of these links.
Greetings, my friends. I have been wearing Gentleman Givenchy EDT Intense this week. It is considered a woody aromatic fragrance for men and was released in 2021 by Oliver Cresp and Nathalie Lorson.
For those who don’t know, the original 1975 version of Gentleman Givenchy EDT was revamped and modernised in 2017. As you would expect, they have also released a few flankers alongside it, and this is one of them. Others in the lineup include Gentleman Privee EDP, Gentleman EDP and Gentleman Boisee EDP.
The naming conventions suggest that its “intensity” sits somewhere in between the standard EDT and EDP versions. It’s not quite intense enough to be an EDP, but more intense than the EDT, it would seem.
So, should you check this one out?
Here’s my humble opinion.
Appearance
I think the bottle represents the fragrance and looks somewhat “gentlemanly” In a simple and classy way. It’s also compact and fits nicely in your hand, which I like in a fragrance bottle.
Price and where to buy
I think the price is reasonable, all things considered, but it is not a blind-buy fragrance. You’ll want to try this before pulling the trigger, or at least read a few more reviews.
When it comes to getting the best deal, your best bet is almost always the discounters — especially when they’re running coupon codes. And the one that’s never let me down is FragranceX.
They ship worldwide, they only deal in authentic stock, and they’ve got a solid 30-day return policy, which keeps things risk-free.
Prices do move around (sometimes daily, especially during holiday sales), so it’s always worth checking the current deal. 👇
The Notes
Top Notes – Cardamom, Basil, Bergamot
Middle Notes – Iris, Cypress
Base Notes – Coumarin, Cedar
My thoughts about the notes
I was initially disappointed when I first sprayed this. Not because it smells terrible but because I thought it would be another generic mall scent, like the Jimmy Choo Man fragrance I had recently reviewed. It has a fresh, minty, herbaceous opening with a prominent bergamot note, which I found somewhat predictable.
When the fragrance transitioned to the mid, on the other hand, things got more interesting. It got interesting because this is when the iris notes start to surface, giving it a beautiful floral, powdery and slightly musky accord. I can’t stress enough that this fragrance is all about the iris, and if that’s not your thing, then you’re going to want to give it a miss.
Luckily for me, it is my thing, and it has been incorporated very well, with just the right balance of crisp freshness and sweetness. As the fresher notes start to subside, the woods appear more in the dry-down, introducing a warmer tone to the overall composition. Indeed, this is a charming blend of notes, and I undoubtedly judged it too early. I should know better than this by now, but there you go.
Compliments?
Around 95% of people will appreciate this fragrance, but the remaining 5% may find the sweetness of the iris a bit nauseating. The worst thing you could do with this one is over-spray, as it will quickly lose its balance and overload people’s senses.
So long as you keep the fragrance subtle and low-key, you will appear a well-put-together man, and the compliments will be incoming.
Is it masculine?
It is, in a sophisticated and endearing way, and would be ideal for any gentleman. According to the website, the fragrance is inspired by the man himself, Hebert de Givenchy. Here’s the official quote from the website.
Performance
The performance is okay, but there is room for improvement. I have read other reviews saying that the longevity stretches anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, but that was different from my experience. I only got around 4 hours out of it with a moderate projection of approximately 1-2 ft.
I can live with that, as the scent makes up for it in other areas. I will test the EDP versions at some point in the future to see how it compares.
Want to try this fragrance on your skin?
If you’d prefer to sample it first, these are my two favourite
and most reliable places to get authentic decants:
When to wear
Winter, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to wear this fragrance. You may get away with it during the summer, provided you go easy on the sprays. You have to be careful with this one because the sweet element can get cloying in warmer weather.
Where to wear
It is an all-rounder that will be OK to wear in most scenarios, although I think it would be particularly well suited for daywear. It’s office-safe and unlikely to cause much of a disturbance to those around you. It would also make a great signature scent.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful blend of fresh, crisp notes with the right amount of sweetness
- One of the best iris-based scents out there
- Classy and elegant
- Versatile and suitable for most occasions
- Good compliment puller
- Price is reasonable
Cons
- It can get cloying in the summer months
- The performance could be improved
- It could potentially get nauseating if over-sprayed
Should you buy it?
There you have it, a great scent that is reasonably priced and well worth a look. I recommend this for those above 30 looking for something traditional with a slightly modern twist. It’s neither too old-fashioned nor too modern and would be a great addition to any man’s arsenal. I have enjoyed it without a doubt and am considering purchasing a whole bottle myself, but I am eager to try the EDP versions first.
If you have tried this or any others from the line, comment below and let me know your thoughts.
READY TO GRAB THIS FRAGRANCE?
If you’re ready to add this to your collection, here are two reliable places to check:
- FragranceX – usually the best prices, discount codes, and a wide selection. They also ship worldwide.
- Amazon – great if you prefer Prime delivery speed, just make sure to buy from a trusted seller.
👉 Pick the option that works best for you.
No matter where you’re reading from, smell good, spend smart.
WANT TO FAST-TRACK ALL OF THIS STUFF?
I put together The Ultimate Fragrance Cheat Sheet—a no-fluff guide that covers everything from notes and families to shopping smart and applying like a pro.
It’s built for guys who want to smell sharp without overthinking it.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks