My Full Fragrance Review:
Alright gentlemen, let’s get right into it. Let’s talk about Creed’s Viking. The name itself is quite captivating, isn’t it? Viking – a moniker that conjures images of towering, fearless Norse warriors. It’s definitely an enticing prospect, who wouldn’t want a hint of that legendary aura? So, the million-dollar question, what does a Viking smell like? Here is my opinion.
Quick Facts:
- Scent Profile: fresh, woody, floral
- Season: all-seasons
- Longevity: shorter than average
- Occasion: daytime
- Price: $$$$
Smell:
The first time I had the opportunity to sample Viking was back in 2019. Back then, it was a breath of fresh air, truly invigorating, yet diverging from the usual. The fragrance was a fascinating blend of fresh roses and a robust punch of spicy pepper – quite an uncommon alliance in the fragrance world, which Creed managed remarkably. This made Viking an interesting and versatile scent, just right for the milder temperatures of spring.
Fast forward to 2023, and it seems something has shifted in the Viking landscape. Whether Creed decided on a formula overhaul or inconsistency between batches is creeping in, there’s a stark difference between my recent bottle and the 2019 sample. The 2023 variant is denser, heavier, with an entirely different personality. The playful, fresh peppery notes have faded into oblivion. The roses, while present, are muffled by a mix of strong citrus and wood notes. It’s a different animal altogether. It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s no longer the Viking I first fell for. It’s now more of a mature scent, not as effortless to pull off as its previous incarnation.
Longevity:
In terms of staying power, neither the 2019 nor the 2023 versions particularly shine. A hint of fresh roses typically doesn’t lend itself to extended longevity, and in this case, you can anticipate the scent lasting around 4-5 hours.
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Final Thoughts:
To wrap up my review, I can’t help but feel a touch disappointed. The Viking I sampled back in 2019 was something special – it was playfully masculine with its rose and spicy pepper pairing. In contrast, the 2023 Viking doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. The formula feels unfamiliar, and in my opinion, doesn’t live up to its predecessor.
So, does it get my recommendation? Considering the high-end price point and the apparent formula change or batch inconsistency, I’d urge you to sample it before committing to a full bottle. This is one of those instances where making a purchase at a physical store makes a lot of sense.
Despite my mixed feelings about Viking, I still regard Creed as a premium fragrance house. After all, they are behind my all-time favorite – the Aventus Cologne. If you’re exploring the Creed range, that one gets my highest recommendation.
To wrap up my review, I can’t help but feel a touch disappointed. The Viking I sampled back in 2019 was something special – it was playfully masculine with its rose and spicy pepper pairing. In contrast, the 2023 Viking doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. The formula feels unfamiliar, and in my opinion, doesn’t live up to its predecessor.
So, does it get my recommendation? Considering the high-end price point and the apparent formula change or batch inconsistency, I’d urge you to sample it before committing to a full bottle. This is one of those instances where making a purchase at a physical store makes a lot of sense.
Despite my mixed feelings about Viking, I still regard Creed as a premium fragrance house. After all, they are behind my all-time favorite – the Aventus Cologne. If you’re exploring the Creed range, that one gets my highest recommendation.
