Vetiver (1989)
by Etro

There's a lot to admire here. EV has a dry brash sharpness I immediately admire. That said the scent doesn't strike me as untamed, as some other reviewers have found it. Unique but quiet. The problem for me is that I like vetiver and although it is in evidence here the scent is dominated by cedar. My father built a cedar closet to keep the family blankets in and while I still love the smell of cedar there's just too much of it in EV for me to appreciate it on my skin. So as much as I initially find EV admirable every time I use it,
after a short while all I smell is cedar and celery. And for a vetiver based fragrance that's not enough.

13rd November, 2011.

Another great vetiver to add to the huge list of great vetivers. If you like it smoky, woody, earthy, kinda rough and solidly crafted, go ahead! Good work!

2nd July, 2011. (Last Edited: 5th August, 2011.)

This one is humble but very good. First I bought it while searching for that "green" in vetiver. It disapointed, I sold it for cheap. Then after "fresh" vetivers disapointed me much more, reminding me of dismal places, not so well serviced mens rooms. The backslash of ordinary, overused "fresh".

Etros Vetiver is different. It goes for mildly tickling rooty, smokey, earthy. It feels plain, decent and further by its obvious quality projects refined understatement. The drydown remains multifaceted and with vetiver this is a darn good thing. When even the well balanced Givenchy Vetyver might become a bit bold in its nuttyness, the Etro still feels light and comfortable. It could be a sibling if Vetiver Extreme by Malle, but it is the elder brother, quiet and effective. Alas, it is costly.

The former Eau De Cologne is much preferred over the EDT concentration. The latter is too long lasting and sports some irritating citric fresh top notes.

11th April, 2011.

Very earthy dirty smelling vetiver, i usually fall in love with vetivers but im on the fence with this one. Its a very linear scent.

26th March, 2011.

I don't find this to be anywhere near as bold, aggressive or "in your face" as the reviewers below describe it. Etro's Vetiver is dark and dry, but quiet. It does not project far, so you'll need to spray this on your neck and upper chest in order to smell it on yourself. Longevity is average - about 5 or 6 hours.

What I like is how woody it is. This smells like dry wood shavings blended with vetiver root. It is earthy, but dry, not earthy like wet soil. There's a subtle smokiness underlying the scent, which adds interest and complexity. I don't understand all the reviews describing this as a brutal, jagged beast of a vetiver. I find it rather smooth, refined and elegant. It is a quiet skin scent.

Etro's Vetiver is more along the lines Annick Goutal's Vetiver, rather than Guerlain's Vetiver, because of its darkness and smokiness. Though I prefer Guerlain's and Malizia's vetivers, Etro have produced an excellent vetiver that is well worth checking out.

MY RATING: 8/10

14th February, 2011.

This is a wonderful, dry, rooty, "in-your-face" vetiver fragrance that contradicts any notion that a fragrance should somehow enhance your appearance; or make others like you more. This is a fragrance that is pure statement: "hey this is how I like to smell". It is modern art in an impressionistic world. It is vetiver with every complimentary note that draws out more of the unpretty elements of vetiver. It is so out there it's great. Think Ward Bond; think Jimmy Cagney: think Clive Owen in "The Croupier". Metrosexual? In your dreams pretty boy.

18th December, 2010.