Vétyver (1974)
by Roger & Gallet

I like R&G Vétyver. Some vetivers, such as Guerlain, develop a ponderous soapy note that I find oppressive. As others have noted, R&G remains bright, fresh and green throughout; and this is exactly what I appreciate in this sort of scent. A crisp citrus opening quickly gives way to a new-mown hay scent. The outdoorsy feel of this, and the fact that it is not floral or sweet, make it masculine in my estimation. I will concede that it can be unisex to the extent that it is fresh and bright. Others find it to be short-lived; I disagree. While it gets very subtle and stays close to the skin after about 45 minutes, I keep getting whiffs of it several hours later. The crisp and subtle qualities make it a good candidate for day/professional wear.

This scent is a very uncomplicated, honest, clean, unisex vetiver that’s very green but never biting. This one has top notes that are fresh and just a bit sharp, with a cirtus blast on top, that changes towards the spicier mid to end in the woodsy, soft yet still very green base. Almost like fresh cut grass that has been laying on the sun for a couple of hours (roots included!).
It’s more masculine than Eau de lotus Bleu and Bouquet Impérial, but as unisex as Eau de Gingembre, or even Eau de thé Vert (all from R&G).
For comparison, this one is not as complicated as Guerlain’s Vetiver for men, because that one has a darker base with tobacco notes among others (R&G’s vetyver remains bright till the end) ; R&G’s vetyver is not as boozy (or metallic) as Lanvin’s Vetiver L’Homme either. Another thing that might be of importance is that this one is not an eau parfumante, but an Eau de Cologne.
So, in short, this is a very straightforward Vetiver scent.

"Retreating to the comfort of your trusty Imperial this morning, Sir?", my equally trusty assistant inquired. "You'd think so, wouldn't you?," I replied, having thought the same only moments before.

[b]Vetyver EDC[/b] from Roger & Gallet, bursts forth from the bottle with citrus, citrus, and more citrus, with very little perceptible vetiver. It's nice and fresh and clean, to be sure, it's just not much of a vetiver scent. Indeed, after 15 minutes it smells just like a slightly weaker Guerlain Imperial EDC. Between the two, I'd take the Guerlain for it lasts longer, but what you can smell of the R&G is certainly pleasant enough. In sum, this is pleasant citrus fragrance of short duration with little perceptible vetiver.

Wicozani

A Very light and fruity Vetiver fragrance.
Opens with fruity / citrus notes followed on dry down by the heaver base of vetiver / spice.
A nice refreshing scent perfect for hot weather. Short in olfactory duration.