Vétyver (1974)
by Roger & Gallet

Simple, yet lovely vetyver. Each time I get out of the shower I spray it all over me. It is clean, pleasant, well composed and refined. Makes me feel good and refreshed each time I apply it. My kids love it too. Longevity is short but I don't care, its main purpose is to make you feel good about yourself.

A simple and unsullied fragrance, that despite its brevity, provides a version of vetiver that is clean and crisp. There is a cogent argument for picking R&Gs version of vetiver ahead of more famous and popular brands. Where many vetivers contain additional notes to enhance the sense of earthiness, this version simply maintains its one glorious note. None of the additional ingredients shove the vetiver from the spotlight, they merely add a light distraction to the proceedings, never intruding, just harmonizing. Everything about this is gossamer light, from the citrus opening, to the floral and cedar notes later on. If you are a fan of vetivers, and you like your fragrances to be uncomplicated and subtle, this may very well be the one for you.

The best citrus and vetiver ever made (and I've so far smelled). If the tobacco note in Guerlain Vetiver is offputting, look no further and R&G's version, miles better. The haunting vetiver drydown is fleeting albiet a good one. Unfortunately lacks strength in EdC form but wonderful none the less. Get a bottle, get a small atomizer and refresh yourself all day. So good!

If you're looking for a citrus/vetiver look no further. R&G Vetyver isn't a complicated fragrances, and there's not much to add that hasn't been said in the reviews below. I will add only that this is a very vibrant, clean vetiver fragrance that sits lightly on the skin. Once the citrus notes fade, a light but earthy vetiver note/accord remains. By the time a light amberish base emerges what's left is a mild skin scent. As an EdC it only lasts a couple hours, but with a large, inexpensive bottle you can reapply as needed. I like vetiver but find heavy vetivers to be unpleasant in the heat, so when I came across this in a niche shop I bought it on first spray.

A wonderful light vetiver – fresh, bright, clean and green. This is what cologne splashes are all about: A graceful and full citrusy opening – short lived, and beautifully balanced with the nimble, clean, light vetiver that forms the basis of the fragrance. Then the florals of the middle, assisted by cedar, takes over the balancing act with the vetiver. Finally a super-quiet semi-sweet base with a little vetiver, a bit of tonka and touch of amber is formed; I would guess that there’s a very small touch of incense in there, too. All the accords of the fragrance are subtly presented with clean, interesting, lively notes… As a sillage producer, the fragrance settles down extremely quickly, but it becomes a lively but discreet skin scent that holds on the skin for a couple of excellent hours.

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.