Himalaya (2002)
by Creed

I was on and off this fragrance for a couple of years and now have settled down with "on". It is a strange one in that it seems to lack any immediate impact or "wow" factor which gives it a hook. However, it creeps up on me as I wear it. It just keeps smelling good. Without ever standing out I keep thinking "that's nice". Until I reach the far drydown where this really does stand out. The base is familiar from other Creed fragrances but it seem particularly well realised here. I first became acutely aware of this low note accord when I smelled it on my nephew about 14 hours after application. It just smelled wonderful, very heavy on the leathery ambergris and woody musk (lots of ambroxin, I think).

It is not one of favourite creeds and I can find things wrong with it if I search; the top notes which smell a little like the scent in washing up liquid to me and the slightly weird gunpowder accord. It is not clean and classical. It may be something of a zeitgeist fragrance, may not be one which survives many years but it is still very well made with great development.

This is a thumbs up from me now (and for the past year or two. my previous review was neutral.

A wonderful blend of citrus and warm woods. Excellent quality is very evident in those notes. Very invigorating and mildly spicy. Perfect for any occasion. One of the best from creed in my opinion. Its has very soft floral and herbal notes that are very much in the background. Excellent creation.

I first smelled Himalaya when it came out and I thought it was an impressive fragrance. I recognized its similarity to XS, which I had already owned, and I contented myself with sticking with the one I already had. I have now exhausted my XS, so I thought I would check out Himalaya again. Things have changed in the intervening time and I am no longer impressed by this fragrance. It now comes across, as other reviewers have mentioned, as quite generic and ordinary. Although it is as well made as the other Creeds, it suffers more than most of them from an embedded mediocrity. The improvement in aroma over XS (XS has more of a synthetic tone, which I find insignificant) is quickly undone by Himalaya’s lesser sillage and longevity. Himalaya is a pleasant fragrance but nothing special or exciting. (Edit of 11 January 2006 review. Changed from thumbs up.)

I must give Himalaya a "Neutral" only because its longevity and projection are abysmal. Yes, it is quite a generic smelling fragrance... but the quality is absolutely there.

This is one of the best fragrances to fit into the category of "nearly impossible to offend others whilst wearing". Is it due to mediocrity, or its subtle, pleasant nature? I can't figure that out after months of wearing it.

It's peppery, soapy, slightly woodsy and sweet with the rich ambergris dry-down that I love. Quite smooth, as others have said. Not overly formal, but not casual either.. and wears well during all four seasons, though I wouldn't say it's a "go to" summer fragrance.

I'll reiterate the longevity problem - I can do 6 sprays of Himalaya and 3 or 4 hours later it's totally gone from my skin. It stays close to the skin during that time, but it does linger on clothing fabric for a much longer time. As far as Creed goes, you can do much better.. but it's still nice, and certainly doesn't come close to being disgusting.

This is one creed that is worth the expense. Absolutely my favorite fragrance along with Angel! This is perfect for any occasion so no worries there. This has a strange but extremely delightful chilling smell and feel. 10 out of 10 seriously.

I like this one more every time I use it. Spicy ambergris, heavenly. The word I associate with this scent is "affluence". Sinfully rich and wonderful. Has the same sillage and longevity issues as I have will all Creeds that I have tried so far, other than that, this is approaching perfection.