Rive Gauche pour Homme Intense (2003)
by Yves Saint Laurent

very similar to the original version, if anything , somewhat greener and sharper the first five minute, but once the initial stampede has passed the sweet breath of the river turn its way.It doesn´t worth owning the original.
Neutral rating because hardly changes or improves the original.

17th November, 2011.

Darker, dirtier, deeper than the original during the first hour. Not any longer lasting, however. I love RG so much that it's hard to criticize the intense version. It doesn't really merit a purchase if you already own a can of the fantastic and manly smelling barber shop masterpiece that is YSL Rive Gauche.

26th May, 2011.

This is way more than just an intense version of the original Rive Gauche Pour Homme. Although it retains a hint of the ‘barbershop’ characteristic that the original is famous for, to my nose this is much darker and less fresh.

Where the original strongly reminds me of ‘old school’ shaving crème, this intense version has added a certain heavier mysterious spiciness that takes it off in another direction. I suppose I would say that where the original is perfect for day or nighttime use, this version should be reserved for night only.

If I'm totally honest with myself, I actually think I prefer the original Rive Gauche composition over this 'intense' version. The original always had a fresh uplifting quality that I don’t really detect here. However, there’s no denying that this is a high quality fragrance.

This one gets both thumbs up from me, but don’t just buy it blind (like I did) if you are simply looking for a stronger version of the original. This is a unique and totally original winner from Yves Saint Laurent!

4th May, 2011.

I'm only giving this a thubms up simply because the original YSL Rive Gauche is one of the greatest aromatic fougeres ever. I just made the mistake of blind buying a bottle of this, even though I already own the original, because I do not smell a single difference between either version. I don't smell any more patchouli, never mind "way more", than what's in the original, and the fragrances overall are identical. It's a great scent, but a total waste of money if you already own the original.

5th December, 2009.

Not good, not bad. I get mostly a sweet smokiness, and the "moist earth" texture thrown up by the patchouli, but IMO its close rival Azzaro Pour Homme is more interesting than this. I agree word for word with Bonzo's review - but will also add that the bottle container albeit plastic has a charmingly simple & sporty appeal. The scent is long lasting and has a deceptive sillage that my nose quickly calibrates to but which I've been told remains very apparent to those around me. I think neutral is a fair rating for what I think is a slightly overrated fragrance.

4th October, 2009. (Last Edited: 28th September, 2011.)

Almost just as good as the original. Almost.

The start of the Intense, compared to the original, is much spicier with star anise coming through more clearly with rosemary.
Intense dries down in more dense and dark fashion; it’s not as fresh, “open” or shaving cream-like as the regular juice. For sure the patchouli note is stronger; it is overall a bit woodsier too. Not as crisp clean.
Intense is also little bit stronger and longer lasting. Basically speaking whereas the original is a magnificent choice for day wear, Intense would make a marvellous evening wear companion for it. (That’s really just a flimsy suggestion…Personally I wear these both scents whenever I feel like no matter what time it is.)

If I was forced to choose another scent over another, then I must say my choice would be the original version, after all. But, I really do recommend this (Intense) scent for the fans of Rive Gauche Pour Homme. It is easy for me to presume that you won’t be disappointed.

Rive Gauche PH Intense seems to be harder and harder to get, and if I am not mistaken, it is already out of production after spring of 2009. So I suggest you get it now while the stocks are still around.

Just like the case is with the original release, the bottle of Intense is simply divine. This one has thick plastic shell with rechargeable glass bottle inside. The flacon is much bigger and weightier compared to the regular bottle made of aluminium.

Rive Gauche Pour Homme Intense (EdT) is a terrific fougere fragrance with vintage vibe. Easy to wear anywhere anytime, sensual and powerfully masculine fragrance that I can see to be appropriate for the men of all ages.

30th July, 2009.