Le Vetyver (2008)
by Lubin

While I like this better than everbody else so far, and especially enjoyed the clove/nutmeg accord singing the baritone part during the middle section, I can't think of a reason why anyone would buy this instead of GV, except if they like a little less vetiver in their vetiver.

This is very similar in tone to Guerlain Vetitver, but very linear, muted and lacking the raw personality. It has excellent longevity, but is less green than I had hoped for, allowing the tobacco extract to divert attention away during the drydown. There is very little change in tone from the initial application to it's expiry many hours later. There are more interesting and edgy Vetivers out there to explore, and consequently, this one need not occupy anyones attention for too long. It is a shame Lubin played it so safe.

A bit raw and quite natural: Lubin’s La Vetiver is one of the freshest vetivers around. It opens with citrus, but they are not the usual citrus notes opening a vetiver fragrance – these are not the sweet citruses of Guerlain, and they are already tinged by some of the deeper, darker notes of the base, especially the tobacco. Unlike Vibert, I don’t get very much spice at all. There’s some conflict there in the relationship between the vetiver and the tobacco… it even seems a little off, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because it’s intriguing: First the tobacco weaves its darkness through the citrus / vetiver then later the myrrh and incense offer their bits of resinousness to the fragrance. This active accord is carried into the drydown where the main theme becomes vetiver and myrrh to my nose. I enjoy the accords immensely while they last. Unfortunately they don’t last very long. I think the hurriedly accomplished activity of La Vetiver would be much more appreciated if it extended itself over a greater period of time… it seems rather fly-by in presenting its excellent accords…

This is a lightweight vetiver on me, with lots of citrus and a generous dollop of nutmeg. The citrus and “bright tobacco” note (whatever that is,) might conjure up Guerlain’s Vetiver, but the Lubin is spicier and a bit less clean and dry. There is some incense in Le Vetyver’s background, but not enough to distract from the vetiver itself. I rather like the overall effect, but unfortunately the whole experience is over with inside of an hour. Too bad.

A toned down vetiver with more herbal and greenness to it than the staple Guerlain. Also, tobacco added.