Polo Crest by Ralph Lauren, 1991

I have had a bottle of this in my collection for nearly 20 years but only today whipped it out of the cupboard to see how it has held up. Polo Crest opens with a very green and herbal mixture with just the faintest hint of lemon that more than passingly resembles its more famous and successful classic sibling, original Polo. Crest is definitely smoother than original Polo and does not have the strength of its sibling. That said, it features a beautiful oakmoss in its heart that is near impossible to replicate with today's regulations on the ingredient. Crest appears to be missing most of the birch tar note that original Polo features prominently in its base notes, adding a larger dose of patchouli instead, though not so much that it turns overly sweet. Longevity and projection are both regrettably average to below average. Let's face it, original Polo is by far the best the line has ever had to offer, Crest included. That said, out of all the various "other" releases from Ralph Lauren over the years I think Crest may be the next best in the line (or was, as it has long-since been discontinued). It is missing the potency and spunk of original Polo, but it distinguishes itself in its smoothness, class and sophistication, while never forgetting its classic roots. I prefer the raw masculinity and power of the original and reach for that one, but those looking for a smoother alternative that retains a lot of the original Polo's best qualities could do much worse than Polo Crest. I'll give Crest a well-deserved "very good" rating of 3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars.

Similar to Polo Green, but different enough to claim its own character and feeling. It mostly retains Polo Greens rawness and masculinity, but it is toned down and smoothed out some. It opens with an herbal / spicy green note with a sharp, light aromatic tinge that I like very much. I especially enjoy the caraway element in opening it adds an additional spicy / aromatic element to a basic Polo Green opening broadening the opening to a cooler aromatic accord. The opening doesnt seem as aggressive as Polo Greens its more herbal and less resinous. I prefer Polo Crests way of introduction less explosive, broader, and more refined. The difference between the middle notes of the two Polos is subtle but important. I think that the florals take over a bit more in Crest than in Green. I wouldnt call Crests middle strongly floral but it is smoother and less herbal. The base is where the real difference lies. In Crest, the leather is greatly reduced, and the incense and woods come through more strongly. Like the original Polo Green, Polo Crests accords are masculine, distinctive, and long lasting. The sweet in both fragrances lies in a continuum somewhere between minimal and nonexistent. Because of having similar coniferous notes juniper, pine, and cedar in each level of the pyramid, I find both fragrances somewhat linear, but still, I see Polo Crest as having less intense coniferous notes than Polo Green. I do prefer the drydown of Crest. Of course, the sillage and longevity of both are excellent, and both are thumbs up fragrances.