Our take
What does Gentlemen Only Absolute smell like?
Givenchy added Gentlemen Only Absolute to its men’s line in 2016. The family had started three years earlier, and this eau de parfum clearly targets the evening. The opening is a short burst of bergamot. It lights up the first fifteen minutes and not much more. Then the spices take charge. Cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron build a warm heart, with saffron pulling it toward leather. Think mulled wine served a little too early in the season. The base calms things down. Sandalwood adds a creamy texture and vanilla rounds off the corners. A touch of patchouli keeps some shade in the mix. Next to Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb, which is louder and more peppery, Absolute stays polite and fairly sweet. It is a predictable but well-made spicy oriental, built to please on first sniff.
When to wear it
For winter nights and dinners out. Two sprays on the chest are plenty, as the spices project quickly.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Spicy family. Gentlemen Only Absolute is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.
