Does Montblanc's much-publicized new fragrance, Montblanc Explorer EDP, deserve your cash? Five months into 2019 and the first BIG designer fragrance launch of the year is here. I am talking about the release of Montblanc Explorer EDP, the new fragrance pillar from the German luxury goods company.
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I've seen many IG posts on this fragrance and recently attended a very lavish and exclusive launch event this affirmed just how much money the brand put into the launch.
I'm not one for predictions, but it's a safe bet that Montblanc Explorer is set to be one of the best-selling fragrances this year.
Packaging & Presentation
A lot of thought and craftsmanship has gone into the design of the bottle. Various standout details are worth mentioning.
The solid and substantial spherical bottle was designed by well-known South African fashion designer-turned-industrial designer Mark Eisen who also designed the award-winning Dunhill Icon bottle.
The bottle has a leather-ish wrapping that features the Montblanc star (made in Hamburg). Both the sleeve and emblem are put together by hand at Montblanc's leather workshop in Florence, Italy. The Montblanc emblem also features on the bottle of the bottle and metallic cap.
The box, made in France, features tones of grey, black, white and silver, neatly echoing the design of the bottle. The overall effect is one of sophisticated, modern masculinity.
Scent Notes
According to Fragrantica.com, Montblanc Explorer features the following notes: Calabrian Bergamot, pink pepper, clary sage (top notes), leather, Haitian vetiver (middle notes), Indonesian patchouli, cacao pod, akigalawood and ambroxan (base notes). The keynotes, according to the brand, have been bolded.
Inspiration
Paraphrasing the press release: œMontblanc pays tribute to a theme to which it is closely linked: exploration."
The name Montblanc Explorer was an obvious choice: the maison has been a favorite among keen travelers for the past century. These forward-thinking craftspeople have cultivated a quality that is essential in the eyes of every pioneer: reliability.
œMontblanc shares the same values as explorers, such as the relentless quest for excellence. Climbing summits, challenging conventions and exploring the four corners of the globe.
Perfumers
A trio of top perfumers collaborated on this perfume: Antoine Maisondieu (Montblanc Legend Night EDP, Comme des Garcons Black EDT, Gucci Rush For Men EDT), Olivier Pescheux (Diptyque Tempo EDP, Paco Rabanne 1 Million EDT, Versace Eros Flame EDP) and Jardi Fernandez (24 Gold EDT, Carner Barcelona Latin Lover EDP Ex Nihilo Brompton Immortals EDP).
All of these noses come with serious niche and designer fragrance credentials and have a strong sense of commercial appeal.
They were specifically chosen for this project because of their expertise in the three keynotes of Montblanc Explorer: Italian bergamot (Maisondieu), Haitian vetiver (Pescheux) and Indonesian patchouli (Fernandez).
Personal Impressions
This smooth woody-aromatic-leather fragrance works well from start to finish. The Calabrian bergamot note sets the scene with its fresh, sunny and uplifting character. Notes of clary sage and pink pepper add aromatic interest.
The Haitian vetiver brings the unmistakable qualities of earth, grass, and smoke. This is supported by a hint of leather. The earthy character is emphasized by a double dose of warming patchouli and ambery ambroxan.
It's elegant and masculine stuff with good performance and sillage. If compliments are important to you when you wear a fragrance, look no further.
I wouldn't say Montblanc Explorer is particularly adventurous or innovative, but it is very well crafted and easy on the nose. Expect to smell it a lot this year and no doubt there will be a rollout of flankers over the next few years.
Who Would Like It
Although officially aimed at men with a sense of adventure (which sounds like an awful lot of fragrances), this is a genuine crowd-pleaser and will appeal to a large demographic.
It's highly versatile and can be worn to the gym, the office, a nightclub or on a date night. It's also not season-specific. Just another reason why Montblanc Explorer will be a huge success.
Similar fragrances
Creed Aventus EDP, Dior Sauvage EDT, Zara Vibrant Leather EDP.
Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.