Spicebomb by Viktor&Rolf

At this point, I split fragrances into two: those that perform and those that barely last. Savage Elixir costs a fortune but delivers like an elixir. This Spicebomb, however, while original and characterful, neither lasts nor projects; it’s a waste for its price. If it performed better, I’d buy it, but it doesn’t. Scent: 8, Projection: 6.5, Longevity: 6.

At first, it hits a bit hard. Cinnamon, saffron, tobacco, leather, and pepper are a spice bomb. Then it dries down to be balsamic and sweet, almost vanilla-like over tobacco. It’s like a lighter version of Tobacco Vanille, not cloying, but overwhelming for many. Only for fall or winter. Performance is just okay. The bottle is great and the atomizer is excellent. Don’t buy blindly.

Curious bottle; the packaging makes you want to own it. The opening is a rich spice bomb, but after an hour, I stopped smelling it. Then it came back, and so on for about six hours, waxing and waning. Maybe it’s me; at times I can’t smell it at all.

I like it a lot, but its longevity and sillage aren’t its strong suit. I spray it on my clothes and neck, and I can’t smell it after two hours. I’ve gotten compliments, but otherwise, I don’t think I’ll buy it again.

A real treat.

Absolute beast for winter; it projects like crazy and I’ve gotten compliments left and right. It’s a bomb. I bought it in summer, but on those freezing nights, it was a monster. Lasts 10-12 hours on skin, and on clothes? Forget about it. Can’t wait to try the Extreme version.

Pleasant surprise. Looks youthful but with character. The opening is a citrus bomb—sharp and radiant—with spicy undertones pushing through, especially pink pepper. As it dries down, cinnamon and saffron take over until the very end. Then comes the subtle tobacco and leather that give it body. It’s youthful, but in a mature, formal way. Perfect for cold weather, night, and semi-formal occasions. Leaves a great trail and the performance is solid. For the price, it’s a real steal.

Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb is a classic, an olfactory spice bomb noticeable from the very first second. Strong opening of pepper, tobacco, and a citrus touch (bergamot or grapefruit). As it dries down, cinnamon gives a sweet warmth alongside a subtle leather. Over time, the light pepper, cinnamon, more noticeable tobacco, leather, and vetiver stand out better. Great option for cold days, from morning until dinner or dates. They say it doesn’t last as before, but I bought it in 2024 and it lasts at least 8 hours, even passing 12. Good projection for the first hour. Good price if you don’t grab it at department stores; look for deals (around $100 for 100ml). Not a blind buy, test on skin first. Ratings: Scent 8.5/10, Price 7.5/10, Longevity 8.5/10, Projection 8/10, Overall Smell 9.3/10.

Just like the first Spicebomb EDT. The spice bombs from V&R, the Dutch duo Vitorio and Luccino, were a hit that brought them fame and fortune. This creation by Olivier Polge, Chanel’s master perfumer, was the first in the saga back in 2012. Polge, a sharp guy who knows his stuff, crafted a lighter version of the near-niche hit Tom Ford’s ‘Tobacco Vanille’, but tailored it for the masses who spend their money on pop perfumes. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing. The grenade-shaped bottle even spawned imitators. The scent is a remake: a non-green fougère base, heavy on the spices (pink pepper, cinnamon, paprika, saffron) creating sweet-spicy bursts, all loaded with super-sweet elemi and a background of ambered blonde tobacco and vetiver, kept very soft for a seductive touch. Does it work? Yes. Is it a rocket? No. Reformulated down in 2024, which is scarier than death. I have a batch from Nov 2023 and it lasts max 5 hours, barely skin-deep on the last sprays. If you have old bottles, enjoy them. The Extreme, pricier and harder to find, is the same thing with oversaturated vanilla and a hint of whisky. I neither love nor hate it, and it’s not the nightwear scent the charlatans claimed. To me, it’s unisex; it reminds me of a Lattafa Kahmrah without the cinnamon cookies. Plus, they reformulated that one too, and the price is staggering. I’m sticking with this first EDT, which despite being 12 years old, has aged well. Salut i força al canut. Carpe diem.

Exquisite, sophisticated, and unique. That’s how I would describe this masterpiece. I’ve never heard anything like this delight before. Its creators were clearly inspired when they made it.

Stupendous perfume for cold weather: spicy, cinnamon-rich, and delicious. Extreme is better, but this one is fantastic.

In my top 10 alongside Extreme. Both are beasts in longevity and projection. The opening is citrusy and spicy (pepper, bergamot, cinnamon) giving way to saffron, then a spiced tobacco with leather. Round and far from the common, even though it’s an EDT. Lasts 24 hours on skin, projects strongly at first then stays close to the skin. It’s intense, better in cold weather than summer, and while it’s not a blind buy, it could be a signature scent if you dare.

Absolute madness of deliciousness. I can’t even think about Extreme, it’s delirious, an atomic bomb.

As a woman, I hate it.

After the 2011 crisis, I decided to refresh my collection in 2023. At Primor, I spotted a bottle that called my name and design: Spicebomb. I tested it dry and thought, ‘Come on, this needs to be on skin!’ It fascinated me; it smells like spices with cinnamon, sweet yet spicy. Since then, watching YouTube videos, I’ve rediscovered this hobby that’s emptying my wallet. It’s original, eye-catching, and fun; some perfumes suit certain personalities. People always tell me, ‘I don’t know what you smell like, but I love it.’ My batch from late 2022/23 (bought in Feb 2023) lasts 5-6 hours, far less than it did at the start, but the scent is fantastic. With so many perfumes, you don’t need them to last 8 or 10 hours if you’re not going to finish the bottles. Apply well and reapply whenever you want. With joy!