Gentlemen Only Absolute by Givenchy

A cinnamon and vanilla so sweet and subtle, it’s like taking Spicebomb and turning down the pepper to soften everything. Already discontinued, a little treasure to cherish.

To me, it’s a refined, higher-quality version of Spicebomb by V&R… Totally redundant to have both.

I bought it blindly because it made it into some ranking of the best designer fragrances. I love the bergamot opening; it gives a fresh touch to the blend, but it fades quickly. The middle notes are well-blended, with none standing out. Soon, the intensity drops, and a ‘spiced’ vanilla takes over until the end. An elegant, talc-like, and masculine vanilla. It’s very pleasant and cozy. I see it for everything except summer, given that it doesn’t have excessive sweetness. It can be used indoors (home, visiting friends, work…) perfectly because it’s not overwhelming; it could easily become a signature scent for the colder months.

What a pity it’s been discontinued… from the Gentlemen Only line, it was the only redeemable one, both in originality, longevity, and especially projection. I think because it’s intrusive, with that spicy opening of nutmeg and spices, it was more suited to men than women, who usually prefer sweet scents (which is why ‘La Vie Est Belle’ is a nightmare clone in perfumeries all over the planet)… and since for most men attracting women is the main (though not exclusive) goal of buying a perfume, it didn’t get much traction. Personally, I found it an exquisite aroma with personality that stood out against generic or cloned fragrances like 1 Million, but unfortunately, the best perfumery isn’t appreciated by the masses who just go along with the trend…

GENTLEMEN ONLY ABSOLUTE by Givenchy has been a hit for me. What a surprise this Absolute turned out to be. Not much is said about it, and it’s really good. The opening presents a bergamot that, within minutes, yields to the trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron, which are the soul of the party. I see this spicy part as masterfully crafted and polished; you never feel the sharpness of the cinnamon or the intensity of the saffron at any point. I feel the nutmeg balances it perfectly. After an hour and until it dries, it complements a vanilla that takes the spotlight, a slightly powdery vanilla nuanced with the mentioned spices. Absolute has been conquering me little by little; I’ve used it on night outings and it’s enchanting. It’s attractive, sophisticated, and has a sensual touch. It’s not scandalous but definitely noticeable. For a one-on-one encounter, it can be a great option. It doesn’t ask for anything from Spicebomb, although having both could be redundant. One of the best Givenchy has in its lineup. In general, the Gentlemen/Gentleman saga is more than interesting. Performance isn’t bad, around 8 hours, with moderate projection for the first two. After that, it stays in your personal space but remains perceptible. Its seasons are autumn and winter, preferably in the afternoon or evening. Suitable for informal or semi-formal wear. Excellent quality/price ratio. It generates compliments. JGS

Spiced vanilla from start to finish. Exquisite. Low projection, but perfect for enjoying alone for many hours.

Very current and versatile. Excellent for cool days, but in my opinion, wearable all year. During the day, ideal for work and errands; at night, formidable for leisure. It’s noble and approachable. Starts fresh with aromatic citrus that quickly transitions to a very spiced cinnamon with nutmeg, giving it an ethereal touch. In the end, a creamy, warm vanilla. I wear it great with casual and sporty outfits. I know it’s not very fresh, but I love sweets. It has just the right amount of sweetness with a spicy kick from the spices. A good fragrance, balanced and harmonious. Recommended for all ages, except teenagers who prefer musks and citrus.

Warm, but not overly sweet. Cinnamon and vanilla dominate, making it ideal for cold or rainy autumn/winter days when you want to stay home, watch a movie, or spend time with family. I consider it a friendly scent, nothing invasive or overwhelming; perhaps that’s its only flaw.

At first, for about 15 to 20 minutes, it smells a lot like Spicebomb, but then it shifts to something cleaner, soapy, and warm, paying homage to its name: Gentlemen Only. It’s ideal and very versatile for autumn/winter. A subtle yet persistent fragrance that is always there, close to the skin.

Longevity, longevity, and more longevity. That was one of the reasons I bought it. It was love at first sight… which later transmuted into a toxic relationship full of mistrust. It has a spicy and magnificent opening (even grandiose), followed by a heart phase where the sandalwood makes it feel excessively soapy. But in its third act, the nutmeg shines, rescuing the good parts of the experience. And its great performance: easily 8 hours on skin with a superlative trail. It’s a risky but formal perfume, spicy yet soft, eccentric yet versatile. It hits you and caresses you. I think it’s the best in the Gentleman collection. The only downside: that cloying, soapy heart phase (it reminded me of Loewe Solo Platinum). Getting back to the point, it has so many virtues that make us forget its flaws: a toxic yet pleasant relationship. For me, an 8/10.

The opening is very spicy; I detect nutmeg and bergamot mixed together, but with the perfume’s intensity, it ends up being unpleasant to me. Once it dries down, the cinnamon and vanilla come out; mixed with the nutmeg, it creates a super spicy, sweet, and interesting blend. The performance is excellent, both in longevity and projection. I recommend it; anyone who buys this fragrance knows they’re getting something high-quality.

Many say ‘same old stuff’ referring to this perfume, but others would kill to be executed this well with quality ingredients and smell this good. I love it so much.

It’s in that Spicebomb line and the rest. That overly sweet cinnamon that sometimes tires me out, but well, you can also feel the effect of the saffron which gives it a darker, more leathery note. The performance is acceptable. Not bad.

Gentlemen Only Absolute is a cinnamon bomb well accompanied by nutmeg, giving it an extra touch of sensuality. To this is added a sweet and creamy vanilla, creating a warm, seductive, and masculine trail, ideal for autumn and winter nights. It’s similar to many other fragrances that are in fashion, and honestly, those others are better. This one isn’t bad, but it doesn’t stand out. While its projection and longevity are moderate, I feel the essence lacks that distinctive touch that would make it exclusive. It seems boring, linear, and totally dispensable. In Fragrantica, there are only three options: ‘I love it’, ‘I like it’, and ‘I don’t like it’. I think it’s time to add a middle term. I’d like to see an ‘indifferent’ option.

Well Givenchy, you’re back to the big leagues. Only Gentlemen Absolute is a perfume that exalts spices. Powerful opening of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla; the citrus notes go to the background, having no chance to stand out against spices that are excellently balanced; you can definitely smell the cinnamon and cloves. In short, if you acquire Givenchy Absolute, you’re guaranteed a 100% manly and sensual male perfume that women absolutely love; in fact, I only receive compliments when I wear it. Although I’m more of a fan of Mediterranean scents like Acqua di Gio Essenza, this perfume managed to convince me. Don’t overapply; two sprays are enough, otherwise it can be suffocating in very closed environments, and it’s the best companion for cold seasons like autumn and winter. Congratulations to Givenchy, you’re waking up from a long slumber in men’s perfumery.