Upon spraying Viking, I get an intense lavender note. It’s spicy and immediately reminds me of fougeres of yesteryears. Within the first 20 minutes, the lavender and peppercorn/pink pepper subside, at which point citrus/bergamot lightens the mood. The heart of Viking is seemingly the most unisex aspect of a relatively “masculine” offering. It’s where the rose emerges and a creamy sandalwood. (Think Cartier Declaration d’un Soir with a toned down rose note) The dry down is where the magic happens, albeit in a POST-IFRA chop shop, world. I’m met with oak moss, sandalwood, patchouli, and persistent lavender.
I think I heard someone say Viking isn’t revolutionary. Correct, it’s not. Anyone familiar with Creed’s offerings will recognize the blend, the easy going wearability, and the “old man” chic. With notes like; lavender, oak moss, patchouli, there’s no way to not be reminded of your father, uncle, or some older gent in your life. That’s not to say Viking is dated; rather, it’s mature and classic. Anyone that recall the earlier batches of Aventus (2010-2012) know that it had the reputation of being old man-ish, especially in the dry down. Again, this is 2017, so fret not, the heavy doses of patch, oak moss, ambergris, aren’t there, (unfortunately.)
All in all, I think Viking may have missed the mark. Creed had the grand opportunity to ride the wave Aventus had created over the past 5-7 years and this ship went a completely different direction. Again,when you think of the Green Irish Tweed, Bois du Portugal, among others, and the growing list of vaulted fragrances, Viking isn’t too far off. Creed’s pinstripes run all throughout Viking; however when one considers the youth and the hype surrounding Aventus and the other, extremely popular “fresher” offerings, I believe Viking fails to capture what that demographic wants.
This was the perplexed look on my face when I smelled Viking the first time. Part confused, part disappointment and part vexed, how could Creed create so much hype for this? I couldn’t stare at a Creed counter in any store for the past two months, without being approached about Viking. “It’s supposed to be better than Aventus!” the seasoned sales ladies would say, on numerous occasions. Let me be honest, it’s not. Maybe my expectations were too high, I can’t be the only one?
Performance: On skin 6-7 hours / on clothes the scent lasts forever.
Scent: 6/10 I don’t think it does any one not justice, overall it’s decent.
Price: 100ml / $495 😐
