If you’re in the market for a men’s fragrance, there’s no better place to start than with Creed, a brand that has been building its reputation of high-class colognes since its establishment in 1760.
Run by a father and son duo, Olivier Creed and Erwin Creed, every scent is a labor of love intended to bring the wearer a sense of pride and confidence. Their fragrances are all unique from each other, while still having broad appeal.
This is evident in the fact that Creed is an international brand. With their home base in Paris, Creed stores can be found in the UK, the USA, Italy and more.
Why is Creed Fragrances So Expensive?
Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks. Creed is one of the most expensive fragrance brands, with many of their scents starting at around $250 for a 100 mL bottle. It’s no wonder, seeing as their brand has catered almost exclusively to celebrities and royalty since their business opened almost 300 years ago!
Creed fragrances have been worn by household names such as Pierce Brosnan, Robert Redford, and Prince Charles himself. Now, as tempting as it may be to want to smell like James Bond, knowing this is going to be a big expenditure, you may want to be informed ahead of time of what you’re looking for before you walk into a store, or even order online. That’s what we’re here for!
This article gives a comprehensive overview of the top 11 best Creed fragrances on the market today. Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll know which scent “speaks” to you the most, so you can spritz your next fragrance on your wrist with confidence!
Aventus – Most Reliable
Alright, let’s get the most obvious out of the way first! Aventus is perhaps the most well-known Creed fragrance at the moment. Described on the official Creed website as “rich and fruity”, Aventus is perhaps one of the more modern of the Creed fragrance line.
It’s a bold scent, characterized by its top notes of sharp citrusy lemon and pink pepper, and mellowed by a jasmine heart and musky bass notes. This fragrance has all the makings of a great daily wearer for almost any man, and is therefore one of the more reliable choices, if not one of the more unique.
Green Irish Tweed – Most Natural
Another Creed classic, Green Irish Tweed is a fragrance that is all about those scents that remind you of times gone by. Reminiscent of rolling, misty hills by churning waters on the British peninsula,
Green Irish Tweed is inspired by both the comfort and mystery of a landscape that has remained vastly unchanged for hundreds of years. Top-notes of peppermint refresh the senses, and bass notes of oakmoss and cedarwood bring the mind’s eye straight to a lush green forest.
A geranium heart rounds it out into a scent that is both familiar and wild. This scent is perfect for someone who considers himself an outdoorsman, and wishes to express that part of his personality in a way that is both classy and effortless.
Silver Mountain Water – Most Invigorating
Listed as a unisex fragrance on their official website, Creed’s Silver Mountain Water is a versatile fragrance that has mass appeal. To put it simply, it just smells lovely.
Refreshing in the best way, like stepping out of a hot spring on a cold night, Silver Mountain Water enlivens the senses and wakes you up to the present moment. Described as having a “marine” quality, this fragrance cuts like a sea breeze, with top notes of bergamot and orange that circle a mellow tea heart, Silver Mountain Water is as revitalizing as a day at the spa.
This fragrance is perfect for the wearer looking for a pick-me-up at the start of each day. And there’s nothing better than smelling like an expensive vacation, right?
Viking – Most Masculine
It may come as no surprise when you read its warrior-inspired name, but Viking by Creed is one of their more masculine fragrances. It has an assertive and youthful quality, like the burgeoning of springtime, when an exuberant earth regains its strength.
Top notes of pink peppercorn make way for a refreshing sage heart, and base notes of patchouli add an herby, uplifting finish. Not for the faint of heart, but elegant in its own right.
This is a great scent for the manly man who wants to dip his toe in the world of fragrance, but isn’t a fan of the more floral or delicate scents.
Royal Oud – Most Delicious
Another aptly named fragrance, Royal Oud is a not-so-subtle reminder from Creed of the sort of clientele they’ve catered to historically. Often designing and selling their fragrances to members of the royal family, Creed has been inspired by opulence in their business model for centuries.
With that in mind, Royal Oud is a luxuriant, rich scent inspired by the streets of Persia. Spice-forward, Royal Oud’s top notes of lime are bolstered by a background of cardamom and clove.
This scent is seductive and complex, perfect for the wearer who gets shivers of delight when they smell a spice mix, or walk down a crowded market street in a foreign land. Besides, smelling delicious is great for seduction!
Original Santal – Most Mysterious
Original Santal is a scent inspired by India, laced with tempting spice. This fragrance is both vibrant and aloof. Like a sunset, its effect is difficult to capture, and it will leave you craving more.
Described by Creed as “sweet and warm”, this scent nurtures a lavender and orange blossom heart with top notes of ginger, cardamom and rosemary and base notes of tonka bean and cedar word. Original Santal is a many-layered scent, and its complexities keep you both intrigued and satiated.
Wear this fragrance if you wish to give off an air of mystery.
Royal Water – Most Youthful
Another member of the “royal” lineup, this one carries all the dramatic heft of the previous version, but without all the seriousness. Spritely and invigorating, this verbena-forward fragrance will have heads turning to catch just one extra whiff.
A heart of basil grounds this citrusy scent in an earthy foundation, and cedarwood adds complexity. A smart little number, this fragrance is perfect for the young (but elegant) at heart.
In the world of colognes and perfumes, many buyers are afraid of smelling like their grandpa. Royal Water sidesteps this potential outcome with a dash of flare.
Bois du Portugal – Most Unique
This scent is meant to invoke the power of a lush “Iberian forest”. Inspired by the forests of the Mediterranean, Bois du Portugal is an energizing scent with a masculine effervescence.
Bergamot and lemon bring an invigorating punch, while cedarwood offers a much-needed maturity. This scent is graceful and evocative, perfect for a statement.
If you’re looking for a scent that dances lightly outside the norm, this will be perfect for you.
Erolfa – Most Adventurous
Consider yourself an adventurer? Ever imagined yourself standing at the prow of the ship, with nothing but the horizon between you and the unknown? Erolfa may be perfect for you.
Reminiscent of the high seas, this scent is spirited and invigorating. Citrus top notes of mandarin and lavender excite the senses, while a spicy heart of coriander makes one think of exotic, far-off locations.
This scent penetrates to the heart of the human love for exploration, so if that’s your vibe, be sure to pick up a bottle!
Millesime Imperial – Most Sophisticated
We couldn’t make this list without mentioning Millesime Imperial, whose gold-plated packaging tells you everything you need to know about this fragrance! Made to celebrate Creed’s 150-year anniversary, this scent is described on their website as “fresh and marine”.
A captivating scent, Millesime Imperial evokes champagne and sparkling evening gowns.
Made in honor of their prestigious clientele, this fragrance drips of sophistication, so if you’re looking to emulate royalty, this is the perfect scent for you.
Original Vetiver – Most Sultry
Ah, those long yet fleeting days of late summer. Original Vetiver is a heady fragrance that conjures sun-baked, dewy grass and warm, twilight evenings in the French countryside.
Lush and tempting, Original Vetiver is another Creed Classic, with top notes of fresh greenery, and base notes of cypress and guaiac wood.
If you’re looking for a scent that is arresting and seductive, this is a great place to start.