Sometimes I like to stroll through the beauty department at a nearby shopping mall and sample various colognes on the market. On this particular day, my dedicated salesperson offered the latest offering from Mont Blanc – Explorer. She explained the scent was popular and was quite similar to Creed Aventus. I had not smelled Creed Aventus before, but the fragrance is insanely popular within the fragrance community. She also explained that Explorer could be purchased at a fraction of the cost of Aventus, as it retails for more than $300.00. So, I went home and performed some research. It appears that Creed enthusiasts, while not totally dismissing Explorer, labeled it a clone. Now, for the average gentleman that isn’t a fragrance aficionado, this opinion does not carry much weight. The average gentleman simply wants a scent that smells great, lasts long, and provides a great performance over the course of a day. And if his cologne is able to garner compliments from the general public or significant other, he will be rightly satisfied. Ironically, a fellow coworker was in the same spot one day, and she really liked Explorer. The choices were Mont Blanc Explorer Eau de Parfum and Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Toilette. She took samples of both to decide at home. We passed another colleague back at work, and she performed a blind smell test. She liked Mont Blanc Explorer as well. So, let’s jump into the details below, as this scent may be for you.

Observations

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Clary Sage

Middle Notes: Leather, Vetiver

Base Notes: Patchouli, Cacao Pod, Ambroxan, Akigalawood

• The presentation of a cologne bottle may not hold value with some individuals. I, however, appreciate the aesthetics of a beautifully designed flask. If Paco Rabanne Invictus can be described as garish and flamboyant; Mont Blanc Explorer undertakes a sophisticated, minimalist approach with its appearance. The cylindrical grey bottle is encased by a leathery material with the Mont Blanc symbol slightly raised, displayed on the front. The burly top sits atop a wide circular surface with Mont Blanc Explorer inscribed along the curves on both sides. The top bears a striking resemblance to a barrel of a revolver (it’s actually the shape of the Mont Blac emblem). The top snaps tightly atop the atomizer so accidental spillage should not be an issue or incidents with mischievous toddlers as in a case with my son and bottle of Tommy Bahama. The glass bottle itself is heavy and dense. If an intruder gained entry into your home, I wager that a blow upside the head with this flask would render unconsciousness.
• Mont Blanc Explorer Eau de Parfum is, of course, more concentrated than an eau de toilette. I would recommend approximately 3-4 sprays. As I was experimenting with its application, I laid it on too much one day and damn near asphyxiated myself and a coworker – sorry Nikki. It was an unusually warm December day in Michigan, and I swear the heaviness of my pea coat magnified the intensity of the scent. It was going strong late into the afternoon. So, gentlemen, proceed with caution and be mindful of its projection. Applied correctly, Explorer Eau de Parfum should last approximately 6-8 hours.
• The fragrance opens with a light, aromatic tartness; slightly citrus and definitely masculine. The middle and base notes have a spicy, peppery vibe that transitions to an earthy, woody resting spot with subtle hints of leather. The scent is warm, moderately heavy, but not terribly overbearing.
• Mont Blanc Explorer is for the gentleman that enjoys a clean, classy, and elegant fragrance. In my opinion, Mont Blanc Explorer is a serious scent that is best employed for formal environments. It is for the gentleman that prefers a simple approach to style and life. When I smell Mont Blanc Explorer; I visualize dark hues, understated attire, and sumptuous fabrics. This is a business or business casual fragrance that leans heavily toward business. Again, according to the general consensus online, Mont Blanc Explorer possesses a scent reminiscent of Creed Aventus – considered by many to be the king of men’s cologne. Honestly, I don’t have the type of disposable income to drop $300.00+ on a bottle of cologne. Therefore, until then, I will enjoy Explorer and take everyone’s word that this is a good variation of the more expensive fragrance.
• Mont Blanc Explorer can be purchased in the following sizes: 2.0 ounces at $78.00 and 3.3 ounces at $98.00 – Available at Mont Blanc, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, and other fine men’s department stores.