Erolfa by Creed is a citrus musk fragrance for men. It was released in 1992 and was created by Olivier Creed.
It’s one of the brand’s more iconic releases, overshadowed by more popular scents from this house that came out a couple of years later and took direct inspiration from this composition.
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Furthermore, it’s one of the rare perfumes from Creed that, if I had purchased for a retail price, I wouldn’t feel as much remorse as I would if I bought Virgin Island Water.
The biggest disappointment is the scarcity of reviews about this perfume online, with only one of two short ones available.
This fact greatly shocked me, as I believe such a unique fragrance deserves more attention and recognition.
Let’s change this and do a proper review.
CREED EROLFA DETAILS AND INSPIRATION
This refreshing scent pays tribute to the happy memories of the Creed family’s Mediterranean sailing adventures.
The name “Erolfa” is a combination of their initials. “ER” represents Erwin Creed, the son of Olivier Creed, the seventh generation and the future head of the House of Creed.
“OL” symbolizes Olivia, Olivier’s only daughter and a talented visual artist working for the company.
“FA” stands for Fabienne, Erwin, and Olivia’s mother. This fresh marine perfume captures the exhilaration of sailing on the open ocean.
The official perfumer for this release is Olivier Creed, while some sources cite Pierre Bourdon, but this is unverified.
This release is still in production and available in various sizes, from 50ml for $345.00 to 500ml for $1,205.00.
PERFUME ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AND NOTES
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “An Eau de Parfum inspired by Olivier’s family travels around the Mediterranean ocean, Erolfa is a fresh, crisp and versatile signature scent, that will carry you effortlessly through from morning to evening. Bergamot, mandarin, ginger and basil intrigue the senses, giving way to a burst of herbal freshness conjured up by a blend of lavender, coriander, watermelon, cucumber and jasmine. Sandalwood, cedarwood and musk form a lasting and sophisticated base of this uplifting and aromatic fragrance. Equally invigorating and comforting, Erolfa will transport you to a salty sunbaked boat deck in the heat of summer.”
- Perfumer: Olivier Creed
- Perfume oil concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance type: Citrus Musk
- Release date: 1992
- Target audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Musk, Ambergris, and Citruses
- Age group: 30+
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Longevity and projection: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- The recommended number of sprays: 4 – 6
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Presentation: 5/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Price: $$$
- Accords: Musky, Citrus, Woody
- Reviewed batch code: F000581
- Reformulated: Yes
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
- Sample/Buy/Pass: Sample
- Testing period: 1 year and 3 months
- Production: Available
- Possibility of discontinuation: Low
PERFUME PYRAMID
- TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Lemon, Basil, Cumin, Orange, Rosemary, Melon, Mandarin, Violet Leaves, Bergamot
- HEART NOTES: Tuberose, Jasmine, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Coriander, Ginger, Pepper, Cyclamen
- BASE NOTES: Orris, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Musk, Oakmoss, Ambergris
PERFUME PRESENTATION
Erolfa comes in an elegant clear bottle that reflects the brand’s aesthetic. The ocean-blue label and sleek shape pay homage to the sea, mirroring the fragrance.
The bottle’s emblematic gold crest embodies the brand’s heritage, but it has started to look outdated; it is time to update the sticker.
The cap is gold-colored, which I love, and the sprayer is usually what we find from the brand—the best one in the fragrance game.
The box this fragrance is a simple yet elegant white box with a blue and gold color scheme. The front of the box features the brand’s logo and the fragrance in bold gold letters.
The overall design oozes a sense of sophistication and class, which aligns with the brand image. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all with slight variations.
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, I’ll dive into the note breakdown that plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a fragrance.
Understanding how the top, heart, and base notes interact can provide valuable insight into the overall character of the scent.
Whether you’re considering adding a fragrance to your collection or simply curious about how the notes unfold, this breakdown will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and positive and negative sides of a particular fragrance.
TOP NOTES
The first impressions of a scent are what matters the most, and in this case, you can see the brand’s history and future direction in a bottle from the perspective of 1992.
The past is Green Irish Tweed, and future releases inspired by this fragrance include Silver Mountain Water and Millésime Impérial.
There’s no way around it, so it wouldn’t be fair to place this composition anywhere besides in my Holy Grail section.
The unique blend(at the time of its release) makes it a fragrance that I always find myself reaching for, no matter the occasion.
The opening is full of bright citruses such as lime, orange, and mandarin, including mild watermelon accord and herbal touches of rosemary and ozonic violet.
These herbal aromas add a unique twist to the citrusy top notes, creating a refreshing and complex fragrance that cannot be said for many other scents from this house.
This start always brings a smile to my face, and every time I wear it, I’m reminded of how it smells so good for a fragrance released over three decades ago—nothing dated, and indeed, nothing cheap.
HEART NOTES
The transition to the middle stage becomes a semi-soapy and salty vibe with a more nuanced and aromatic experience.
However, the heart notes state that there are many different variations of floral ingredients here. Honestly, I don’t detect them at all, which is weird.
What I do detect when the initial burst starts to settle down is this aquatic/barbershop mix of ambergris, ginger, clean oakmoss, and a pinch of spicy black pepper.
The aquatic and spicy/green nuances give the scent an energetic and slightly masculine edge, refreshing it without ever entering the floral territory.
While I wouldn’t place it above any previously mentioned scents, with an opening and heart like this, Erolfa is much easier to get into than those three.
BASE NOTES
A good dose of ambergris, creamy sandalwood, pencil-shaving cedar, and oakmoss stand out in the base.
They anchor the scent’s brightness, allowing the fragrance to evolve from a breezy, aquatic citrus to a more grounded yet airy scent.
White musk is an essential component in this context, serving as a fixative that binds all the other elements together.
It plays a vital role by providing a hidden yet influential presence that creates a sublime and harmonious finish.
Ultimately, this release has been one of the biggest surprises for me in recent years since I expected a dated and forgotten fragrance for a reason.
PERFORMANCE/TARGET AUDIENCE/COMPLIMENTS
When it comes to longevity, I get anywhere from 5 to 7 hours during the milder spring and summer days.
As with almost any other Creed, the sillage isn’t overwhelming, and the projection follows the same path.
If you appreciate sophisticated yet laid-back scents, this one is 100% for you. I would be careful with blind-buying this one if you are under 30 since it gives mature vibes.
Surprisingly, I’ve received many compliments on how refreshing it smells, and not a single person believed that it’s a fragrance from 1992. It’s the biggest compliment to a fragrance this old.
OCCASIONS/UNIQUENESS/VALUE FOR MONEY
It is predominantly a warm-weather fragrance that works best for daytime wear, whether at the beach, boat ride, or office work.
Its subtle complexity also allows it to be worn casually, making it versatile enough for most summer occasions.
Compared to other marine scents, this composition isn’t groundbreaking, but this easily tops any designer release in this fragrance category.
It cuts above most niche-market fragrances, making it a true hidden gem. Unfortunately for this fragrance, Millésime Impérial exists, and that one improved and modernized Erolfa’s drawbacks.
That said, $345 for 50ml retail is another case of many delusional brand decisions.
Combined with a cringy fragrance name, it is no wonder that this brand is no longer at the top of the niche market food chain.
The brand has received a lot of scorn in recent years for not being transparent about its perfumers and history, but some feel it’s unjustified.
Many popular niche brands do the same and somehow get away with this.
Thankfully, you can get it cheaper at discounters, and it offers more value than their most popular fragrance, Aventus.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexities, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- Sophisticated citrus/green/marine scent
- One of the best-hidden gems in the fragrance community
- It has more value than today’s Aventus
- Complex composition with high-quality ingredients
Cons
- Delusional retail price
- The cringe-inducing name of the fragrance
- Green Irish Tweed and Millesime Imperial hurt its reputation and are overall better releases
- Performance could have been better
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
Erolfa is a part of the “Universal Fragrances” collection and is one of the world’s most underrated summer-appropriate niche perfumes.
As of the writing of this review, there are no flankers of this fragrance.
COLLECTION
- Creed Viking – a spicy aromatic fragrance released in 2017. The main notes include cloves, mint, and lavender. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.
- Creed Aventus Cologne – a citrus musk fragrance released in 2018. The main notes include mandarin orange, musk, and birch. The lasting power is between 4- 6 hours with moderate projection.
- Creed Royal Oud – a woody spicy fragrance released in 2011. The main notes include cedar, pink pepper, and sandalwood. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
- Creed Millésime Impérial – a fruity marine fragrance released in 1995. The main notes include blackcurrant, sea notes, and musk. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.
- Orientica Xclusif Oud Emerald – a citrus woody fragrance released in 2022. The main notes include bergamot, sandalwood, and galbanum. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection.
- Bond No. 9 Wall Street – an aromatic aquatic fragrance released in 2004. The main notes include cucumber, seaweed, and lemon. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
- Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme – an aromatic fougere fragrance released in 1984. The main notes include elemi, lemon, and lavender. The lasting power is between 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the FAQ corner on Scent Grail, curated to unravel the most common queries surrounding the best niche perfumes for winter.
Whether you’re a fragrance enthusiast seeking to explore the world of niche perfumes or simply looking for additional information to complement your style, this FAQ section will provide valuable insights.
What does Creed Erolfa smell like?
Creed Erolfa boldly opens with fresh, invigorating top notes reminiscent of citrus and marine elements. The heart boasts a blend of herbaceous and spicy notes. At the same time, the base is dominated by ambergris, musk, sandalwood, oakmoss, and cedar, offering a rich, earthy warmth that confidently leaves a lasting impression of the sea.
When to wear Creed Erolfa?
Creed Erolfa is best worn during the warmer months, particularly in spring and summer, thanks to its fresh, citrusy, and marine-inspired scent. It’s perfect for daytime events, casual outings, and any occasion that calls for a refreshing, oceanic vibe.
Is Creed Erolfa unisex?
No, Creed Erolfa is not considered a unisex fragrance. Its fresh, oceanic, and citrusy notes can appeal to both men and women, but the contrast from heavier woody, musky, and green notes ground it in masculine territory.
FINAL WORDS
This unexpected masterpiece from Creed proves the brand has more to offer than its most popular fragrances.
The fact that I got it via swap for another fragrance(why I don’t have the box) doesn’t change my mind about it being one of the most refreshing experiences in recent years.
Looking back, this was my seventh review of a fragrance from this house, and now that I have reviewed them all, I’m open to hearing from you.
Are there any others I still need to catch up on but are not so popular? Feel free to let me know.
What do you think about this article covering Creed Erolfa? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, it is always a good decision to look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Clive Christian L For Men
- Dior Homme Sport 2021
- Xerjoff Accento Overdose
- Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Verano
- Chanel No 5
- Ramon Monegal Entre Naranjos
TOP LISTS
- Best Books About Perfume
- Top Fall Perfumes
- Top 10 Best Spring Fragrances For Men
- Top 10 Sexiest Men’s Fragrances
- Best Cheap Perfumes For Men
- Best Signature Scents For Men
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Successfully Blind Buy Perfumes
- Discontinued Perfumes
- Perfume Backup Bottles
- How To Decant Perfume
- How To Start A Perfume Blog
- Perfume Reformulations
Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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– Marin Kristić
How do you personally feel Creed Erolfa compares to other popular Creed fragrances in terms of longevity and projection? Cheers, Mate! Edward
Creed Erolfa’s longevity is moderate, lasting around 5 to 7 hours, considered somewhat average for an aquatic fragrance. However, this performance could be better for the premium price that Erolfa sells, especially compared to other Creed fragrances, such as Royal Oud or even older batches of Aventus, which typically have longer staying power. Best, Marin 🙂
Hi, Marin. Great review as always. I’ve been wearing Creed Erolfa for years, and I love how it’s never too in-your-face. It’s got that fresh, salty vibe that’s perfect for the warmer months, but it’s refined, not your typical cheap aquatic. I usually get about 6 hours out of it, which, for an aquatic, is pretty decent, though I’d expect more given the price. But it’s become a bit of a signature for me — light enough for the office, but still sophisticated enough for evening drinks. What’s your favorite Creed perfume right now? Ron
Hi Ron, thanks for the kind words! Erolfa has found a perfect spot in your rotation, especially during those warmer months. It has that effortless balance between fresh and refined, making it an excellent choice for casual and more sophisticated settings. As for my current favorite Creed, I’d go with Green Irish Tweed. It’s a classic, of course, but it has that fresh, green, and slightly woody profile that I find incredibly versatile. Have you tried it? It’s different from Erolfa, but it might hit the spot if you like refined yet fresh fragrances! Best, Marin
Hello. I’ve been a fan of Creed for years but only recently tried Erolfa, and I can’t believe how underrated it is. This fragrance doesn’t get the same fanfare as Aventus, but that’s part of its charm. It’s got this fresh, saltwater scent with a bit of musk – oakmoss and citrus that’s perfect for British summer. This is my first time commenting, but I have been a fan of your blog since the start of 2020. Well done!
Hello! First, thank you so much for following my blog since 2020 — it means a lot that you’ve been along for the ride! And I couldn’t agree more about Erolfa. It is one of Creed’s hidden gems. While it doesn’t get the same attention as Aventus, that makes it unique. That fresh, saltwater breeze mixed with musk and oakmoss gives it this distinct, coastal vibe that’s perfect for the British summer, as you mentioned. Best, Marin