Creed Silver Mountain Water Review (2024): Clean, Sophisticated, And Invigorating

Silver Mountain Water by Creed is an unisex aromatic musk fragrance released in 1995 and created by Olivier Creed.

Creed is synonymous with heritage, quality, and luxury for any fragrance enthusiast. Some of their creations have graced the likes of royalty and celebrities for generations, and Creed Silver Mountain Water is no different.

As a genuine piece of perfume history, SMW has quickly become one of my favourites from the brand, which excites me even more to give you my impressions about one of the unique scents of this kind on the market.

CREED SILVER MOUNTAIN WATER in three words: MUSKY – SOAPY – METALLIC

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What struck me the most about this release is that for a composition quickly approaching its 30th anniversary and coming from Creed, which provides high-quality but relatively safe releases, SMW is more complex than one would notice at first glance.

Whether this applies to you or your taste, read the full review and enjoy the ride.

Fragrance Information

Creed is a multi-national niche perfume house based in Paris, France. It is one of the most prestigious in the world.

Founded as a tailoring house in London, England, in 1760 by James Henry Creed, its early official evidence as a perfume house dates back to the late 1960s.

Although this cannot be verified, the brand’s unique story began in the 18th century with a pair of scented leather gloves delivered to King George III from their first shop in Mayfair, London.

After the relocation to Paris in 1854, supposedly at the request of Napoleon III and his Empress Eugenie, the brand was the official supplier to the royal household.

What can be verified is their first-ever publicly available fragrances released in 1965, Epicea, and Aubepine Acacia.

Fast forward to the 1980s, this niche house has enjoyed mainstream consumer success and claimed that it has created perfumes exclusively for celebrities and political figures.

At that time, the real breakthrough came with the release of Green Irish Tweed, often coined as one of the best fresh fougere fragrances ever.

If there is one thing that cannot be disputed about this somewhat controversial brand, it’s its marketing masterpiece: Aventus, released in 2010.

No other fragrance from the past, and in recent years, has garnered as much popularity and commercial success as Aventus.

This has led numerous other fragrance brands to attempt to replicate their perfume DNA in pursuit of similar commercial success.

Until 2020, the brand was a family-owned company, supposedly for 260 years.

However, in February 2020, BlackRock’s private equity group became Creed’s majority shareholder. A few years later, in June 2023, Kering swooped in and acquired Creed for a staggering €3.5 billion.

Olivier Creed and his son Erwin Creed remain creative directors at the company.

As of 2023, the brand has boutiques in France, England, the USA, Australia, UAE, Kuwait, Austria, Mexico, and Italy.

Silver Mountain Water Story

As the name suggests, Silver Mountain Water was inspired by Olivier Creed’s fondness for skiing and was designed to transport you to the high mountain streamers of the Swiss Alps.

Olivier wanted to capture his memories in the olfactive form by capturing the essence of high-altitude adventure and the exhilarating rush of cool air.

That is why SMW is perfect for those seeking a clean, sophisticated escape for the senses.

If we ignore the apparent clones of SMW that get on the market with each passing and a couple of shameless clones from high-end niche brands, SMW is still a unique spring and summer fragrance.

This perfume is still in production and available in various sizes, from 50ml for $345.00 to 1000ml for $1,685.00.

Perfume Theme

A note from the brand: “A fragrance inspired by the exhilarating crispness of alpine air, Silver Mountain Water is a fresh and contemporary scent.

With juicy citrus head notes and unfolding heart notes of tea and a salty ozonic note, this exhilarating perfume also draws on base notes of sandalwood and musks which leave an icy air of freshness to this uplifting and energizing unisex fragrance.”

Notes and Classification

• Perfumer: Olivier Creed
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Aromatic Musk
• Release Date: 1995
• Target Audience: Unisex
• Masculine/Feminine: 60% – 40%
• Most dominant notes: Musk, Green Tea, and Black Currant
• Age Group: 25+
• Seasons: Spring and Summer
• Occasions: Business and Leisure
• Longevity and Projection: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
• The recommended number of sprays: 4 – 6
• Compliments: Low – Medium
• Likeability: Medium
• Uniqueness: 5/5
• Presentation: 4/5
• Value for money: 9/10
• Price: $$$
• Accords: Fruity, Green, Musky
• Reviewed batch code: H3521X01A – November 2021
• Reformulated: Yes
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
• Sample/Buy/Pass: Sample
• Testing Period: 1 Year
• Production: Available

PERFUME NOTES
Top notes: Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Galbanum, Orange
Heart notes: Green Tea, Ozonic Accord
Base notes: Musk, Sandalwood

Perfume Presentation

Creed remains faithful to its legacy through the presentation of this perfume. The fragrance is housed in a streamlined, white bottle adorned with a silver cap—minimalistic yet refined.

The design subtly conjures images of snow-kissed mountain summits, alluding to the fragrance’s story. While it may not boast the flamboyance of specific designer counterparts, it exudes an enduring elegance.

The box is crafted from premium-quality cardboard and features an additional reflective silver brand emblem adorned with metallic accents of the logo and fragrance name.

While I appreciate the inclusion of brand history and informative pamphlets inside the packaging, the brand could enhance its outer packaging design.

As with every Creed bottle, the sprayer is alright, but it’s worth noting that it is nowhere as powerful as when the brand sold 120ml bottles.

Overall, if the box had been designed better, the presentation would have been perfect, but it is still a worthy package.

My Experience With Perfume

SMW is a strange boy, that’s for sure. One thing that deviates from the norm is the lack of ambroxan/ambergris notes found in many other Creed releases.

It is a musky fragrance enriched with fruity and tea notes, which means it won’t be for everyone, which is a good thing.

I’ll also add that even if this is a masterpiece release, when we consider everything, it is still not my favourite from the brand.

That throne belongs to Green Irish Tweed, miles ahead of this release. But, as I always try to write in a non-biased way, I highly appreciate this product.

As for its name and that famous “ink” note, many have sworn to smell here, I’m sad to report that there is none, at least with 2021 batches and onward.

Does it smell like the Alps in Switzerland or anything remote to cold streams in the mountains? Not really. It could have been 30 years ago, but not anymore.

Nonetheless, this SMW bottle will remain in my collection until the last drop is used.

As you will read in the following chapters, this kind of spectacular and different fragrance is available only a few times every decade.

Top Notes

• Bergamot
• Blackcurrant
• Galbanum
• Orange

The opening of SMW will be a hit or miss for most people. It is somewhat strange and pleasant at the same time, but the quality of the blend cannot be disputed.

The first spritz on my skin reveals this weird combination of metallic, musky fruits and citruses.

It’s a refreshing, kind of soapy, and energetic combination of blackcurrant, bergamot, and mild orange, infused with muskiness immediately.

The bergamot adds a zesty brightness, while the orange injects a hint of sweetness. The leading player is, of course, blackcurrant, the main suspect of the metallic aspect here.

This clean and dirty opposite wouldn’t be a surprise if done by any other company, but for a Creed to take a dip into this kind of perfumery is something I highly praise.

Heart Notes

• Green Tea
• Ozonic Accord

Heart notes quickly kick in after the exciting opening. For me, this is where the real magic happens as we are introduced to green tea and ozonic accord.

The ozonic accord is the only aspect of this composition that will remind you of the 1990s when many ozonic and aquatic scents were available on the market.

At this stage of development, I still get that ambiguity, a metallic touch of blackcurrant, and a delightful and realistic green tea accord.

This note adds a touch of herbal refinement. Imagine the calming aroma of freshly brewed green tea leaves, with their slightly grassy and herbal character.

It introduces a sense of depth and intricacy to the scent, preventing it from remaining solely in bright, musky citrus.

This is where SMW is at its best.

Base Notes

• Musk
• Sandalwood

You have a clean, musky, slightly woody, and calming scent when everything settles down.

There are still slight aspects from the opening and the middle notes here, but don’t expect them to be solid or bold anymore.

It’s not an overbearing fragrance, and certainly not something you’ll have to pick a particular occasion to wear.

It speaks of the early spring days when everything starts to blossom; in the end, it is not that complicated.

It is a dynamic and evolving olfactory experience that lingers on the skin and captures the best of the warmer seasons.

Lastly, I recommend ignoring all other reviews that say the “ink” dominates this composition. They either don’t know what the ink smells like or are just repeating what others say.

Performance

For this type of fragrance, SMW has an excellent longevity of 6 – 8 hours, which should be more than enough for any scenario.

The bad news is that projection and sillage are moderate, if not weak.

Unfortunately, this performance comes with many other Creed scents, and this one is no exception.

Yes, this boosts versatility, but I expect more when you are paying Creed prices.

LONGEVITY: 6 – 8 hours
PROJECTION: Soft – Moderate
SILLAGE: Soft – Moderate

Target audience and compliments

SMW versatility makes it an easy-to-wear fragrance, but it particularly resonates with enthusiasts.

A genderless fragrance that leans slightly to the masculine side, ideal if you gravitate towards clean, refreshing fragrances, making it a perfect choice.

Since the performance is what it is, expect a few compliments while wearing this scent. It even leans more to the negative side when someone comments on it.

This doesn’t bother me since SMW is not your typical Aventus or Sauvage, but it is worth mentioning anyway.

Rarely does anyone outside of this hobby understand or care about edgier perfumes.

AUDIENCE: Unisex
AGE RANGE: 25+
COMPLIMENTS: Low – Medium

When & Where

As a fragrance enthusiast, I appreciate how certain scents can last throughout the year. SMW exemplifies this quality of seasonal fragrance wear beautifully.

Its unique but simple blend lends itself to year-round perfume status, possessing scent adaptability that few others can boast.


SMW is a companion to spring and summer, with its crisp and metallic notes echoing the purity of spring waters and its citrus hints encapsulating the zest of summer.

If you work in a climate-controlled environment, you can wear it even during the winter, but as said previously, it works best in spring and summer.

SMW boasts a freshness that marvellously adapts to casual outings and formal events.

Conversely, its vivacious top notes make it a lively companion for social gatherings if you still like going to clubs or pubs on weekends.

SEASONS: Spring and Summer
OCCASIONS: Business and Leisure
ATTIRE: Casual Chic, Smart-Casual, Outdoor, Business Casual, Leisure Wear

Uniqueness and value for money

There’s no denying the fragrance’s success in capturing the essence of lush greenery accompanied by citruses and musk, which we rarely see in today’s perfumery.

This blend creates a clean and refreshing experience that’s undeniably pleasant to fragrance hobbyists.

High-quality ingredients, uniqueness, and sophisticated execution are synonyms for most releases from this brand, and the fragrance smells natural and refined, avoiding the synthetic feel of most designer fragrances.

As for the value for money, I gave it a high score in case you are shopping from discounters. I’m not a fan of the recent trend of price hikes in perfumery, which started a few years ago.

Shop smart and avoid overpaying for perfumes. If budget is a significant concern, or you crave a more complex olfactory experience, exploring cheaper options could be a wiser investment.

UNIQUENESS: 5/5
PRESENTATION: 4/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 9/10

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.

Collection & Similar Perfumes

SMW is a part of the classic Eau de Parfum collection, and no flankers have been released. If you like this perfume, I recommend you check out some of the following releases.

SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES

• Armaf Club De Nuit Sillage – a citrus musk fragrance released in 2020. The main notes include black currant, bergamot, and musk. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours, with excellent projection.
• Xerjoff Mefisto – a citrus aromatic fragrance released in 2009. The main notes include lavender, grapefruit, and iris. The lasting power is 10 – 12 hours with excellent projection.
• Montale Boise Fruite – a woody aromatic fragrance released in 2009. The main notes include vetiver, bergamot, and lime. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours, with excellent projection.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

• Xerjoff Mefisto Gentiluomo – a citrus aromatic fragrance released in 2018. The main notes include violet, lavender, and grapefruit. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 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.

Final Words

SMW is not a perfect fragrance; it also stands for every other perfume that has been released.

I was thinking about whether it deserves a holy grail status for quite some time, and in the end, I decided that it just wouldn’t be fair not to place it here.

As a composition that has stood the test of time and went into the perfume hall of fame with millions of users who swear by its quality, I conclude this article with its deserved ranking.

Unlike other Creeds, SMW should be sampled before buying. This is not a safe perfume, and I know some readers won’t enjoy it as much as I did.

It’s worth buying, but try to get the best deal since rarely anything is worth this price tag.

What do you think about this article covering Silver Mountain Water? 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

• Nasomatto Pardon
• Apom Pour Homme
• Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club
• Dolce And Gabbana Light Blue Sun Pour Homme
• Molinard Musc
• Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man

TOP LISTS

• Top 10 Best Niche Perfumes For Spring
• Top 10 Most Overrated Perfumes
• Top 10 Best Amouage Perfumes Of All Time
• Top 10 Best Leather Perfumes Of All Time
• Top 10 Best Niche Perfumes For Winter
• Top 10 Best Niche Perfumes For Fall

SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER

• How To Successfully Blind Buy Perfumes
• Discontinued Perfumes
• Perfume Backup Bottles
• Fragrance Families & Fragrance Wheel
• How To Find Your Signature Scent
• How To Wear Perfume

Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!

Best, Marin!
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