Creed Viking Review (2024): Rethinking Big Expectations

Viking by Creed is a spicy aromatic fragrance for men. It was released in 2017 and created by Olivier Creed.

If we ignore that Royal Oud was the first officially released fragrance after Aventus, the expected successor was this release, seven years after Creed’s biggest hit.

And, as with almost everything in life, when big expectations clash with unrealistic hype, we get products that cannot deliver the same way as their glorious predecessors.

CREED VIKING in three words: SOPHISTICATED – ENIGMATIC – FAMILIAR

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One of my most significant perfume discoveries from 2023 is worth your time only if you are open-minded and accept that it is okay if this composition is entirely different than many have tried to perceive it to be. Let’s see why.

CREED VIKING FRAGRANCE INFORMATION

It was created in 2017 by Creed’s in-house perfumer, Olivier Creed, inspired by masculinity, endless exploration, and the untamed wilderness.

Creed’s Viking fragrance is a fiery tribute to the Norse explorers, their success, power, and spirit, and to the skilled seamen of the ninth century.

The fragrance summons a feeling of toughness and elegance, making it an ideal match for the brave man unafraid to explore new horizons.

It received a GQ Grooming award for Best Limited Fragrance along its journey to greatness.

This perfume is still in production and available in various sizes, from 50ml for $365.00 to 500ml for $1,260.00.

PERFUME THEME

A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Viking Eau de Parfum celebrates the powerful, fearless and fiery modern man. This bold men’s fragrance combines fresh citrus notes of Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon with pink peppercorn, Bulgarian rose and peppermint. Woody base notes of Indian Sandalwood and Haitian vetiver complete this masculine masterpiece.”

PERFUME NOTES

• Perfumer: Olivier Creed
• Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
• Fragrance Type: Spicy Aromatic
• Release Date: 2017
• Target Audience: Men
• Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
• Most dominant notes: Cloves, Mint, and Lavender
• Age Group: 25+
• Seasons: Spring and Fall
• Occasions: Business and Leisure
• Longevity and Projection: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
• The recommended number of sprays: 3 – 5
• Compliments: Moderate
• Likeability: Moderate
• Uniqueness: 3/5
• Presentation: 4/5
• Value for money: 7/10
• Price: $$$
• Accords: Aromatic, Fresh Spicy, Green
• Reviewed batch code: F000443
• Reformulated: Yes
• Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
• Sample/Buy/Pass: Sample
• Testing Period: 8 months
• Production: Available

PERFUME NOTES
Top notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Pink Peppercorn, Absinthe
Heart notes: Allspice, Clove, Jasmine, Lavender, Orris Butter, Bulgarian Rose
Base notes: Cedarwood, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, White Musk

PERFUME PRESENTATION

Creed stays true to its reputation for luxurious presentation with Viking. The outer box complements the bottle’s sophistication with a sleek red-striped design.

This minimalist approach allows the bottle to take centre stage since, as I’ve already said in other brands’ fragrance reviews, the brand could enhance its outer packaging design due to its price tag.

Along with the fragrance label, you also get additional information about the perfume brand on the back of the box, batch code, and informative pamphlets inside the packaging.

The bottle follows the box’s design, with its fiery red design and striped label wrapped around the glass. The label contains the name, a photo of a Nordic boat, and the fragrance name.

On the top of the cap, you get the brand’s logo engraved, but keep in mind that these days, the cap is plastic and not metal as it used to be.

The atomizer offers a decent amount of perfume liquid with each spray and efficiently distributes it widely.

TOP NOTES

• Bergamot
• Lemon
• Orange
• Peppermint
• Pink Peppercorn
• Absinthe

The opening of this fragrance is just beautiful. This composition is classic and modern, ideal for more mature men.

I adore this combination of citruses and powerful mint, which reminds me of that one in Acqua di Parma’s Club Colonia.

It is a masculine blend that thankfully takes a step in another direction by ditching ambergris for something completely new, which was a bold move from the brand if we consider what came before it.

To my nose, the most dominant citrus here is orange, and even 30 seconds into its opening, the aromatic nature of mint overtakes bright citruses.

After that comes the most predominant note in this blend, the main reason the fragrance community is so divided about this scent.

HEART NOTES

• Allspice
• Clove
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Orris Butter
• Bulgarian Rose

On that note, ladies and gentlemen, no other than the infamous cloves can often be considered a deal breaker because they remind us of toothaches.

I love cloves, which is evident in the fact that Frederic Malle’s Musc Ravageur is my favourite fragrance.

Let this serve as a warning before you buy this product. It is not for everyone, and the clove blend here comes entirely naturally, just as if you were to open a new bag of this spice.

For better or worse, the allspice mix gets even more intense in this stage, accompanied by the pepper in the opening.

For me, this is great, but this is where Viking starts to remind me of Old Spice cologne, but it is on a much higher execution level.

As for the other notes mentioned in the heart, lavender is the only one that starts to creep out. It is another classic masculine note, which I love.

BASE NOTES

• Cedarwood
• Tonka Bean
• Vetiver
• White Musk

So, we came to the base, which could have been more interesting.

Lavender dominates the base, along with white musk, woods, and residues of the more robust notes from the opening and middle stages.

Even if I understand the inspiration behind this creation, including something like chocolate patchouli in a vein found in Jovoy’s Incident Diplomatique, it could have made this masterpiece.

It just feels like something is missing in the base, and excluding ambergris from this composition was a great decision since it wouldn’t work here; there should have been more in the base.

Aromatic spicy with Fougere nuances is good enough, but I wonder if it is something that we should accept.

PERFORMANCE

Before we delve into the performance aspect of this fragrance, some perfume lovers have noted that Viking was possibly reformulated around 2020. I have yet to experience the first batches.

I get at least six to eight good hours of longevity on my skin, depending on the weather conditions. It works best when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot.

The people around you will quickly notice your perfume in the first two hours, after which it starts to sit closer to the skin.

The combination of well-blended natural oils and a high concentration of perfume ensures a noticeable sillage.

At the same time, it lasts and never pushes too far from you, making it an ideal gentlemanly fragrance.

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

TARGET AUDIENCE AND COMPLIMENTS

As you have already noticed, unlike Aventus, this perfume isn’t for everyone. It’s a scent crafted for a specific type of man – the gentleman who appreciates quality and sophistication with a touch of adventurous spirit.

If you have found yourself in the above-mentioned words and want something different without overthinking how it slightly resembles Old Spice, give it a go and see if it works for you.

I don’t know about younger lads since the fragrance is dominated by a traditionally more mature blend of notes and accords.

About the compliments. Let’s be realistic for a moment. Both you and I know that if you are buying this, you are not buying it for compliments, but this comes with a slight twist.

Most people who commented on this fragrance were overly positive with their opinion, with a couple of negative comments saying that I smell like an older man, whatever that means.

AUDIENCE: Men
AGE RANGE: 25+
COMPLIMENTS: Moderate

WHEN & WHERE

Its versatility is one of its hidden strengths.

While its initial impression might scream “businessman,” a closer look reveals a fragrance that can adapt to various situations, depending on how and where you wear it.

This is a tremendous office-friendly fragrance during the day and a fantastic alternative to overused clubbing and night-out fragrances on the market.

Although it can work in all seasons, the best time to do so is spring and fall.

Opt for fewer spritzes in hotter and freezing weather to avoid an overpowering(summer) or underpowering(winter) effect during the first hours.

I have worn it in probably a dozen scenarios because I wanted to see this for the review, but office and casual outings are your best options.

SEASONS: Spring and Fall
OCCASIONS: Business and Leisure
ATTIRE: Formal, Linen Shirts and Chinos, Tweed Jackets, Tailored Suits, Smart Casual

UNIQUENESS AND VALUE FOR MONEY

When talking about the uniqueness of this release, we have to understand that something like this is not that unique, but it comes in a superb blend that shames many new-age overpriced niche houses.

Like it said, it reminds me of previous releases from different perfume brands, which have both good and bad aspects. The base misses something since they have decided to exclude Ambergris.

Creed Viking nods to the ’70s and ’80s in an era of modern compositions. It’s a throwback to bold fragrances that leave an indelible mark for those searching for something like this.

Retail value for money could be better. Even if I had all the money, I would never pay over $300.00 for a small 50ml bottle.

But, if we are talking about fragrance discounters or second-hand, slightly used bottles, this is where you can score it for a severe discount, and it is the only proper way to buy this fragrance.

That’s why I gave it a seven out of ten when I considered everything. Otherwise, it is an easy pass for the retail price.

UNIQUENESS: 3/5
PRESENTATION: 4/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 7/10

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

Viking is a part of the classic Eau de Parfum collection, and only one flanker has been released up to this date.

COLLECTION

• Creed Viking Cologne – a citrus aromatic fragrance released in 2021. The main notes include mandarin orange, lavender, and vetiver. The lasting power is between 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection.

SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES

• Old Spice Original – a spicy oriental fragrance released in 1938. The main notes include cinnamon, carnation, and nutmeg. The lasting power is between 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection.
• Blend Oud Teeb – a green aromatic fragrance released in 2013. The main notes include green apple, mint, and lavender. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours, with excellent projection.
• Lorenzo Villoresi Piper Nigrum – a spicy aromatic fragrance released in 1999. The main notes include black pepper, mint, and cloves. The lasting power is between 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

• Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme – a citrus aromatic fragrance released in 1984. The main notes include lemon, lavender, and rosemary. 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.

OVERALL THOUGHTS & FINAL WORDS

My experience with this perfume was realizing how our big expectations and falling into hype can be a double-edged sword.

I love how the blend is done expertly and how this composition successfully encapsulates the contrasts of a great workplace and night-out fragrance.

It is one of those scents that should be sampled before buying since it does not possess compliment-getting qualities like Aventus.

Since it is priced in the same way as better offerings from Creed, I realize why it became a lukewarm release and disappointed some fragrance enthusiasts.

Does this one have the potential to become a classic in the future?

Probably not in the broader aspect of things, and it is one of those products at risk of being discontinued in the future and getting a cult status in collectors circles.

Nonetheless, it is good enough for me to keep it until I use the whole bottle, and it is a more exciting release than Original Santal.

Shop smart, and don’t let the whole influencer hype get to you.

What do you think about this article covering Creed Viking? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.

If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, looking at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide is always a good decision.

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

• Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Man
• Creed Silver Mountain Water
• Dior Homme Sport 2021
• Guerlain Homme Eau De Parfum
• Montblanc Explorer
• Hermes Concentre D’Orange Verte

TOP LISTS

• The Best Books About Perfume
• Top 10 Best Spring Fragrances For Men
• Top 10 Sexiest Men’s Fragrances
• 10 Best Cheap Perfumes For Men
• 10 Best Signature Scents For Men
• Top 10 Best Office Colognes

SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER

• Designer Vs Niche Fragrances
• How To Start A Perfume Collection
• Fragrance Discounters
• How To Wear Perfume
• How To Start A Perfume Blog
• How To Decant Perfume

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

Best, Marin!
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