Gentlemen Only Absolute by Givenchy

A cinnamon and vanilla blend so sweet and subtle, it’s like taking Spicebomb and turning down the pepper to soften everything. Already discontinued, a little treasure to cherish.

To me, it’s an inspiration from V&R’s Spicebomb but with more quality and refinement… Having both is totally redundant.

I bought it blindly because it made it into some ranking of the best designer fragrances. I love the bergamot opening; it gives a fresh touch to the ensemble but fades quickly. The middle notes are very well blended, with none standing out. Soon the intensity drops, and a ‘darkened’ vanilla highlighted by spices takes over until the end. An elegant, talcum-powdered, and masculine vanilla. It’s very pleasant and cosy. I see it for everything except summer, as it doesn’t have excessive sweetness. It can be used indoors (home, visiting friends, work…) perfectly because it’s not overwhelming; it could easily become a signature fragrance for the colder months.

What a shame it’s been discontinued… from the Gentlemen Only line, it was the only redeemable one, both in originality, longevity, and above all projection. I think, being intrusive due to the spicy opening of nutmeg and spices, it was more to men’s taste than women’s, the latter usually preferring sweet scents (which is why ‘La Vie Est Belle’ is a nightmare clone in perfumeries across the planet)… and since for most men attracting women is the main (though not exclusive) goal of buying a perfume, it didn’t gain much traction. Personally, I found it an exquisite aroma, with personality and one that stood out against such generic or cloned fragrances as 1 Million, but unfortunately, the best perfumery isn’t appreciated by the masses who let themselves be led by fashion…

I absolutely loved GENTLEMEN ONLY ABSOLUTE by Givenchy. What a surprise this Absolute was. Little is said about it, and it’s really good. The opening presents a bergamot that within minutes gives way to the trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron, which are the soul of the party. I see this spicy part as masterfully worked and polished; you never feel the sharpness of the cinnamon or the intensity of the saffron at any point. I feel the nutmeg balances it perfectly. After an hour and until it dries, it complements a vanilla that takes the spotlight, a slightly powdery vanilla nuanced with the aforementioned spices. Absolute has been conquering me little by little; I’ve used it on night outings and it’s enchanting. It’s attractive, sophisticated, and has its sensual point. It’s not scandalous but certainly noticeable. It can be a great option for a one-on-one encounter. It doesn’t ask for much from Spicebomb, although having both could be redundant. One of the best Givenchy has in its lineup. In general, the Gentlemen/Gentleman saga is more than interesting. Performance isn’t bad, around 8 hours, with moderate projection for the first two. Afterwards, it stays in your personal space but remains perceptible. Its seasons are autumn and winter, preferably in the afternoon or evening. Suitable for informal or semi-formal wear. Excellent quality/price ratio. It generates compliments. JGS

Spiced vanilla from start to finish. Exquisite. Little projection, but perfect for enjoying alone for many hours.

Very current and versatile. Stunning for fresh days, but in my opinion, suitable all year round. By day, ideal for work and errands; by night, formidable for leisure. It’s noble and approachable. It begins fresh with aromatic citrus that quickly moves to a cinnamon and nutmeg blend, giving it an ethereal touch. At the end, a creamy and warm vanilla. I wear it brilliantly with informal and sportswear. I know it’s not very fresh, but I adore sweets. It has just the right amount of sweetness with a spicy kick from the spices. A good fragrance, balanced and harmonious. Recommended for all ages, except teenagers who prefer musks and citrus.

Warm, but not cloying. Cinnamon and vanilla predominate, making it ideal for cold or rainy autumn-winter days when you want to stay in, watch a film, or spend time with family. I consider it a friendly scent, nothing invasive or suffocating; perhaps that is its flaw.

At first, for 15 or 20 minutes, it smells a lot like Spicebomb, but then it changes to something cleaner, soapy, and warm, paying homage to its name: Gentlemen Only. It’s ideal and very versatile for autumn/winter. A subtle yet persistent fragrance that is always there, close to the skin.

Longevity, longevity, and more longevity. That was one of the reasons I bought it. It was love at first sight… which then transmuted into a toxic relationship full of mistrust. It has a spicy and magnificent opening (even grandiose), followed by a middle phase where the sandalwood makes it feel excessively soapy. But in its third act, the nutmeg shines, rescuing the good parts of the experience. And its great performance: an easy eight hours on skin with a superlative trail. It’s a risky but formal perfume, spicy yet soft, eccentric yet versatile. It hits you and caresses you. I think it’s the best in the Gentleman collection. The only drawback: that cloying and soapy middle phase (it reminded me of Loewe Solo Platinum). Coming back to the point, it has so many virtues that we forget its flaws: a toxic yet pleasant relationship. For me, an 8/10.

The opening is very spicy; I detect nutmeg and bergamot mixed together, and with the perfume’s intensity, it eventually becomes unpleasant. Once it dries down, cinnamon and vanilla emerge; mixed with the nutmeg, it creates a super-spicy, sweet, and interesting blend. The performance is excellent, both in longevity and projection. I recommend it; anyone who buys this fragrance knows they are getting something of quality.

Many say ‘more of the same’ referring to this perfume, but others would kill to be executed so well with quality ingredients and smell this good. I like it very much.

It fits into that Spicebomb line and similar ones. That overly sweet cinnamon that sometimes tires me, but well, you can also feel the effect of the saffron which gives it a darker, leathery note. It has an acceptable performance. Not bad.

Gentlemen Only Absolute is a cinnamon bomb well accompanied by nutmeg, giving it an extra touch of sensuality. To this is added a sweet and creamy vanilla, creating a warm, seductive, and masculine trail, ideal for autumn and winter nights. It is similar to many other fragrances that are in fashion, and the truth is those others are better. This one is not bad, but it does not stand out. While its projection and longevity are moderate, I feel the essence lacks that distinctive touch that would make it exclusive. I find it boring, linear, and totally dispensable. In Fragrantica there are only three options: ‘I love it’, ‘I like it’, and ‘I don’t like it’. I think it is time to add a middle term. I would like to see the option ‘indifferent’.

Well Givenchy, you are back in the big leagues. Only Gentlemen Absolute is a perfume that exalts spices. A powerful opening of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla; the citrus notes fade into the background, having no chance to stand out against spices that are excellently balanced; you can indeed smell the cinnamon and cloves. In summary, if you acquire Givenchy Absolute, you ensure a 100% virile and sensual men’s perfume that is totally pleasing to women; in fact, I only receive compliments when I wear it. While I am more of a fan of Mediterranean scents like Acqua di Gio Essenza, this perfume managed to convince me. Do not overapply; two sprays are enough, otherwise it can be suffocating in very enclosed spaces, and it is the best companion for cold seasons like autumn and winter. Congratulations to Givenchy, you are waking up from a long slumber in men’s perfumery.