Vetiver by Guerlain
Men 2000
Main accords
Description
Vetiver by Guerlain is an aromatic woody fragrance for men. Launched in 2000, this composition was created by perfumer Jean-Paul Guerlain. The olfactory pyramid begins with top notes of bergamot, tobacco, lemon, nutmeg, neroli, coriander and mandarin; the heart reveals vetiver, pepper, carnation, sage, sandalwood and iris root; while the base settles on vetiver, oakmoss, leather, myrrh, galbanum, tonka bean…
Show moreQuick summary
The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I own it
18,533 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
6,468 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Spring
7,928 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Day
3,694 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Vetiver
Vetiver by Guerlain is an aromatic woody fragrance for men. Launched in 2000, this composition was created by perfumer Jean-Paul Guerlain. The olfactory pyramid begins with top notes of bergamot, tobacco, lemon, nutmeg, neroli, coriander and mandarin; the heart reveals vetiver, pepper, carnation, sage, sandalwood and iris root; while the base settles on vetiver, oakmoss, leather, myrrh, galbanum, tonka bean and amber.
Spices Green, herbal and fougère Woods and mosses Flowers Musk, amber and animalic Resins and balsams
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
More from Guerlain
Related editions
More from Jean-Paul Guerlain
How it wears
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
Longevity
Leading answer Long-lasting
2,924 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Moderate
3,151 votes
Character
Leading answer Traditionally masculine
1,888 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
1,702 votes
You may also like
Community reviews
40 reviews
Share what you noticed: opening, drydown, sillage and the moments when it works for you.
Smells super herbal, like the classic barbershop scents of yesteryear. It’s very potent at first, but as it dries down, it leaves a balsamic effect. Some might say it smells like an older person, and it’s true it’s not for hitting on people at a club in your twenties; it’s for dressing formally and smelling distinguished. To me, it doesn’t smell old because it has fresh, wearable notes. I see it for spring; in summer, it might be too heavy.
Straight 10/10. I bought this for myself a year ago to celebrate graduating as a general practitioner. I purchased it blindly, seeking something from Guerlain for its prestige, and it was on the shelf at Costco. The first spray transported me to my fifties, but in a good way; it wraps me in timeless elegance. It’s clean, fresh, elegant, and versatile. I always wear it for consultations. The notes blend harmoniously: it starts citrusy, then becomes woody with a vetiver that is slightly earthy and refined. My girlfriend loves it. However, despite Guerlain’s quality, I’ve travelled a lot with the bottle and feel the liquid has been a bit compromised and doesn’t last as long as it did at the start, but I would buy it again without hesitation.
A classic fragrance with the aromatic quality Guerlain has always provided. Very evolutionary, in my opinion a timeless work of art. Vetiver in all its facets: green, dry, and sweet at the end. It opens very citrusy and green, almost untamed, but soon transitions to something creamier, even soapy. The vetiver is always present, from the green to the softest notes. Fantastic for completing a formal outfit. I think it’s suitable for all seasons, but it looks best in warm weather. Adequate performance, good longevity, and moderate sillage. You can’t miss it.
I’m not a fan of green scents, but only God knows how much I love this perfume. It’s vintage, mature, fresh, and unique. For me, it’s the best vetiver I’ve ever smelled, beating others that absurdly cost up to four times as much.
I’m going to be crucified, but it’s not what I expected. To me, it seems quite a dark fragrance, very earthy, suitable for cold and rainy days, with a strong resemblance to Encre Noire. I expected something fresher, like Vetiver Homme by Adolfo Dominguez. I’ll let it macerate and see, but for now, I don’t like it.
Name, a delicious fragrance, a complete work of art. The first time I sprayed it, I could feel all its notes at once: wow, what a well-made job! Now I understand why they call it timeless. Very elegant, very sober, and fresh. If anyone has doubts about the scent, it reminded me a lot of chamomile tea. Excellent perfume, Guerlain never disappoints, one of my new favourites.
It’s quite curious, hehe. It doesn’t smell like an old fragrance or a grandfather’s perfume to me, but it also doesn’t smell like perfume. Hehe, it’s not something I would use. I consider it simply curious. You need to smell it before buying it; if you already know Vetiver Post Date, it smells good.
The opening is very earthy from the start, but at the same time you can feel the citrus touch and a bit of bitterness, making for a strong opening. Afterwards, it begins to soften, and on certain occasions I perceive it as a sweet and creamy vetiver, then the bitterness and earthiness return. It’s a scent that initially confused me due to the strength of its opening, but there was something that hooked me and I decided to keep it. Now it’s one of my favourites; at least I always perceive it differently, it takes turns between floral, earthy, bitter, citrusy, and green.
100% masculine perfume, a classic and guaranteed quality. Smell like an old man? Not a chance. Classics never go out of fashion. The vetiver in its paradigmatic essence. Do not accept imitations, silly derivatives, or postmodern substitutes. You can wear it even with a tracksuit and what others think is unnecessary. There are even Taliban for dressing. What pains and snobs some are. Given the current state of designer perfumery, I even find it an economical fragrance.
A matter of taste. It’s true that in these times a person might wear a Pocoyo t-shirt with a bow tie, tight checkered trousers, white basketball socks, sports trainers with gold branding (or flip-flops), sunglasses, and a cap from the New York Yankees (or Real Madrid, Barcelona, or whichever club) to go to their sister’s wedding, their father’s funeral, or perhaps (though I doubt it) the London Philharmonic and not stand out too much. It’s also permissible to combine that outfit with this Guerlain Vetiver or a 2304 euro Roja Parfume. Depending on the situation, it might even be appropriate or common, for example the ‘new rich style’ that 80s rap singers had, combining Ferraris with Inuit basketball outfits wherever they went. It’s also true that nowadays if you dress formally you are seen as a snob (a ‘pijo’ in non-snob Spanish) and if you recommend it to combine with a fragrance you are a pain (a ‘coñazo’ in that same non-snob Spanish). The truth is I perfectly understand those opinions as they might not be lying (though they could exaggerate a bit). Formality is unfashionable now and it’s usually conservative and uptight people who practice it… I suppose. Times change, for better and for worse, some things disappear and of course ‘Vetiver’ can be used to scent sheets or to freshen up a car, where surely the user wouldn’t look bad as one shouldn’t live off others. On the other hand, just as I recommend using deodorant to go on a bus during rush hour in the middle of a hot summer, or using a fresh fragrance above 30°C, or sportswear to go running (though whoever wants to go in a tuxedo is within their rights), I also recommend a relatively formal outfit for Vetiver as I believe it lends itself to it, though in no way will I put downs on whoever wants to use it with sportswear (though that would seem a bit snob, pijo, or uptight to me). In any case, Vetiver is a highly recommended fragrance. Apologies to anyone who may disagree with my opinion, but if I may say so: what critics some others are!
Highly recommended. It’s not a modern fragrance, and I celebrate that. It’s old-school, elegant for a suit and blazer, not for trainers. It evokes a classic virility from the last century, perhaps a little anachronistic, but with an unexpected appeal among younger people. The green opening is well-structured; it’s not a dessert vetiver, it can be rough, but it’s coherent with its era. There are subtle aldehydes that might scare some off. Longevity and projection are decent for the price. It’s not for blind buying if you’re after fashion, but it’s a great option for lovers of the classics.
They say it was the most refined vetiver ever created, but today it feels a bit dull. It’s linear, dry, and green, but not in a good way. Compared to modern interpretations, it’s one-dimensional, like wearing an abandoned garden all day. If you’re looking for evolution, it falls short. It’s a good trophy to collect, but for wearing… not so much. There are better options: Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford is cleaner and more accessible, maintaining the green essence without the harshness of the 60s. Or Vetiver Tonka by Hermès, which is warmer and sweeter. It’s not the best vetiver; there are more balanced and complex alternatives, without the patina of the years.
Sparkling, classic, and timeless. It has great presence and character. Created in 1959, it has managed to endure until today. It’s not for everyone or all ages; it’s clean, firm, and characterful. An olfactory experience if you are receptive. It should be in the collection of every man with strong character.
At first, it didn’t surprise me, then it caught my attention, and now I’m in love. It has become one of my top five daily wear favourites. Vetiver is my favourite note, and here it shines for the harmony of citrus, florals, woods, and something animal. It’s harmonious, neat, formal, dominant, and semi-versatile. It’s not for everyone; it’s for lovers of things well-made.
My favourite fragrance, above all others I’ve used. I wore it at school; my mother ironed my shirts and the scent lingered. It lasted a long time on my skin. I haven’t worn it in years, but I’m going to order one to reminisce about that youth. My judgement may be biased by my preference, but it’s an exquisite scent worthy of enjoyment.
Simply a masterpiece. It shrinks your heart. It’s classic, sober, and balanced. It reminds me of the smell of my classroom as a child: slate, chalk, books, pencils. It’s for a man who doesn’t seek attention, who cares little for others’ opinions, and who smiles when adjusting his Omega watch. It’s a lesson in perfumery and exquisite taste. It’s restrained, with measured projection and respectable longevity. It’s not a beast; it’s discretion and moderation, very present in the immediate surroundings. It’s dry, not fresh, a little rough, neither hot nor refreshing. A scent that needs no explanation. If you have a nose trained in classics, you’ll love it.
I speak as a woman about an iconic men’s perfume, the epitome of virility. Many young people dismiss it as vintage or out of fashion, but elegance and masculinity never go out of style. I clarify that I’m speaking of the 2000 version, prior to the last reformulation. Smelling it on a man gives me goosebumps; I feel like he’s a man with clear ideas and goals. At first, it seems rough, with smoky tobacco and marked nutmeg; I don’t notice the citrus at the start. Then the beautiful vetiver shines: green, natural, crisp, with lily root, carnation, pepper, and sandalwood. Afterwards, it’s bolstered by oakmoss, myrrh, amber, and tonka bean, which sweeten it slightly without making it sweet. Finally, a leather embraces it all. It’s old school with style and class. It can be a niche perfume today, the one that goes against the grain to be itself. There are vetiver deals, but none as rough and manly as this. It’s an Eau de Toilette, but on my father it lasts over 10 hours with moderate sillage. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
I agree that it recalls club or gym lockers, with that smell of wet wood and disinfection. Harsh detergents don’t disgust me when I shower, but not for projecting them. I’d add that, as BassoProfumo says, it has a medicinal opening. I’m testing if I can get used to it, but the truth is it’s difficult. I respect those who love it; it’s very personal. I’d prefer Héritage EDT or Habit Rouge a thousand times. I think pure vetiver isn’t for me.
A signature fragrance with class. It’s a very masculine scent but not heavy or suffocating. The vetiver stands out accompanied by citrus, an earthy part, and a spicy part of pepper. It turns out to be versatile, although I lean more towards warm climates; it adds sophistication, maturity, and elegance. It suits day and night, casual and formal, although I think it’s better for those over 30. In compliments, I received none when wearing it at 18, even being told I smelled mature, but also no negative comments. Performance was moderate: it lasted 5-6 hours, projected quite a bit, and the trail was noticeable until 4-5 hours. The price isn’t the most economical, but it feels different, natural, and of quality. Compliments 5, Longevity 6, Projection 9, Sillage 9, Price 6. Total 7.
I like it very much on humid, cloudy days with temperatures over 20 degrees. It fits my skin chemistry in these conditions. The opening can result in being very classic, bitter, slightly stinging, and perhaps retro. The first 10/15 minutes that sensation persists, which can put off noses accustomed to modern openings. But as it dries down, it has such a pleasant creamy green note, with a slightly sweet point that I love. I wear it when I don’t feel like drawing attention; it’s a safe haven, relaxing, and sober.
Just tried it. To me, it feels nothing new; any vetiver-based scent as a main note sounds old, repetitive, and overdone, usually smelling of age. However, this Guerlain version stands out from the usual comparisons like Encre Noire or the Hermes one. It has very few citrus notes, though for me vetiver already carries a hint of ‘citrus’, plus wild, damp herbal tones. What strikes me most is how it transports me to the post-shower feeling at the gym, pool, or sauna—that clean, wet freshness. Lots of moisture. As everyone knows, the Hermes is far more citrusy, while Encre Noir is wilder, more ‘woodsy’. This Guerlain Vetiver is like an Encre Noir but more sophisticated, more urban, and let’s say cleaner. All in all, it’s a very good perfume; I’d say essential for vetiver lovers. I’m still deciding if I like vetiver or not, so that’s how it goes; my heart is torn. This is the impression it leaves on me, considering I’ve only recently taken up this hobby and don’t understand the technical jargon in this field.
Just got it today. Where I live it’s hot; today it was 32 degrees Celsius and the perfume performed very well. It’s not one of those citrus or aromatic scents that vanish so quickly. I must say the scent is highly aromatic and herbal, yes, it’s very similar to medicinal herbs. Nevertheless, I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ll continue to use it regularly and hope that over time the perfume gains more presence in its less herbal notes.
I’ve had it for very little time; in the dry-down it smells very much like Encre Noire. As the opening notes suggest, it’s balsamic and spicy, very old-school, almost archaic. I’d use it in cold or fresh seasons. So far, I don’t like it, but the quality is there.
What a delight. Totally a Guerlain signature. 👏👏👏👏👏 P.S.: I consider it totally unisex.
A classic fragrance, very old-school. Its opening is eminently citrusy and lemony before evolving into a vetiver with floral and powdery undertones. Some say it has a certain medicinal-herbal aroma, and I must agree. It feels unisex to me, but I don’t see a young woman wearing this; rather, an older lady. For men, it’s more versatile despite being a scent from over 60 years ago (I believe 1959); I think it can be worn by those over 35-40, though a younger person could dare to use it to stand out from the crowd. This isn’t a synthetic bubblegum or blue scent as has been repeated since 2010; this is a classic that, despite reformulations, hasn’t been discontinued and remains relevant. For a reason, surely? Though I’m aware that this Guerlain masterpiece is either loved or hated. I love it. Its longevity and sillage are moderate; it should last longer, but since it’s a daytime soul perfume, I suppose its moderate life isn’t bad. I like to wear it for walks in the park with my 6-year-old son, preferably on a spring day. Its scent makes me feel good. Exquisite, elegant, old-school yet timeless. That is Guerlain Vetiver, much to the dismay of detractors such as the rogue Andrés Croxatto in his YouTube reviews.
I love vetiver. But I think there are better options on the market, being almost a staunch enemy and yet a lover of Guerlain. They have beautiful creations, but almost all with depressing performance and an absurd price for what they are, nearly ephemeral. Vetiver is no exception; it lasts about 3 hours, after which you have to sniff your wrist to smell it. It has little evolution; I must mention its vetiver is sweeter than bitter, powdery yet elegant. If you’re looking for an intense, more refined vetiver with decent longevity, better go for Terre d’Hermès Vetiver Eau Intense.
The immediate opening, and even a bit after, smells in my opinion very old-school, extremely powdery and medicinal. Then the dry-down smells slightly more contemporary and pleasant.
I love it! I smelled it for the first time almost 20 years ago… in the Mexican Caribbean. It seemed very interesting to me, and a person around 45 years old was wearing it. I bought it and I like to use it on rainy days. It hasn’t worked in the office or in enclosed places; most people used to generic scents find it heavy… Someone perceived the fragrance as smelling like weed 😒. It’s fresh, soapy, clean… It lasts from… 6 to 10 hours depending on the sprays, and on clothes it can still be detected a few days after use…
This perfume is a joke. It smells like cheap cologne and doesn’t last more than 4 hours, not to mention it’s a linear scent. It’s not worth the cost. Those from Chile will surely find a certain resemblance to the classic Flaño, and regarding price, there’s no way to lose (7,000 pesos for Flaño 120ml vs 43,000 pesos for Guerlain Vetiver 100ml).
Well, I’m not an expert, but although it smells very, very nice, it has disappointed me. It lacks projection and longevity. I don’t like colognes that are too invasive, but so, so discreet, well, that’s just it. And the longevity is a joke; in two hours there’s nothing left.