MONTBLANC
EXPLORER EXTREME
2025
PERFUMER
Antoine Maisondieu
Jordi Fernandez
bergamot
patchouli
vetiver
amber
leather
‘Montblanc Explorer Extreme embodies the quintessence of modern masculinity, an intoxicating fusion of intensity and sophistication. The Explorer signature is pushed beyond intense in this extreme version, with warm amber and leathery accords.’ – Montblanc
Explore Extreme is the follow-up to one of the most popular designer releases of the past decade. Whereas Explorer was losely, but definitely, inspired by Creed Aventus, it’s easy to see more of a connection to Absolu Aventus here. I don’t feel like it’s a full-on copy of that, but it’s close (overall, closer than to the often compared Dior Sauvage Elixir in my eyes). It’s a mix between the original Explorer and those.
Meaning that you get that typical, fruity, slightly smoky opening of Aventus and Cedrat Boise. More heft, spices and smokiness here than in the original Explorer, yet not as green and transparent as the original Aventus was. In that sense, this opens closest to Absolu Aventus. I have the same critique here as with Absolu Aventus, in that they opening feels cheaper and screechier than their originals. There’s something about this sweeter, riper, orangy-citrus versus the more watery, greener originals that comes off grating on my skin. It’s not really an issue in the air to be honest, but when smelled up close, I dislike it.
As it dries, more of a pepperiness comes through, as with Absolu Aventus, going towards Sauvage Elixir DNA. I don’t think it takes it all the way there with Explorer Extreme; keeping more of the citrussy, OG DNA combined with the more traditional masculine, fresh spicy showergel-cologne vibe. It stays mixed with a sweetness from the ripe-fruity opening, but eventually, it becomes more of a Sauvage style than the original Explorer/Aventus. From memory, Sauvage Elixir has a more clashing ambery sweetness than Explorer Extreme in the base; both the announced amber and leather are understated.
Performance seems fine for me, but definitely less than with Absolu Aventus & Sauvage Elixir. Pricing is its strong suit. Whereas I felt there were other/better alternatives for the original Explorer (like Cedrat Boise), here one could at least make the case that this is worth it over the Creed & Dior. That being said, you won’t find anything unique, interesting or elevated for that price either. I’m not a fan of this style and Explorer Extreme does nothing to change that. Despite utilizing respected perfumers, it’s hard to argue that this is any less of a copy than your average Middle Eastern clone house and I think it should be regarded as such.