MONTBLANC
EXPLORER
2019
PERFUMER
Antoine Maisondieu
Jordi Fernandez
Olivier Pescheux
Bergamot
Pink Pepper
Clary Sage
Vetiver
Leather
Ambroxan
Akigalawood
patchouli
Cacao
I actually hadn’t tried the often compared Aventus before smelling Explorer. I have since, so I edited some of my thoughts below. What I did was wearing Explorer side by side with Mancera Cedrat Boise, to see how it would hold up.
Straight away, the difference is noticeable. Explorer has a fruitiness, but it’s opening is soft, almost neroli-like (and it does remind me of Bvlgari Wood Neroli). Cedrat Boise has a punchier, but also harsher and more orange-colored fruity note. I’m not the biggest fan of the Cedrat Boise opening, so I might prefer the softer, more nuanced Explorer…for about 3 minutes. The Montblanc remains simply fresh for a while, but the ambroxan kicks in and basically makes the existing scent harsher. At this stage Explorer actually reminds me a lot of Jeremy’s Office For Men, while Cedrat Boise starts to become heavier and smokier slowly, but steady straight away and significantly better.
Explorer is pleasant, but simple; bergamot and ambroxan. The bergamot fruitiness does get closer to Cedrat Boise as it gets heavier. It has little depth and longevity isn’t bad, but not great either. Cedrat Boise on the other hand has a drydown to die for. It’s more smokiness than fruits, although it retains a hint of that freshness. It’s perfectly balanced for a masculine fragrance, versatile and it’s one of my favorites.
It is not a straight up Aventus clone, although it’s undoubtedly inspired by its success. However; the fruitiness is different, it lacks the smokiness, it lacks the greenness. It’s not the same fragrance.
In my opinion, Explorer is worth its money and for the average consumer, it’s probably a good way to go. However, I think Cedrat Boise does a much much better job and can be found at nearly similar prices nowadays. As far as Aventus goes, I don’t think Explorer works as a true alternative (instead look for something like Tiziani Terenzi Orion.