CREED
Viking Cologne

2021

mandarin
Lemon
Pink Pepper
Bergamot

Lavender
Geranium
Rosemary
Sage
Nutmeg

Vetiver
Sandalwood
Cedarwood
frankincense
Patchouli

‘An energetic, refreshing & aromatic fougère fragrance, inspired by the first light of Spring in the unspoilt Norwegian fjords.’ – Creed

Viking Cologne was a release that felt like a letdown to me when I tried it upon its release in 2021. And after sampling it again in 2024, I still can’t say that I care much for it.

Somehow, this keeps getting compared to Terre D’Hermes and while I get a hint of that green, citrussy woody (probably iso e super) DNA, I think the comparison is completely misleading and the two aren’t even in the same genre.

This has citrus and it’s fresh, but it’s much more of a spicy, peppery, barbershop scent overall; closer to Eau Sauvage or Bois du Portal for that matter, than it is to Terre D’Hermes for me. But it gets even warmer and sweeter in its spices than those (nutmeg is listed, but I could easily see clove or even cinnamon in this). Viking Cologne is a true fougere to me.

What I don’t love in Viking Cologne is the inclusion of a subtle aquatic tone to it. It lands somewhere in between that masculine aromatic retro scent, but in a modern jacket and an aquatic generic designer fragrance. I guess if you’re looking for a familiar fougere sports flanker, this would do the job.

It’s pleasant to wear, but it lacks personality. There’s nothing in Viking Cologne that can justify its price point either for me. Not one of Creed’s highlights, but an easy going wear that won’t offend anyone either.