The original Aramis is not really to my taste anymore as I found out when I purchased it again after more than 10 years. Too dated and harsh in the opening and doesn't change in the drydown to redeem it. This however (to my nose anyway) Aramis Gentlemen is definitely evocative of the original but also quite different in it's own right. To me this is not much more than a cooler and more paletable version of the original, which is manly yet not overtly so, cool but still spicy, and quite muted instead of brash...so apropiately named Gentlemen then! Not the sort of thing I'd wear myself, nor does it really capture my imagination but a nice mature smell for a proper man.
This is a re-review as I have changed my position slightly on the first. I'm not quite sure what others are smelling here judging by the reviews but I think Gentleman is a good, solid fragrance. Yes it's more appealing to a younger crowd than it's predecessor but that's not a negative because to my my nose it carries enough of that classic, masculine vibe to work. Opens with a lemony sharp citrus, pepper and ginger then dries down to a hinted at original Aramis, moss, suede and a touch of patchouli. This is just a backdrop for the ginger & spices which are present but not invasive. The problem with a scent like this is that folks who like a good strong masculine fougere or aromatic fragrance will find it toothless and weak. Whereas those of us into more modern fare might find this not inspiring or different enough...so Aramis Gentleman can't really win either way. The reason I enjoyed Gentleman so much was because I fell out with Aramis some years ago, finding it to be a clumsy sledgehammer of a fragrance and some of this flankers just seem more focused and this one is no exception. When I put it in perspective I think I prefer it to the likes of Dior Homme Sport which has similar notes but couldn't be more different in delivery. Good news for this one then, smell wise. Unfortunately the longevity isn't there and it stays close to the skin but I still want a bottle.
The original Aramis is not really to my taste anymore as I found out when I purchased it again after more than 10 years. Too dated and harsh in the opening and doesn't change in the drydown to redeem it. This however (to my nose anyway) Aramis Gentlemen is definitely evocative of the original but also quite different in it's own right. To me this is not much more than a cooler and more paletable version of the original, which is manly yet not overtly so, cool but still spicy, and quite muted instead of brash...so apropiately named Gentlemen then! Not the sort of thing I'd wear myself, nor does it really capture my imagination but a nice mature smell for a proper man.
This is a re-review as I have changed my position slightly on the first. I'm not quite sure what others are smelling here judging by the reviews but I think Gentleman is a good, solid fragrance. Yes it's more appealing to a younger crowd than it's predecessor but that's not a negative because to my my nose it carries enough of that classic, masculine vibe to work. Opens with a lemony sharp citrus, pepper and ginger then dries down to a hinted at original Aramis, moss, suede and a touch of patchouli. This is just a backdrop for the ginger & spices which are present but not invasive. The problem with a scent like this is that folks who like a good strong masculine fougere or aromatic fragrance will find it toothless and weak. Whereas those of us into more modern fare might find this not inspiring or different enough...so Aramis Gentleman can't really win either way. The reason I enjoyed Gentleman so much was because I fell out with Aramis some years ago, finding it to be a clumsy sledgehammer of a fragrance and some of this flankers just seem more focused and this one is no exception. When I put it in perspective I think I prefer it to the likes of Dior Homme Sport which has similar notes but couldn't be more different in delivery. Good news for this one then, smell wise. Unfortunately the longevity isn't there and it stays close to the skin but I still want a bottle.