Ah, Creed.
Is it the scent of kings or the niche fragrance brand with the best marketing?
As the story goes, King George III commissioned Creed’s first cologne in the 1780s, before they went on to receive royal warrants from royalty all throughout Europe.
One thing’s for sure. Whether their storied history is accurate or embellished, their fragrances today are extra distinct. They’re unafraid to mix contrasting notes, lean hard into unique scents, and simply find ways to be both tempered and bold.
They’ve got a large catalog though.
Don’t go into scent overload by sniffing out every single one of their fragrances. Instead, keep reading for our expert picks of the best Creed colognes to find the right one for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Remember when I said don’t go into scent overload? It’s because I did it for you. And trust me, you can’t do this in one sitting. Time is a great palette cleanser in between smell tests.
Fortunately for me, one of the benefits of living in New York City (and a stone’s throw away from Madison Avenue), is my proximity to their Madison boutique. In reality, I’ve been testing loads of Creed fragrances for years.
In addition to spending hours with this primary source, and the specialists manning the counters, I’ve spoken to other fragrance enthusiasts and experts, scoured the internet for reviews, and, of course, consulted with several ladies regarding what they like to smell on a gent.
We all have different tastes and priorities when it comes to how we want to smell. This is why I’ve given each pick a specific category.
6 Best Creed Fragrances for Men
Most Versatile: Aventus
Aventus is Creed’s flagship scent, boasting just as much lore as versatility. It came out in 2010, immediately caught the noses of the fragrance community, and by the mid aughts, blew up into mainstream popularity.
Aventus’s main strength is the fact it’s pretty inoffensive. I don’t mean to say it’s boring—it wouldn’t have gotten so popular if that were the case. It’s just so perfectly balanced.
The scent leads with a sweetness, but a light kind that isn’t sugary. Part of that has to do with the citrus and bergamot, the latter adding tartness. The entire smell then anchors itself in a masculine but not overly burly base.
There’s even subtle hints of pineapple, though it’s tempered with herbiness to avoid going the tropical route. The entire formula is firmly grounded in musk, a standard in men’s scents, though there’s just enough floral and fruit notes that it’s a bit more distinct. The scent journey is similar to the taste journey of a good whiskey.
You can just as easily pull off this fragrance in formal settings or while sandal-clad at a beach party, and it’s moderate enough for all seasons. Overall, Aventus is an easy reach, regardless of your personal tastes.
What I Like
- While the sweet top notes make Creed Aventus a formidable wear for spring and summer, the overall moderateness makes it a true year-rounder, and appropriate for both formal and casual contexts.
- It’s a classic, modern, recognizable scent that smells high quality.
- The formula offers good projection, without being overpowering thanks to the balanced blend.
What I Don’t Like
- At well over $350 for 50 millimeters, some argue that you can get similar smelling scents for far less of a cost.
What Other Reviewers Say
Aventus is Creed’s best-selling fragrance, and has been for quite some time.
It’s undeniably popular, and reviewers love how versatile it is. A few ladies even mention how much they enjoy Adventus’ balanced natural smell on their boyfriends and husbands.
There are two main complaints. First, a lot of people mention how common the scent is. I won’t deny this, but that’s pretty standard for such a popular and revolutionary niche fragrance. It’s almost like the Rolex Submariner of fragrances in that sense.
There are also a lot of grievances about the price, which is why I spotlight it under the cons section above. I will say though that none of the cheaper dupes smell as high quality as Aventus does.
The Verdict
Thanks to a harmonious blend that fully hits every kind of note, from sweet to woodsy to floral, Creed Aventus can be worn in any season and at any event. It’s distinct enough for special occasions, but also gentle enough to be your everyday signature fragrance.
Still, the musk and cedarwood base ensure it’s sufficiently masculine as well. It’s a classic (and classy) smell, perfect for a one-fragrance collection.
Thanks to a harmonious blend that fully hits every kind of note, from sweet to woodsy to floral, Creed Aventus can be worn in any season and at any event. It’s distinct enough for special occasions, but also gentle enough to be your everyday signature fragrance. It’s a classic (and classy) smell, perfect for a one-fragrance collection.
Best for Compliments: Millésime Impérial
Unlike so many marine-based fragrances, Millésime Impérial mixes in darker notes and aromas from dryland with its ocean base. It’s truly a unique fragrance, light yet grounded, relaxed yet disciplined. If you’re looking for a Creed frag that will get you noticed without overpowering your surroundings, this is the one.
There’s absolutely nothing textbook about Creed’s Millésime Impérial, and people will definitely notice it. It’s conspicuous and striking, but not because it’s heavy-handed.
It’s essentially an aquatic fragrance. But, unlike so many of the seafaring-inspired formulas on the market that stick to a salt plus citrus plus watermelon combo, Millésime Impérial has touches of heavier notes.
It works smarter to get your attention, not harder.
The scent is uniquely grounded, with blackcurrant up top and sandalwood at the bottom, which simultaneously makes it feel like a night-time and a day-time fragrance. It’s a surf and turf of sorts, a playful but still mature fragrance that’s difficult to match.
What I Like
- The nautical and citrus-laden flavor is pronounced and really makes an impression.
- The mix of salty and sweet makes this scent effectively unisex and can be shared between couples.
- Its musky base notes are subtle, but give the smell a more grown-up vibe without compromising the overall lightness.
What I Don’t Like
- It isn’t a hardcore summer smell, but it can be too beachy for the dead of winter and too casual for really formal occasions.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers are impressed with the scent, which many describe as both uncommon and peculiar, yet not weirdly unfamiliar. A good half of the reviewers I came across on the internet mention saving the scent for summer, while the other half report wearing it all year long.
The stunning all-gold 50ml bottle also gets a lot of love. One reviewer even writes it gives his bathroom a classy pop of color.
The Verdict
Unlike so many marine-based fragrances, Creed’s Millésime Impérial mixes in darker notes and aromas from dryland with its ocean base. It’s truly a unique fragrance, light yet grounded, relaxed yet disciplined.
If you’re looking for a Creed frag that will get you noticed without overpowering your surroundings, this is the one.
Unlike so many marine-based fragrances, Millésime Impérial mixes in darker notes and aromas from dryland with its ocean base. It’s truly a unique fragrance, light yet grounded, relaxed yet disciplined. If you’re looking for a Creed frag that will get you noticed without overpowering your surroundings, this is the one.
Longest Lasting: Green Irish Tweed
On one of my research days, I walked into the Creed Boutique and sampled Green Irish Tweed by dabbing a small amount on my inner left wrist. It must’ve been about noon. I also put an equal amount of Erolfa on my other wrist.
I kid you not when I say I could still strongly smell Green Irish Tweed on my wrist when I went to bed at around midnight the same day, while Erolfa had long faded. Even more, there were still remnants of the scent on my wrist the next morning.
Green Irish Tweed reportedly projects for the first two or three hours, meaning it’s at its strongest for that amount of time, and overall lasts a good 10 hours. In my experience, as you now know, it can last even longer.
On top of that, the scent itself is undeniably sophisticated. It has that classic forest-like vibe to it that works so well in most men’s fragrances, but it’s subtle, crisp, and fresh. I always describe GIT as making you smell like you just came back, freshly showered and tended to, from some upscale spa in the woods.
What I Like
- The scent is designed to last 10 hours without needing to be reupped, and can last even longer.
- Fresh and crisp, GIT smells natural, like you’re just really clean and maybe took a light walk around the woods.
- The initial projection can last up to two or three hours.
What I Don’t Like
- The convenient 50ml bottle is incredibly stylish, but the opaque, thick build makes it hard to know how much is left and when I need more.
What Other Reviewers Say
Like Aventus, Green Irish Tweed is a popular best-seller.
Many reviewers describe it as the fragrance version of their best suit. The scent they go for when they have an important meeting or an anniversary date.
And of course, it gets a lot of praise for how long it lasts.
The Verdict
Green Irish Tweed is a classy, clean scent that can last you up to 10 hours without needing to reapply it. Go for this variant if you’re looking for a crisp smell that you want to just set and forget.
Green Irish Tweed is a classy, clean scent that can last you up to 10 hours without needing to reapply it. Go for this variant if you’re looking for a crisp smell that you want to just set and forget.
Best for Warm Weather: Erolfa
While Millésime Impérial is a remixed nautical, Creed’s Erolfa is a true marine scent, making it the perfect summer fragrance. It actually also works well during the spring and any unseasonably warm day in the year.
Though it’s a tried-and-true ocean scent, it’s not formulaic. It opens with refreshing citrus and melon, then florals, all with an interestingly spicy undertone. It’s as if Creed took a standard, bright summer smell, and added a touch of clean, old-fashioned aftershave.
This gives it a more masculine undertone, without taking away from the easy, beachy salt aroma.
The scent’s brightness really pops on warm days, since it’s such a contrast to hot days when the air is stale, and moves around during breezy summer evenings.
What I Like
- Bright and citrusy, this nautical scent really shines during warm and hot days.
- The extra spice adds a masculinity to the formula, while maintaining the overall lightness.
- Since the fragrance is so light, the sillage (or the trail left in a room once you’ve left), is quite pleasant and not overbearing.
What I Don’t Like
- Compared to other Creeds, this one doesn’t last particularly long.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers love the vibrant scent, many praising the heart notes (otherwise known as the middle notes which is what you smell when the initial aroma dissipates).
I do agree that they’re unique. The Creed website mentions that Erolfa’s heart notes include watermelon and cucumber, which is a classic for nautical fragrance, but also florals, violet, and jasmine, which helps ease you into the subtly woodier bottom notes.
There are complaints that Erolfa doesn’t last very long, though a few report it lasts longer in hot weather.
The Verdict
Creed’s Erolfa is a classic aquatic, hitting all of the summer-friendly prerequisites, while breaking off from the standard just a bit so it isn’t boring. It’s just a touch woody, making it a non-intimidating rendition of a bright fragrance, for men who are more used to traditionally musky scents.
Creed’s Erolfa is a classic aquatic, hitting all of the summer-friendly prerequisites, while breaking off from the standard just a bit so it isn’t boring. It’s just a touch woody, making it a non-intimidating rendition of a bright fragrance, for men who are more used to traditionally musky scents.
Best for Cool Weather: Royal Oud
A truly stately fragrance, Royal Oud’s namesake comes from its main base tone.
Oud is a luxurious wood that comes from agarwood, which is simultaneously fruity and sweet, with an herby and floral undertone, and an undeniable musk. It’s complex but balanced, giving this fragrance a mature and dark aroma that’s perfect for winter time or to accompany evening wear.
The top notes are beautifully evened out. There’s a combination of lime, as well as pink pepper, which has a nutty spiciness with hints of floral undertones. The overall smell is almost like what an old fashioned cocktail tastes like, a tempered boldness with loads of swank.
What I Like
- The dark woodsy aroma is posh and complex.
- Distinctly, the oud scent anchoring the whole formula features an earthy base with floral and herbaceous notes, a unique partnership of musky and light.
- Oud comes from elusive and protected agarwood trees, making this scent exclusive and rare.
What I Don’t Like
- Some might consider this fragrance to be stuffy or old-fashioned.
What Other Reviewers Say
This scent appeals to those who love traditional and timeless colognes. Several reviewers even refer to it as an instant heirloom scent, the kind they’d like to pass on to their sons.
The Verdict
Creed’s luxurious Royal Oud fragrance has a classy and dark smell rooted in complex wood aromas. It has a confident tone and is especially suitable during the evening and in cooler weather.
Creed’s luxurious Royal Oud fragrance has a classy and dark smell rooted in complex wood aromas. It has a confident tone and is especially suitable during the evening and in cooler weather.
Best With a Suit: Royal Mayfair
Creed’s Royal Mayfair is a lot like Royal Oud in that it has a posh vibe about it. However, it’s the lighter counterpart to the Oud’s musk and wood-driven personality. It isn’t light the same way the beachy fragrances are though, and instead leans on florals and dry charm.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a substantial wood base to this scent profile, it’s just a cleaner and sharper pine, rather than a smoky agarwood. This makes Royal Mayfair a unisex aroma that leans masculine.
One unique ingredient in the formula is the mix of lime with gin in the top note. It provides a dry sophistication that also teams up with the eucalyptus, which makes this formal scent more relaxed and less stuffy.
What I Like
- The combination of gin, lime, and flowers is calming yet formal, with a dry British sensibility.
- Inspired by British royalty, the aroma is both lavish yet disciplined, perfect for professional occasions.
- The touch of eucalyptus in the base tones adds unique vibrancy to an otherwise tempered profile.
What I Don’t Like
- It’s perfectly unisex, but it might be too floral for some men’s tastes.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers are impressed with the fact this fragrance is flowery and fruity, yet comes out dry and perfectly unisex. Chalk it up to Creed’s excellent cheffing.
It also gets points for being refreshing enough for summer and strong enough for winter.
The Verdict
Creed Royal Mayfair is elegant and understated, yet filled with personality. The pine anchor is grounding but bright, while the top notes include a smart gin and lime cocktail, tempered by serene eucalyptus and florals throughout.
Creed Royal Mayfair is elegant and understated, yet filled with personality. The pine anchor is grounding but bright, while the top notes include a smart gin and lime cocktail, tempered by serene eucalyptus and florals throughout.
Notable Mentions
Here are a few other Creed fragrances I enjoy wearing:
- Silver Mountain Water. The almost metallic smell is smooth and warm, with a comforting combination of tea and blackcurrant. This is a great fresh daytime fragrance, and a particularly good fit if you like heavy musk.
- Viking. This fragrance is extra pronounced due to its pepper notes and a licorice-like aroma of absinthe as a top note. Go for Viking if you like something spicy and distinct—it also offers a lot of versatility and can be worn all year long.
- Virgin Island Water. With its rum and coconut notes, this scent has a tropical flavor, but a far more serene and mature take on it. It’s excellent for summer, and my go-to for any tropical / beach resort type holiday.
- Aventus Cologne. The Cologne version has a lot of the same notes as regular Aventus, including birch and musk, but it’s all-around lighter. It’s an outstanding choice for casual and weekend wear when you want something subtle yet classy.
- Royal Water. The most delicate male fragrance in Creed’s range, Royal Water is vibrant and lemony but has an old school vibe to it. It’s a classy scent with decent longevity and projection, but it’s polarizing—don’t blind-buy without smelling it first.
- Bois du Portugal. A traditional mix of sandalwood and spices, this one’s for you if you enjoy those refined woodsy scents that your grandfather liked to wear. Think Chesterfield furniture and Old Master paintings.
3 Key Things to Consider Before Buying a Fragrance from Creed
Creed fragrances are universally high-quality. They use premium ingredients and sophisticated infusion processes that’s equal parts science and art.
That being the case, once you’ve decided that their equally as premium prices are worth the investment, there’s just a few other things to consider when choosing which fragrance to go for.
- What are you using it for? Do you want a subtle, moderate everyday fragrance like Aventus (or better yet, Aventus Cologne), or something with more punch for special occasions like Viking?
- Is it seasonal? Some fragrances are best worn during specific seasons, like the summery Erolfa. You can go for one year-round fragrance, or go for two scents per year: One for the warm seasons and one for the cooler seasons.
- What size bottle should you go for? As always, the bigger the bottle the more it’ll cost. However, the 50ml bottle is often decorative in design and offers the convenience of being eaiser to travel with. You can always go for the smaller bottle first, then refill it using the bigger bottles once it’s run out.
Which Creed Cologne is Right for You?
Thanks to its balanced formula, Aventus is an easy-reach masculine scent that you can easily wear all year long, formally, casually, and everything in between.
Thanks to a harmonious blend that fully hits every kind of note, from sweet to woodsy to floral, Creed Aventus can be worn in any season and at any event. It’s distinct enough for special occasions, but also gentle enough to be your everyday signature fragrance. It’s a classic (and classy) smell, perfect for a one-fragrance collection.
Of course, if you want something less moderate, the slightly spicy yet beachy Millésime Impérial is a real compliment magnet.
Unlike so many marine-based fragrances, Millésime Impérial mixes in darker notes and aromas from dryland with its ocean base. It’s truly a unique fragrance, light yet grounded, relaxed yet disciplined. If you’re looking for a Creed frag that will get you noticed without overpowering your surroundings, this is the one.
Meanwhile, the classy and clean Green Irish Tweed is designed to last up to 10 hours, and can likely even go longer. Erolfa may not last nearly as long, but it’s a vibrant nautical cologne, perfect for summer.
On the other side of the spectrum, Royal Oud, with its darker sophisticated tones, is tailor-made for fall and winter. Equally as sophisticated but in a completely different way, Royal Mayfair is floral, dressy, and dry.
FAQs
What is the best Creed fragrance for a date?
Aventus is the most versatile and features an array of notes that suits a wide range of personal styles. However, Green Irish Tweed is mature and sophisticated, and one of the most crisp scents in Creed’s range.
Does Creed Aventus get compliments?
Yes, Aventus is definitely a crowd pleaser, and an esteemed fragrance among fragrance lovers.
What is the relevance of Creed batch numbers?
Creed batch numbers, located at the bottom of the bottle, show the production date and batch number. All authentic Creed fragrances have one of these. The number on the bottle and the number on the box should always match.
Which Creed Aventus is better?
Aventus and Aventus Cologne are very similar, but Aventus Cologne is much lighter. While both are pretty moderate, Aventus Cologne leans harder into an everyday wear scent, while regular Aventus makes more of a statement.
