I love the fresh barbershop smell of this one, and the pedigree is amazing (no reformulation since its creation 1916!), but the performance is famously terrible. I can source 100ml for a 66% discount on RRP, so I gave my 2ml sample a full wear test to see if I could come to terms with the longevity. Sadly, I could not. It became a skin scent on 45 mins and then was gone by 90. Not for me.

I put this one on with intention. A few sprays of Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée and I immediately knew this wasn’t a loud, flashy fragrance—it’s calm, smooth, and confident. This feels like something you wear when you don’t need to prove anything. Right off the opening, I get that creamy iris mixed with a boozy whiskey note. It’s not harsh or sharp at all. Instead, it’s warm, slightly sweet, and very refined. As it settles, the chestnut and woods come through and give it a cozy, almost luxurious feel. This is the kind of scent that works best close to the skin, especially in the evening. What really stands out to me is how well-blended it is. Nothing screams for attention. It just sits there quietly, doing its job, and doing it well. This is a grown-man scent—perfect for cooler weather, date nights, or any situation where subtle confidence matters more than projection. Ratings: Scent: 8.8 / 10 Sillage: 7.5 / 10 Longevity: 8 / 10 Overall, Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée is smooth, classy, and understated. It may not be a beast mode fragrance, but that’s exactly the point. This one is about presence, not volume. A solid choice for any Brother who appreciates elegance over noise.

Good day gentlemen. I was in the mood for this yesterday so it was an easy grab for me this morning