When Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb hit the shelves in 2012, its success ensured several flankers would follow. The best Spicebomb fragrances for men blend exotic spices with fruits, tobacco, wood and leather for a true statement scent.
I expected the Spicebomb line of fragrances to simply be beast-mode, attention-seeking clubbing scents for 20-somethings. However, I am delighted to report that the collection has evolved with depth and maturity.
Best Spicebomb Fragrances
I’ve selected 4 of the best Spicebomb fragrances that every man should consider for his collection. Plus, their hand-grenade bottles look cool on your shelf!
1. Spicebomb Eau de Toilette
Review
Launched in 2012, Spicebomb Eau de Toilette is more than the name suggests. Sure, it’s spicy, but it brings tobacco, leather, and citrus notes for extra wow.
The opening is spicy/zesty, with bergamot and grapefruit sprinkles with pepper. A spicy heart of saffron, cinnamon and paprika adds more intensity.
Upon dry-down, tobacco, leather, and the earthy woodiness of vetiver add mystery and style. Settles to a spicy trio of leather, cinnamon and pepper.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Elemi
Mid Notes:
Saffron, Cinnamon, Paprika
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Tobacco, Leather
Seasons & Longevity
This one leans more autumn/winter, and I personally feel it’s more of a daytime scent. Layer with the minty/vanilla cleanness of Versace Eros.
Longevity is good at 5+ hours with excellent sillage and projection for the first 3 hours. Offers good value for money.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Pros | Well-balanced spicy/leather scent that gets compliments |
Cons | Perhaps a little too popular as many guys still wear it |
2. Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum
Review
Released in 2015, Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum is an eruption of spice combined with leafy tobacco and lush vanilla.
I found that pepper-coated vanilla and tobacco seem to emerge first, strongly supported by a heart of caraway, cumin, cinnamon and saffron.
Tobacco takes a while to kick in from the base. The whole scent settles into a vanilla/tobacco combo with a devilish spicy side. Classy.
Also, consider reading my review of Bvlgari Man In Black Eau de Parfum as it’s similar to my nose.
Top Notes:
Caraway, Black Pepper
Mid Notes:
Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron
Base Notes:
Tobacco, Vanilla, Bourbon
Seasons & Longevity
As you would expect, Spicebomb Extreme is a cold-weather autumn/winter scent that’s perfect for any occasion. Leans more to eveningwear, in my opinion
Sillage/projection is initially strong but mellows nicely; you can expect 6+ hours of performance with a pleasant scent bubble.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Pros | Head-turning masculine vanilla/tobacco combo with a devilish spicy side |
Cons | Evening-only wear, in my opinion |
3. Spicebomb Night Vision Eau de Parfum
Review
Spicebomb Night Vision Eau de Parfum is an aromatic blend of black spices and crisp fruit that feels modern and fresh. Launched in 2020, this beauty is quite different to the other Spicebombs.
An opening of contrasting crisp apple and black chilli grabs your attention. Black pepper also plays a pivotal role in keeping things spicy.
The hearing of this scent is green, with green resin accord, clary sage, and pistachio.
Dry-down reveals discreet woods and smokey incense. Settles to an easy-going green/spicy freshie with a slight bubblegummy twang at the start.
Top Notes:
Apple, Lemon, Black pepper, Black chilli, Nutmeg and Clove
Mid Notes:
Green resin accord, Clary sage, Pistachio
Base Notes:
Fir balsam, Incense, woody notes
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal as an autumn/winter/spring day-to-night fragrance. More casual, in my humble opinion, so best for lunches, out-and-about, work, and easy-going evenings.
Performance is excellent, so expect 7+ hours with good sillage and projection. Although available in a lighter EDT, I recommend this EDP version.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Pros | easy-going green/spicy freshie that performs well |
Cons | quite different to the other Spicebombs |
4. Spicebomb Infrared Eau de Toilette
Review
Spicebomb Infrared Eau de Toilette is a sexy, warm and inviting blend of spice, fruit and chilli pepper. Released in 2021.
An opening of red fruits, pepper and saffron are seductively sweet yet spicy. A blast of cinnamon in the heart is supported by a nip of chilli pepper.
Upon dry-down, rich tobacco and resin add depth and richness to keep things masculine. Settles to a super-spiced trio of red fruits, tobacco and cinnamon, wow!
Top Notes:
Red Fruits, Pink Pepper, Saffron
Mid Notes:
Cinnamon, Chilli Pepper
Base Notes:
Tobacco, Benzoin
Seasons & Longevity
This fragrance is perfect for autumn/winter, and I would even wear this in early spring during the evening. The sweet berry note keeps this from being too alpha male.
Lasts 6+ hours with good sillage and projection. If totally honest, I would like a bit more tobacco, but that’s perhaps me being a bit picky.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Pros | A super-charged trio of red fruits, tobacco and cinnamon. Fantastic! |
Cons | A little more tobacco would be nice |
Andrew’s Top Pick
Spicebomb Infrared Eau de Toilette
There is no doubt about it; Spicebomb Infrared Eau de Toilette is the best smelling Spicebomb fragrance. The red berries work incredibly well with tobacco, cinnamon and chilli pepper.
Conclusion
Each scent in the Viktor & Rolf collection of Spicebomb fragrances is well put together and smells confidently masculine. You should have no trouble choosing from any of the best Spicebomb fragrances for your scent wardrobe.
I am first to admit that I was not expecting to love the Spicebomb collection of fragrances. However, they blew me away with their incredible fanfare of spices that still let the citrus, leather, tobacco and other notes shine.
Remember that Spicebomb Night Vision is a great scent but quite different from the others. I recommend you try it in-store first before investing in a bottle and let it settle for an hour to truly evolve.
Spicebomb fragrances are available in the following size bottles:
- 20ml (0.6 oz)
- 50ml (1.7 oz)
- 90ml (3.0 oz)
- 150ml (5.0 oz)