Fragrances

        Intense And Extreme Fragrances

You might have noticed there's a swathe of "intense" and "extreme" fragrances popping up on the men's market right now. However, this new trend for amped-up editions of well-known classics is rather a grey area, with perfumers applying the words freely to more concentrated iterations, after-dark remixes of tried-and-tested favourites, and to completely new scents altogether. Confused? Don't be. We break down how five of the newest fragrances with these monikers differ from the originals already in your grooming cabinet

Perhaps one of the most famous fragrances on the men's market, Boss Bottled has experienced a series of remixes since it was launched back in 1998 - and this year it's had its first intense iteration. Apart from being a darker liquid, Boss Bottled Intense differs from its predecessor by amping up the sweeter apple and spicy clove and cinnamon notes, dialling down the juicier plum and oakmoss elements, but at the same time keeping the signature vanilla, geranium and lime combination that made the original a worldwide hit. In short, a new, richer and distinctly more after-hours take on a tried and tested classic.

- Boss Bottled, £41 for 50ml. hugoboss.com

- Boss Bottled Intense, £45 for 50ml. theperfumeshop.com

Mont Blanc Emblem vs Mont Blanc Emblem Intense

           

While Montblanc Emblem was a strong and sporty fragrance -  characterised by green, aromatic sage contrasted with spicy cardamom and sweet, citrusy grapefruit - Mont Blanc Emblem Intense amps up the spiciness for a stronger, deeper take. While the signature notes we've mentioned remain the same, its base notes have been added to with rich woody splashes of tonka bean and suede as well as an injection of patchouli. One to layer on top of the original if you're taking things from the boardroom to the bar (to the bedroom).
- Mont Blanc Emblem, £43 for 60ml. montblanc.com
- Mont Blanc Emblem Intense, £45 for 60ml. montblanc.com

Tom Ford Noir vs Tom Ford Noir Extreme

                          

Tom Ford Noir Extreme might look the same as its original counterpart, but these two scents are worlds apart. While both fragrances tick-off the distinctive Noir basenote ingredient, nutmeg, the new Extreme iteration smells lighter and sweeter than its original counterpart thanks to a blend of jasmine, rose and orange flower. On first spray, you'll recognise the woody vanilla undertones of the original Noir, but the leathers and resins are replaced with warmer spicy notes of sandalwood, saffron and cardamom. If you're thinking this is a harder-hitting version of the Noir, think again. This will sit in your collection as a standalone scent.
- Tom Ford Noir, £62 for 50ml. selfridges.com
- Tom Ford Noir Extreme, £70 for 50ml. selfridges.com

Bentley Infinite vs Bentley Infinite Intense

                    

- Bentley Infinite's distinctly sweet scent - characterised by the combination of violet, lavender and geranium - has made the transition to its Intense sibling, but the bourbon base notes have been swapped out for a spicy combination of black pepper, moroccan cedar and moss. Richer undertones aside, the key difference here is that the Intense has been formulated as an eau de parfum rather than a toilette - making it a headier, longer-lasting aroma that will fare well on even the most lively joy rides.

- Bentley Infinite, £43 for 60ml. bentleymotors.com

- Bentley Infinite £69.50 for 100ml, bentleymotors.com

Bottega Veneta Pour Homme vs Bottega Veneta Pour Homme      While Bottega Veneta Pour Homme wearers will know it already boasts a rich scent compiled of Jamaican pepper, sage and Canadian fir. Bottega Veneta Pour Homme Extreme dials-up the intensity of the original base note composition with added accords of pimento and leather. The result is a richer, spicier scent that still encapsulates the distinctive, woody tones of the original fragrance. If you're big on Pour Homme but want something that will linger for longer, this is an important investment for 2015.     

- Bottega Veneta Pour Homme, £50 for 50ml. johnlewis.com
- Bottega Veneta Pour Homme Extreme, £52 for 50ml. johnlewis.com
Fragrances