There's a quote that says, "Elegance is the only beauty that never fades." This saying perfectly encapsulates the essence of Dunhill Icon – a fragrance that perfectly marries tradition and modernity. In my recent quest of sampling the best fragrances under $50 USD, I today take a deep dive into this wonderful cheapie.
At the helm of Dunhill Icon's creation is the legendary Carlos Benaim, a master perfumer known for his ability to craft memorable and iconic scents, most notably the iconic Polo (Green & Blue) but also including Abercrombie & Fitch's Fierce, Calvin Kleins Eternity. With that pedigree Benaim's Dunhill Icon promises to be worth a hard look.
Dunhill's prowess didn't stop with the original Icon. Several flankers followed, each adding a unique twist to the iconic original. These include Dunhill Icon Absolute, with its golden touch of saffron and rose, and Dunhill Icon Racing, which has an energetic vibe with grapefruit and cardamom. Each flanker is a testament to the versatility and timeless nature of the original Icon.
Icon's packaging is nothing short of luxurious. The cylindrical bottle, with its silver finish and vertical ridges, looks as if it has been chiseled from a piece of architectural metal. Its heavy cap, with the iconic Dunhill logo, adds to the overall weight and grandeur. It's not just a bottle; it's a piece of art, worthy of display on any dresser. Exceptional at this price point is an understatement.
To my nose, Icon is a symphony of contrasts unparalleled in the cheapie space, where I am accusomted to fairly linear offerings. The opening is vibrant and sparkling with notes of bergamot and neroli, giving it a fresh citrusy burst. This leads to a heart that's aromatic and spicy, featuring black pepper and lavender. The base is where the fragrance truly shines - a combination of smoky oud, vetiver, and a hint of oakmoss, giving it a rich and earthy finish. If Terre d'Hermes and Creed Aventus had a baby, Icon is what it would smell like. Both fragrances DNA is easily recognizable in Icon, a testament to the value presented here.
A few notable scents cross paths with Dunhill Icon, each bringing its own unique character to the olfactory table.
Terre d'Hermes: Often hailed as a modern classic, Terre d'Hermes shares some aromatic woodsy vibes with Dunhill Icon. Both fragrances boast a citrus opening, with Terre d'Hermes leaning more towards orange. The earthy vetiver in both scents grounds them, giving them a masculine depth. However, Terre d'Hermes incorporates a mineral note, offering a drier, flinty feel as opposed to the slightly warmer and smokier finish of Dunhill Icon.
Acqua di Parma's Colonia: This is another fragrance that's often cited in discussions alongside Dunhill Icon. Acqua di Parma's Colonia carries a bright, uplifting citrusy introduction, reminiscent of Icon's bergamot and neroli burst. But where Icon dives into a spicy, aromatic heart, Colonia maintains its freshness, with a blend of lavender and rosemary that takes a more Mediterranean direction. It’s lighter, more daytime-suited, whereas Icon transitions effortlessly from day to night.
Creed Aventus: I love its unique and irresistible fruity opening with its signature pineapple note. Like Dunhill Icon, Aventus ventures into woodsy territories, but with a smokier birch touch. While both fragrances exude confidence and charm, Aventus tends to be more audacious, whereas Icon broadcasts refined subtlety.
Bvlgari Man: Similar in its woody and oriental olfactive family, Bvlgari Man presents a honeyed, resinous touch, contrasting with the brighter opening of Dunhill Icon. Both are undeniably masculine, but where Icon thrives in its spicy and aromatic nuances, Bvlgari Man revels in its sweeter, amber-rich warmth.
In terms of value, while each of these competitors is a masterpiece in its own right, Dunhill Icon offers an exceptional quality-to-price ratio. It contends with these high-end fragrances while being more wallet-friendly, ensuring that luxury is not always accompanied by a hefty price tag. This positions Dunhill Icon not just as a scent to experience but as a wise investment in the world of fragrances. However, longevity is lacking as it is with most cheapies.
One of the standout qualities of Dunhill Icon is its price point. For such a high-quality fragrance, crafted by a world-renowned perfumer, and presented in such luxurious packaging, one would expect a hefty price tag. But Dunhill surprises us once again. The fragrance offers an unparalleled value, making it accessible to both the connoisseur and the casual wearer. This exceptional value proposition is a rarity in today's luxury fragrance market.
In Conclusion
Dunhill Icon is not just a fragrance; it's an experience. From the mind of a genius perfumer to its meticulous presentation, it's a scent that stands out. And with its bargain price, it's a fragrance that offers luxury without breaking the bank. In the world of men's fragrances, Dunhill Icon is truly iconic.
Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
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