hermes equipage vs equipage geranium | equipage geranium cologne

The world of perfumery is often likened to a vast and fragrant library, filled with countless volumes, each telling a unique story. Among these stories, the house of Hermes holds a prominent position, revered for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Within the Hermes library, the Equipage collection stands as a testament to this legacy, a pillar of masculine sophistication. At its heart lies the original Equipage, a classic woody aromatic that has captivated generations. More recently, the Equipage family welcomed a new member: Equipage Geranium, a flanker promising a fresh and modern interpretation of the iconic scent.

This article delves deep into the nuances of both Equipage and Equipage Geranium, exploring their individual characteristics, comparing their similarities and differences, and ultimately, determining whether Equipage Geranium can indeed serve as a worthy substitute for the vintage charm of its predecessor. We'll examine the fragrance notes, performance, longevity, and overall impression of each cologne, drawing upon expert opinions and user experiences to provide a comprehensive comparison.

Equipage: The Quintessential Gentleman's Cologne

Launched in 1970, Equipage is a fragrance that embodies the spirit of classic masculinity. It's a scent that evokes images of tailored suits, leather-bound books, and quiet confidence. Crafted by the legendary perfumer Guy Robert, Equipage is a masterful blend of woody, aromatic, and spicy notes, creating a sophisticated and timeless composition.

* Fragrance Profile:

* Top Notes: The opening of Equipage is a burst of bright and invigorating citrus, primarily lemon and bergamot, complemented by the herbaceous freshness of sage and the spicy warmth of Brazilian rosewood. This initial accord provides a vibrant and uplifting start to the fragrance.

* Heart Notes: As the citrus fades, the heart of Equipage unfolds, revealing a complex and sophisticated blend of floral and spicy notes. Carnation, known for its clove-like aroma, takes center stage, adding a touch of warmth and intrigue. Lily-of-the-valley contributes a delicate floral sweetness, while cinnamon and pine needles provide a spicy and aromatic counterpoint.hermes equipage vs equipage geranium

* Base Notes: The base of Equipage is where the fragrance truly shines, offering a rich and long-lasting foundation of woody and earthy notes. Patchouli provides a grounding earthiness, while vetiver adds a smoky and grassy dimension. Oakmoss contributes a classic chypre character, lending depth and complexity. Leather and musk add a touch of sensuality and warmth, creating a sophisticated and masculine dry down.

* Performance and Longevity:

The original formulation of Equipage is known for its excellent performance and longevity. It projects moderately, creating a noticeable but not overpowering scent bubble. On the skin, Equipage can last for 6-8 hours, gradually fading into a soft and comforting skin scent. However, it is worth noting that reformulations may have impacted the performance of more recent versions. Vintage bottles are highly sought after for their superior strength and complexity.

* Overall Impression:

Equipage is a fragrance that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. It's a scent that is both refined and masculine, making it perfect for formal occasions or for those who appreciate classic fragrances. It's a fragrance that speaks of confidence, intelligence, and impeccable taste.

Equipage Geranium: A Modern Interpretation

Released in 2015, Equipage Geranium is a flanker designed to offer a fresh and modern take on the original Equipage. Created by Jean-Claude Ellena, the in-house perfumer for Hermes at the time, Equipage Geranium retains the core DNA of Equipage but introduces a prominent geranium note, adding a touch of brightness and modernity to the composition.

* Fragrance Profile:

* Top Notes: Equipage Geranium opens with a similar citrus accord to the original Equipage, featuring bergamot and grapefruit. However, the addition of pink peppercorn adds a spicy and slightly fruity twist, creating a more vibrant and energetic opening.

* Heart Notes: The heart of Equipage Geranium is where the key difference lies. Geranium takes center stage, providing a fresh, green, and slightly rosy aroma. This geranium note is supported by other floral and spicy notes, such as rose and various spices, creating a complex and aromatic heart.

* Base Notes: The base of Equipage Geranium shares similarities with the original, featuring vetiver, sandalwood, and amber. However, the absence of oakmoss and leather in some formulations results in a smoother and less complex dry down.

* Performance and Longevity:

Equipage Geranium typically offers moderate performance and longevity. It projects moderately for the first few hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble. On the skin, it can last for 4-6 hours, gradually fading into a soft and woody skin scent.

* Overall Impression:

Equipage Geranium is a fragrance that is both familiar and new. It retains the core DNA of the original Equipage but introduces a modern twist with the prominent geranium note. It's a fragrance that is fresh, clean, and versatile, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

Equipage vs. Equipage Geranium: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we've explored the individual characteristics of each fragrance, let's compare them side-by-side to highlight their similarities and differences:

* Scent Profile: