If you wanted to give a fragrance a bold name then ‘Legend’ would pretty much be at the top of the list.
You see, we often speak of legends in perfumery – you know, the likes of Kouros, Le Mâle and Dior Homme et al, but when it comes to the icons of masculine fragrance it’s very much the case that a fragrance has to earn its stripes.
The spots within the perfume hall of fame are limited, you understand, so it is completely audacious for a brand to launch a fragrance with the name ‘Legend’, but when we’re talking about an esteemed brand such as Montblanc, it seems fair that they can self-proclaim a fragrant legend.
Legend was created as a tribute to Montblanc’s century-old heritage. It’s a fragrance that epitomises their effortlessly stylish aesthetic, celebrating the clash of classic and modern found in their many products, which range from writing instruments to watches and leather goods.
Created by perfumer Olivier Pescheux (the gent behind Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million), Legend asserts luxurious masculinity and is a fragrance that blends modernity with tradition and modesty with status. Is it a true olfactory legend, I hear you ask? Well, only time will tell…
Montblanc Legend EDT
The Notes
Top: Bergamot, Litsea, French Lavender, Green Pineapple Leaves
Heart: Clear Jasmine, White Cedar, Pomarose, Rose
Base: Evernyl, Sandalwood, Dry Amber, Tonka Beans
How Does it Smell?
Seeing as Legend is based around the juxtapositions of modern and traditional, it would make sense that from an olfactory point of view, it boasts a big clash of styles. On one hand, it’s a fresh and almost peppery fougère, complete with a suave lavender note, whilst on the other it’s a sticky oriental fragrance formed by chewy and spicy notes of amber and tonka bean. All together, Legend smells fresh yet warm at the same time, which makes for interesting wear but also allows it to stand out as something unique. It’s the sort of fragrance that a gent could wear during both formal and casual occasions because it has hints of both, and it paints the image of a guy who is affable yet slightly rebellious.
Montblanc Legend EDP
The Notes
Top: Bergamot, Violet Leaf
Heart: Geranium, Magnolia, Jasmine
Base: Oak Moss, Leather Accord
How Does it Smell?
Montblanc Legend EDP isn’t your average cologne for the “distinguished gentleman” crowd. Sure, it’s got that classic Montblanc elegance, the kind that whispers “success” and “corner office” in a smooth baritone. But beneath that polished exterior lies a touch of the unexpected, a hint of mischief that says, “I may wear a suit, but I also know how to have a good time (after hours, of course).”
The opening is a crisp cocktail of bergamot and violet leaf, a sophisticated blend that’ll have you feeling like you just stepped out of a fancy car (without the questionable parking job). The heart is where things get interesting. We’re talking a touch of jasmine and magnolia, adding a subtle sweetness that some might find…daring for a Montblanc fragrance. But hey, who says confidence can’t have a hint of charm?
The base? Now that’s where the legend truly earns its name. A smooth leather accord takes centre stage, adding a touch of masculine intrigue. It’s the kind of scent that lingers in a dimly lit bar, a whisper of mystery that keeps people guessing.
So, is it sophisticated with a surprising twist? Absolutely. Will it make you the best-dressed guy at the after-work drinks? Probably. But will it have people wondering if you’re about to moonlight as a secret agent? Maybe not, but hey, it’ll definitely keep them intrigued. Just remember, great responsibility comes with great power (and cologne). Use it wisely (and maybe avoid questionable karaoke renditions).
Montblanc Legend Spirit
The Notes
Top: Pink Peppercorn, Grapefruit, Bergamot
Heart: Lavender, Cardamom, Aquatic Accord
Base: Sandalwood, Cedar, Cashmere, Oak Moss, White Musk
How Does it Smell?
Legend Spirit is positioned by the brand as an energetic fragrance inspired by the many shades of white, but when we smell it we get something of an entirely different hue: banana. That’s right, Spirit’s top notes have a wonderfully novel, but also easily wearable hint of fresh banana, amongst a backdrop of bergamot and pepper. If Legend is the one for every occasion and the EDP is for nighttime endeavours, Spirit would be the fragrance for activewear. It’ll keep you smelling fresh, cool and a little bit odd. What more could you want?
Montblanc Legend Blue
The Notes
Top: Lavender, Mint
Heart: Sandalwood, Cedar
Base: Ambroxan, Moss
How Does it Smell?
Forget the stuffy conference rooms, Legend Blue is for the modern man with a twist (like his sense of humor). This fragrance aspires to be sophisticated and timeless, all wrapped up in a sleek blue bottle that practically screams “board meeting chic.” But fear not, fellas! A closer sniff reveals a surprisingly fresh take on masculinity.
We’re talking about an opening blast of spearmint that’ll wake you up faster than a triple espresso, followed by a heart of cedarwood that’s as reliable as your favourite pair of jeans. The base? Hold on to your ties, because it’s ambroxan and moss – a combination that sounds earthy and intense, but ends up leaving a surprisingly inviting trail.
So, is it fresh, woody, and mysterious? Absolutely. Will it make you the envy of the office (or at least the guy with the most intriguingly scented tie)? Maybe. But will it smell exactly like your grandpa’s aftershave? Definitely not. Unless your grandpa was secretly a cologne rebel. In which case, kudos to him.
Montblanc Legend Red
The Notes
Top: Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Cardamom
Heart: Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Clary Sage
Base: Mahogany Wood, Atlas Cedarwood, Tonka Bean
How Does it Smell?
Like a fire engine for your nostrils, Montblanc Legend Red isn’t for the faint of scent. Ditch the boring blues and blacks – this fragrance is all about embracing the bold side (and maybe a slightly faster walk to work?). Imagine yourself leaving a trail of red-hot charisma wherever you go, except instead of flames, it’s a potent mix of blood orange and grapefruit that could knock your socks off (in a good way, we hope).
But wait, there’s more! Legend Red isn’t all about blasting citrus in your face. This fiery fragrance simmers down with a smoky whisper of cedarwood and mahogany, hinting at a deeper complexity beneath the surface. Think James Dean with a secret intellectual side – brooding, but with a surprising vocabulary.
So, is it a fragrance that announces your presence before you even enter the room? Absolutely. Will it make people think you just won a drag race? Maybe, but hopefully, they’ll be too busy admiring your confidence. Is it the scent of a modern legend? We’ll let you decide (but seriously, it smells pretty darn good).
(Discontinued) Montblanc Legend Intense
The Notes
Top: Bergamot, Pepperwood
Heart: Cardamom, Clear Jasmine
Base: White Cedarwood, Red Apple, Tonka Bean
How Does it Smell?
Legend Intense is more than just an intensified version of Legend, it’s a new fragrance in its own right. The idea behind it is to take the idea of Legend and make it warmer, with notes that are more plush and resinous. It’s understandable then, that Intense sits on a different side of the perfume spectrum, opting for smoothness, sweetness and warmth in comparison to Legend’s cool freshness. Legend Intense smells like smooth cashmere. It’s warm with cedar wood but also has an edible, anise-like quality that together, gives the impression of something leather-like. There is still a touch of zest up top, with bergamot and pepper providing a lively contrast to the heavier underpinnings, but for the most part Intense is a soft and glowing take on Legend that flirts ever so slightly with the gourmand. I imagine Intense to take the role of the night-time Legend, not because it smells particularly smart and suave (it does, but it’s also appropriate for casual wear) but because it has that addictive quality that draws people in, which makes it fitting for all sorts of evening endeavours, if you catch my drift.
