EIGHT & BOB

I’ve been curious about Eight & Bob for a while and recently got to try their flagship scent, The Original. Thanks to eightandbob_us and official_europerfumes for sending me a bottle! The presentation blew me away—it’s housed in a hollowed-out book! Super cool. When I first sniffed it on a test strip, it didn’t wow me at first—reminded me of something I already own. But when I spritzed it on my skin, that’s when it really worked for me! Top notes are bright citrus and warm spices like cardamom and ginger. The heart has a woody, nutty vibe with a powdery touch from labdanum. My favorite part? The drydown—saltiness from ambergris pairs perfectly with vanilla’s sweetness and creaminess. It’s known as JFK’s signature scent, which I totally get why he loved it. Imagine how versatile this is—it’s fresh yet deep, never boring, and perfect for any situation. Plus, it’s a classic gentlemanly scent that still feels current in 2021!

I was really captivated by the story about JFK and his love for Creed Vetiver, though it's important to note that what he wore wasn't the original Vetiver, as "vetiver" has since become a vaulted ingredient. I assumed the original Vetiver might still be close in scent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the fragrance when I had the chance to try it. However, after wearing it for a couple of hours, I noticed it has a more feminine vibe. While I appreciate the elegance and warmth of this vanilla-inspired scent, my ideal cologne is something that feels masculine, sensual, sporty, alluring, and absolutely irresistible. This one just doesn't hit that mark for me. It seems better suited for younger to middle-aged women rather than a young man like myself at 21. While I do like it, I don't love it enough to consider purchasing a bottle. Creed's Oud, on the other hand, feels more in line with the powerful, professional, and sexy vibe I associate with influential men like JFK—something that makes me think twice about this particular scent. I'll keep the sample for now but probably won't buy a full bottle.

I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy lighter scents that feel clean and soapy with a creamy vanilla base. While "fresh" is the first word that comes to mind, it’s odd that it’s not listed as an official accord on Fragrantica—maybe it should be highlighted at the top given how often it’s overlooked there. I’ve noticed how "powderiness" is sometimes categorized but feel like "soapy" might be a more accurate descriptor and deserves a higher rank in their list. The woody notes are present, but they’re pretty subtle, with cedar and guaiac wood blending into the background. The vanilla and labdanum create this creamy amber accord that feels classic for an office setting. It’s the kind of scent that could easily be your everyday signature if you’re looking for something simple yet refined. I’ve tried to compare it to others like Varvatos Artisan Pure or Gendarme, but nothing quite hits the mark. Penhaligon Castile seems closer in some ways, though I think it’s more polished. Still, I’m not sure if Eight and Bob is truly a 1937 formula as advertised—it feels more modern to me, especially considering its similarities to Dior Fahrenheit 32, which came out in 2007. Unless the recipe has been significantly updated, the story might be a bit of a fairy tale. That said, I can see myself investing in a full bottle despite my skepticism. And if Robert Kennedy is jumping into this marketing game with special editions, they’re playing a risky move—trust needs to be earned, and Creed’s tactics are something I’ve learned from.

A light, sweet fougère with a watery, melony scent and just a touch of citrus. It feels elegantly clean and refined, making it perfect for younger people to wear. Whether the story behind it is true or not, it really brings to mind the college-age JFK vibe.

"I came across this interesting point about JFK, as after reading a lot about him from credible sources, it seems he had a dislike for perfumes and never wore any."