Montblanc Explorer Platinum | Fragrance Review

Explorer Platinum by Montblanc is a fragrance for men. This is a new fragrance. Explorer Platinum was launched in 2023. Top note is Violet Leaves; middle note is Clary Sage; base note is Cedarwood.

The bottle comes with a platinum covered wrap, perforated so it gives plenty of purchase when it comes to grip. These bottles are becoming iconic in themselves as well as the fragrance within. A collectable that any proud interior savvy homeowner would love to display on their bathroom shelves.

The atomiser is very good, and straight away you will get hit with a citrusy-herbaceous opening that is very satisfying. Think Four Seasons amenities and less carbolic Ibis shower gel. It has a masculine feel to it after it sits on the skin as the woody notes start to push through. 

The original Montblanc Explorer was very much like Creed Aventus, whereas the Platinum Explorer definitely stands on its own two feet. And that is largely thanks to the dominance of the Sage in the middle. The whole scent is tailored around those middle-greeny notes and it has a much better maturity to it than the original. Although I'm a slave to nostalgia, that's why I will always opt for the original of nearly anything. I'm putting 60s Batman in there, 70s Superman, 80s Miami Vice, 90s Gladiators (seriously I hope they bring back Jet for the new series, I'd happily still watch a 53 year old Diane Youdale traverse the rings), and so on. 

Meanwhile back to the fragrance. It has an understated quality, a surprisingly long performance time (a bit like Diane Youdale) and is a perfect fragrance to wear to the office. It's non-evasive but not middle of the road neither. I think this is probably the best fragrance for the price point on the market right now.

It's perfect for summer picnics, for walks in the park, for afternoon repeats of Gladiators, and client meetings etc. I've really enjoyed wearing this over the last few days. We've had some great weather here where we are and I've worn it to the beach, to the beer garden and even sitting at home watching the F1, I've worn and can safely say that I've added to the atmosphere.