When you think of Creed colognes, you might think of the original Aventus or Green Irish Tweed, those iconic fragrances that have dominated the luxury cologne conversation for years. But the historic French perfume house has a treasure trove of exceptional fragrances that don't always get the spotlight they deserve. Today at Fragrance Fam, we're exploring two underrated Creed colognes that deserve more attention: Original Santal and Aventus Cologne.
Original Santal: The Warm Woody Masterpiece
Released in 2005, Original Santal is a sophisticated oriental woody fragrance that has somehow remained in the shadow of its more famous siblings. Created by the father-son duo Olivier and Erwin Creed, with assistance from master perfumer Pierre Bourdon, this fragrance offers a rich, comforting experience that's perfect for cooler weather.
The opening is vibrant and spicy, with juniper berries, coriander, and ginger creating an immediate warmth, while touches of rosemary, bergamot, and mandarin provide a refreshing citrus counterpoint. As the fragrance develops, the heart reveals its namesake sandalwood, accompanied by lavender, orange blossom, and geranium for a balanced floral touch.
What truly sets Original Santal apart is its delightful dry down—a smooth, creamy base of tonka bean, musk, cedar, and oakmoss that lingers on the skin. Many Fragrance Fam shoppers have described it as having that fresh "just out of the dryer" quality, but with luxurious depth that elevates it beyond simply smelling clean.
Some have even called Original Santal a more refined, premium version of Montblanc Individuel, though with superior projection and longevity. If you enjoy warm, comforting scents with a touch of spice, this older Creed cologne deserves a place in your collection.
Aventus Cologne: The Fresh Contemporary Classic
Despite sharing the famous Aventus name, 2018's Aventus Cologne often gets overlooked when discussing the best Creed fragrances. Created by Olivier Creed, this isn't simply a lighter version of the original—it's a distinct fragrance with its own personality.
Aventus Cologne opens with a bright burst of mandarin orange, ginger, pink pepper, bergamot, and spearmint, creating an invigorating freshness from the first spray. The middle notes add complexity with vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, and unique ozonic elements that give it a contemporary edge.
The base notes of musk, birch, tonka bean, styrax, and cedar provide the signature Aventus DNA, but with a fresher, less smoky character. The result is a versatile, refined cologne that works beautifully in warmer weather and casual settings while maintaining the sophisticated character Creed is known for.
Many Fragrance Fam members who find the original Aventus too intense for daily wear have embraced Aventus Cologne as their go-to everyday signature scent. Its versatility makes it appropriate for the office, weekend outings, or even more formal occasions when you want something distinctive yet approachable.
Final Thoughts
Both Original Santal and Aventus Cologne showcase different facets of Creed's perfumery expertise. While they may not have achieved the celebrity status of some other Creed fragrances, they represent some of the house's finest work and offer excellent alternatives for those looking to explore beyond the most popular offerings.
Whether you prefer the warm, spicy comfort of Original Santal or the fresh, versatile character of Aventus Cologne, these underrated Creed colognes deserve a spot on your fragrance radar—and perhaps in your collection.
We'd love to hear from our Fragrance Fam shoppers what their favorite Creed colognes are! Have you tried either of these hidden gems? Share your thoughts in the comments below.