Calvin Klein Eternity For Men Summer 2011: A Lost Gem?
A deep-dive review of the discontinued flanker that fans still talk about. Is it worth tracking down?
In the world of designer fragrances, the annual summer flanker is a time-honored tradition. Brands take their flagship scents, strip them down, and rebuild them with lighter, fresher materials for the high heat. Some are forgettable, little more than watered-down versions of the original. Others, however, capture a moment in time perfectly. Calvin Klein's Eternity For Men Summer 2011 falls squarely into the latter category. This is a fragrance that understood its assignment: deliver a refreshing, unique, and memorable summer experience without straying too far from the DNA of its iconic parent.
Launched in 2011, this limited edition arrived when the original Eternity For Men (1990) was already a pillar of men's perfumery. It was a staple on bathroom counters worldwide, known for its clean, aromatic fougère structure. The challenge for any Eternity flanker is to innovate while respecting that legacy. The Summer 2011 edition was positioned not as a replacement, but as a seasonal wardrobe addition. It was marketed to the existing Eternity customer who needed something less dense for beach days and warm evenings, as well as to a younger audience drawn to its brighter, fruitier profile.
The concept was simple: a cool, relaxing day by the sea. The marketing materials and bottle design reflected this with a gradient of blue and green, evoking clear water and coastal foliage. The scent itself was meant to be an olfactory snapshot of that moment—the crisp sea air, the scent of ripe melon, and the subtle warmth of sun-drenched wood. It was a departure from the more aggressive aquatic and citrus scents dominating the market at the time, offering a softer, more nuanced take on summer freshness.
While limited editions by nature have a fleeting cultural impact, Eternity For Men Summer 2011 has earned a special place among collectors and enthusiasts. It is often cited as one of the best summer flankers in the entire Eternity line, praised for its unique melon and mint combination. In online fragrance communities, it's a "lost gem"—a scent people wish Calvin Klein would bring back. Its scarcity on the secondary market today is a testament to its quiet but enduring reputation as a perfectly executed summer fragrance.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Developed by the in-house fragrance team at Coty, the licensee for Calvin Klein fragrances. No single perfumer is publicly credited for this specific flanker.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A vibrant and refreshing blast of juicy, watery melon and cool, natural mint. The citron adds a slight citrus zest. It's an incredibly uplifting and clean start, perfect for high heat.
The scent transitions to a greener, more aromatic phase. The violet leaf introduces a dewy, ozonic quality, while cardamom provides a subtle, clean spice. The initial fruitiness blends into a smoother, more sophisticated heart.
A soft, clean skin scent. Light guaiac wood and a clean musk dominate, with a hint of amber for warmth. The patchouli is very faint, adding a touch of earthiness. It's a quiet, pleasant, and slightly woody finish.
Performance Dashboard
Moderate. Lasts 4-6 hours on skin, which is typical for a light, fresh Eau de Toilette.
Moderate for the first hour, projecting about arm's length. It becomes a skin scent after 2-3 hours.
Soft to moderate. Leaves a light, fresh trail initially but does not linger heavily in the air.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and well-executed melon and mint opening.
- ✅ Considered by many to be one of the best Eternity Summer flankers.
- ✅ Extremely versatile for daytime and casual wear in warm weather.
- ✅ Pleasant and inoffensive, making it office-safe.
- ❌ Discontinued and very difficult to find.
- ❌ Prices on the secondary market are often highly inflated.
- ❌ Performance is only moderate, requiring reapplication for all-day wear.
Price & Value
“Not worth the price for a casual user seeking a simple summer scent. For collectors or devoted fans of the scent, its uniqueness might justify the cost.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A vibrant burst of cool citron and sweet melon, with a crisp undertone of mint. The initial freshness is more concentrated and lasts longer than the EDT, with a subtle herbal hint from chamomile.
The heart emerges with a richer blend of violet leaf and the delicate sweetness of lily-of-the-valley. Cardamom adds a warm, spicy nuance, while cedarwood provides a sturdy, aromatic backbone that feels more pronounced and lingering than in the EDT.
The base settles into a deep, warm embrace of guaiac wood, patchouli, and a more prominent amber. Musk adds a clean, sensual finish, with an added touch of creamy sandalwood providing enhanced depth and longevity, carrying the fragrance for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 8-10 hours on skin, significantly better than the EDT.
Strong projection for the first 2-3 hours, then a moderate scent bubble.
Leaves a noticeable, yet not overpowering, trail for several hours.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Enhanced longevity and projection
- ✅ Richer and deeper scent profile
- ✅ More suitable for evening wear in warmer months
- ✅ Better value for performance
- ❌ Higher price point than EDT
- ❌ Can be too heavy for very hot daytime use
- ❌ Less bright than the EDT
Price & Value
“Higher concentration justifies the increased price over the EDT, offering better lasting power.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening is a concentrated burst of zesty citron and ripe melon, quickly joined by a deeper, more rounded greenness from crushed mint and chamomile, providing immediate richness over the EDT's brighter, more fleeting start.
The heart reveals a more substantial blend of violet leaf and lily-of-the-valley, amplified by prominent green cardamom and robust cedarwood. This phase maintains freshness but with significantly more body and aromatic complexity.
The drydown is where the Parfum truly distinguishes itself, settling into a long-lasting, deep base of intense guaiac wood, dark patchouli, golden amber, and a persistent, clean musk. This phase offers superior depth and warmth compared to the EDT's lighter finish.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 10-12 hours on skin, with detectable traces beyond that.
Projects strongly for the first 4-5 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble.
Leaves a heavy, noticeable trail that lingers, particularly in movement.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Significantly richer and deeper scent profile.
- ✅ Excellent longevity, lasting over 10 hours.
- ✅ Stronger projection and sillage for impactful presence.
- ✅ More complex and refined scent journey.
- ❌ Higher price point than the EDT.
- ❌ Less versatile for very hot weather due to its intensity.
- ❌ Can be perceived as too heavy by those preferring lighter fragrances.
Price & Value
“The higher price point is justified by the enhanced concentration, superior longevity, and richer scent profile compared to the EDT.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening is a vibrant burst of fresh citron and juicy melon, quickly uplifted by a cool mint note. Chamomile adds a subtle, calming herbal touch, making it immediately refreshing and light.
Within 30-60 minutes, the heart notes emerge with a green, slightly watery violet leaf and delicate lily-of-the-valley. Cardamom provides a fleeting, soft spice, while cedar offers a faint woody backbone, keeping the scent airy.
The drydown is minimal and quick, settling into a very light, almost skin-scent of soft musk and barely perceptible guaiac wood. Any patchouli or amber is extremely subdued, leaving a clean, fresh residue that fades within a few hours.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 2-4 hours, typical for a cologne concentration.
Soft projection for the first hour, then quickly becomes a skin scent.
Minimal sillage, creating a very personal scent bubble.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Extremely refreshing and light, ideal for high heat
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Easy to wear for casual summer days
- ❌ Very short longevity, requiring frequent reapplication
- ❌ Limited projection and sillage
- ❌ Less complex than the EDT version
Price & Value
“An affordable option for a light, refreshing summer scent, but performance reflects the lower price point.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men aged 20-60 who enjoy clean, fresh, and slightly fruity scents.
- Individuals looking for an easy-to-wear, inoffensive daily fragrance for warm weather.
- Fans of the original Eternity seeking a lighter, seasonal alternative.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer heavy, spicy, or dark fragrances.
- Anyone needing a powerful, long-lasting fragrance for clubbing or formal events.
- Budget-conscious buyers, due to its high price on the secondary market.
The Family
An aquatic-focused flanker with cucumber and citrus notes.
A richer, deeper, and longer-lasting version of the original EDT.
A lighter, fresher interpretation with ginger and aldehydes.
The most concentrated version, with added rum and vanilla notes.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
💡 Clone Alternatives
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Fans of fresh, clean aquatics will appreciate the benchmark of the genre.
Shares a similar profile of being a bright, citrus-forward, easy-to-wear summer staple.
Another light, fruity-aquatic fragrance with a clean woody base.
More from Calvin Klein
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Iso E Super-based fragrances (like Molecule 01) to boost the woody base and longevity.
- A light vetiver scent to add an earthy, green dimension to the drydown.
- A simple citrus spray to re-energize the top notes throughout the day.
🏆 Final Verdict
Calvin Klein Eternity For Men Summer 2011 is a textbook example of a summer flanker done right. It's refreshing, distinctive, and perfectly captures the feeling of a carefree summer day. The blend of watery melon, cool mint, and green violet leaf over a soft woody-musk base is both unique and incredibly easy to wear.
The primary obstacle is its availability. As a discontinued limited edition, it has become a collector's item with a price tag to match. If you are a fragrance enthusiast who prizes uniqueness and holds nostalgia for this era of perfumery, hunting down a bottle may be a worthwhile endeavor. It remains one of the best in the long-running Eternity Summer series.
However, for the practical consumer, the moderate performance and high secondary market cost make it a difficult recommendation. The smart move is to use this fragrance as a benchmark. Seek out its DNA in currently available scents that offer a similar fresh, fruity, and clean profile. But if you do stumble upon a bottle at a reasonable price, do not hesitate. It is a fleeting piece of fragrance history that still smells fantastic today.