perfume

Creed Epicea: A Resinous Ode to the Alpine Forest

Unveiling the Aromatic Majesty of a Modern Classic

By Dr. Laurent Beaumont · · Updated

In the hallowed halls of perfumery, where olfactory narratives are meticulously crafted and heritage brands continually redefine luxury, Creed stands as an enduring beacon. For over two centuries, the House of Creed has been synonymous with unparalleled craftsmanship, bespoke creations, and an unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest raw materials. It is within this illustrious lineage that Epicea emerges, a fragrance conceived not merely as a scent, but as an evocative portal to the crisp, untamed grandeur of the alpine wilderness. Launched in 2019, Epicea was introduced as a sophisticated addition to Creed's already esteemed collection, aiming to capture the essence of coniferous forests after a refreshing rain, a concept that resonated deeply with a discerning clientele seeking olfactory experiences that transcended the ephemeral.

Positioned as a modern interpretation of a classic fougère with a distinct woody and aromatic character, Epicea occupies a unique niche within Creed's extensive portfolio. While the brand is celebrated for its opulent floral bouquets, its ventures into more verdant and resinous territories, such as Green Irish Tweed and Viking, have also garnered significant acclaim. Epicea, with its focus on the noble spruce and the invigorating spirit of the mountains, was designed to appeal to those who appreciate robust, naturalistic scents that exude confidence and a connection to the natural world. It offers a departure from the overtly sweet or intensely aquatic trends, instead championing a more mature and contemplative aromatic profile that speaks of timeless elegance and rugged sophistication.

The inspiration behind Epicea is as clear as the mountain air it seeks to embody. Master Perfumer Olivier Creed, drawing upon his profound appreciation for nature's most evocative aromas, envisioned a fragrance that would transport the wearer to the heart of a dense spruce forest. The scent is a tribute to the resilience and aromatic richness of these majestic trees, capturing the sharp, piney facets of spruce alongside the earthy undertones of moss and the invigorating zest of citrus. It is a narrative of an olfactory journey, beginning with the bracing freshness of a mountain breeze and settling into the deep, comforting embrace of the ancient woods, a testament to the enduring power of nature's olfactory palette.

Since its inception, Epicea has garnered a devoted following among fragrance aficionados and critics alike. It is lauded for its exceptional quality, its sophisticated evolution on the skin, and its ability to evoke a sense of refined masculinity and adventurous spirit. While perhaps not as universally recognized as some of Creed's more mainstream successes, Epicea has carved out a significant reputation within the luxury fragrance community for its unique character and its masterful execution. It is a fragrance that invites contemplation, a wearable piece of art that celebrates the enduring allure of the natural world, solidifying its place as a noteworthy and highly respected creation from the House of Creed.

The Nose Behind the Scent

Created by Olivier Creed, the sixth-generation master perfumer of the House of Creed. Olivier Creed is renowned for his intuitive approach to perfumery, drawing inspiration from historical figures, iconic locations, and the natural world. His creations often feature complex, multi-layered compositions that evolve beautifully on the skin. Notable creations include Aventus, Green Irish Tweed, and Viking.

4.4 Overall
Longevity
4.5
Projection
4.0
Sillage
3.8
$300 - $450 for 100ml (Eau de Parfum)
🌸Springβ˜€οΈSummerπŸ‚Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Woody 40%
Aromatic 30%
Fresh 15%
Spicy 10%
Citrus 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
BergamotLemonPink Pepper
Heart
SpruceFir BalsamRosemaryLavender
Base
OakmossPatchouliCedarwoodAmber

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The initial impression of Epicea is a bracing, effervescent burst of citrus, primarily driven by the bright zest of bergamot and lemon, invigorated by the subtle, spicy prickle of pink pepper. This opening phase is clean, sharp, and undeniably refreshing, reminiscent of stepping out into a crisp, cool morning in the mountains.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the fragrance settles, the aromatic heart of Epicea unfolds. The star accord of spruce takes center stage, offering a resinous, slightly camphoraceous, and deeply green aroma. This is beautifully complemented by the balsamic sweetness of fir balsam, the herbaceous clarity of rosemary, and the calming, clean facets of lavender, creating a complex and balanced middle phase.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The drydown of Epicea is where its true depth and longevity are revealed. The woody notes come to the fore, with the grounding earthiness of oakmoss and patchouli mingling with the dry, pencil-shaving elegance of cedarwood. A subtle warmth from the amber accord provides a sophisticated foundation, ensuring the fragrance lingers with a rich, forest-like aura that is both comforting and distinguished.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.5/5

Exceptional longevity, easily lasting 10-12 hours on skin, with some applications extending beyond 15 hours.

πŸ“’ Projection 4.0/5

Strong projection for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble, before settling into a more intimate, yet still discernible, aura.

πŸ’¨ Sillage 3.8/5

A moderate to strong sillage that leaves a pleasant, woody-aromatic trail, noticeable enough to garner attention without being overbearing.

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest
β˜€οΈSummerAvoid
πŸ‚FallBest
❄️WinterBest
β˜€οΈ Daily wearπŸ’Ό Office🌿 Outdoor activitiesπŸ‘• Casual outingsπŸŒ™ Evening eventsπŸ“Œ Road trips

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.4
πŸ‘ƒ Scent
4.6
⏱️ Longevity
4.5
πŸ’¨ Sillage
3.9
πŸ’° Value
3.8
πŸ’Œ Compliment Factor 4.2/5

Receives frequent compliments from those who appreciate distinctive, well-crafted masculine scents, often described as sophisticated and alluring.

Pros & Cons

  • βœ… Exquisite, naturalistic interpretation of a coniferous forest.
  • βœ… Exceptional longevity and a well-balanced projection.
  • βœ… Sophisticated and mature scent profile, suitable for various occasions.
  • βœ… High-quality ingredients and masterful blending characteristic of the House of Creed.
  • ❌ The price point is a significant investment, typical of Creed fragrances.
  • ❌ Its distinctive green and resinous character may not appeal to all palates.
  • ❌ Can be perceived as slightly formal or serious by some, limiting its 'clubbing' appeal.

Price & Value

$300 - $450 for 100ml (Eau de Parfum)
Luxury

“While the price is considerable, the unparalleled quality, longevity, and unique olfactory experience offered by Creed Epicea justify its luxury positioning for those who seek an exceptional and enduring fragrance.”

Who It's For

βœ… Ideal For

  • Men aged 30-60
  • Individuals who appreciate natural, woody, and aromatic fragrances
  • Those seeking a sophisticated and mature scent
  • Nature enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors
  • Discerning consumers who value quality and craftsmanship

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Individuals who prefer overwhelmingly sweet or aquatic fragrances
  • Those sensitive to green or resinous notes
  • Younger demographics seeking trendy, mass-appealing scents
  • Very hot and humid climates where its richness might feel heavy

Explore More

πŸ” Similar Fragrances

Fierce Abercrombie & Fitch

Shares a fresh, woody-aromatic fougère DNA, though less complex and refined.

Lalique Pour Homme Lalique

Offers a similar noble, citrus-woody-fougère profile with a focus on cedar and oakmoss.

Parfum d'Empire Musc Tonkin Parfum d'Empire

While more animalic, it shares a certain raw, naturalistic depth and complexity.

πŸ’‘ Clone Alternatives

Aspen for Men Coty

Often cited as a budget-friendly comparison for its fresh, piney opening, though lacking the depth and longevity.

Pino Silvestre Original Pino Silvestre

A classic pine-scented fragrance that evokes a similar forest-like atmosphere, albeit with a simpler composition.

❀️ You May Also Enjoy

Creed Bois du Portugal Creed

Another sophisticated woody-aromatic fragrance from Creed, leaning towards sandalwood and lavender.

Tom Ford Oud Wood Tom Ford

For those who appreciate refined woody scents with a luxurious feel.

Diptyque Tam Dao Diptyque

A minimalist yet profound exploration of sandalwood, offering a different wood-centric experience.

More from creed

Aventus creed
Green Irish Tweed creed
Viking creed
Silver Mountain Water creed

πŸ§ͺ Layering Ideas

πŸ† Final Verdict

Creed Epicea is a masterful composition that stands as a testament to the enduring allure of nature's most evocative scents. It is a fragrance that speaks not of fleeting trends, but of timeless elegance and a profound connection to the wild. For the discerning individual who seeks a scent that is both sophisticated and deeply grounding, Epicea offers an olfactory journey into the heart of an alpine forest, a resinous ode that lingers with unparalleled grace and distinction. Its exceptional performance, refined character, and the unmistakable quality synonymous with the House of Creed make it an investment in a truly exceptional aromatic experience, a scent that will undoubtedly become a cherished signature.

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