Davidoff Cool Water Man Summer Edition 2019 Review: A Refreshing Aquatic Reboot
Does this limited edition live up to the legendary Cool Water name? We break down the scent, performance, and value.
Launched in 2019, the Davidoff Cool Water Man Summer Edition was a limited-time offering designed to capture the essence of a sun-drenched coastal escape. It arrived as part of the brand's strategy to keep its flagship fragrance, Cool Water, relevant and exciting for new generations. The original Cool Water, released in 1988, is a legendary pillar of men's perfumery, often credited with defining the modern aquatic genre. This Summer Edition was an attempt to distill that iconic, oceanic freshness into a lighter, more ephemeral form perfect for the hottest months.
Positioned as a seasonal flanker, it sits within the expansive Cool Water family, which includes numerous iterations like Intense, Wave, and Night Dive. Unlike some flankers that radically alter the DNA, the Summer Edition 2019 aimed to be a more transparent and citrus-forward interpretation of the classic. Its market positioning was clear: an affordable, accessible summer scent for men who wanted the recognizable Cool Water vibe without the density of the original EDT, which can feel heavy in extreme heat.
The inspiration is pure escapism. The concept revolves around the feeling of a crisp, invigorating dive into clear blue water on a blazing summer day. The bottle's design reinforces this, trading the original's deep blue for a lighter, almost turquoise hue. It's meant to evoke images of sun-bleached docks, salty sea air, and the cool relief of the ocean. The marketing focused on freedom, vitality, and the carefree spirit of summer adventures.
Within the fragrance community, the Cool Water Man Summer Edition 2019 has a mixed but generally positive reputation. It's not seen as a groundbreaking masterpiece, but rather as a reliable, pleasant, and extremely wearable summer scent. Enthusiasts appreciate it for what it is: a no-fuss, high-quality refresher. Its limited edition status has given it a slight aura of collectibility, though it remains readily available on discounters. It's often recommended as a safe blind buy for summer or as a gateway fragrance for those new to the hobby, thanks to its friendly profile and the trusted Cool Water name.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Pierre Bourdon (original Cool Water creator). The Summer Edition 2019 was likely developed by the Davidoff in-house perfumery team, building upon Bourdon's legendary aquatic-aromatic structure. Pierre Bourdon is a master perfumer also known for creating Creed Green Irish Tweed, which famously shares a similar DNA with the original Cool Water.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with a bright, zesty burst of bergamot and mandarin orange, immediately followed by a cool, crisp wave of mint and green notes. It's an instant blast of freshness that feels like a splash of cold water. The aquatic accord is present from the start, but it's cleaner and less "salty" or "calone-heavy" than the original Cool Water.
After 30-60 minutes, the sharp citrus recedes, allowing the floral heart to emerge. The jasmine and neroli add a clean, soapy quality, while the lavender and rosemary provide a classic aromatic, barbershop-like backbone. The mint lingers, blending with the florals to create a very clean, shower-fresh sensation. The aquatic element remains, now smelling more like clean linen drying in a sea breeze than open ocean.
In the final drydown, which begins around the 4-hour mark, the scent becomes a soft, skin-hugging veil of clean musk, warm amber, and dry cedar. The oakmoss adds a subtle, earthy depth that prevents it from becoming too bland. The overall impression is of a well-groomed, clean, and subtly warm skin scent. The sharp freshness is gone, leaving behind a comforting and inoffensive trail.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 6-8 hours on skin, which is respectable for a light summer EDT. It becomes a close skin scent after the first 3-4 hours.
Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours (arm's length), then sits closer to the skin. It's not a room-filler, which is appropriate for its intended summer use.
Leaves a light, clean trail for the first couple of hours. It's noticeable if someone walks past you, but it won't announce your arrival from down the hall.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives occasional compliments, usually described as "you smell clean" or "fresh." It's not a major head-turner but is consistently perceived as pleasant and approachable.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Extremely versatile and inoffensive
- ✅ Perfect for high heat and casual settings
- ✅ Excellent value for money on discount sites
- ✅ True to its "summer fresh" concept
- ✅ A safe blind buy for most
- ❌ Performance is average (not a beast mode scent)
- ❌ Scent profile is simple and not unique
- ❌ Can smell generic or like many other fresh aquatics
- ❌ The mint note may be too sharp for some
Price & Value
“Excellent value. At this price point, it delivers quality ingredients and a pleasing scent profile that outperforms many drugstore options.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variation issues are widely reported for this limited edition. As a 2019 release, all bottles are from a similar production period. The main variation would be between this and other Cool Water Summer Editions from different years (e.g., 2018, 2020), which have different scent profiles.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men aged 18-35
- Beginners to fragrance
- Those who prefer clean, inoffensive scents
- Active individuals
- Anyone seeking a reliable warm-weather dumb reach
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those seeking extreme longevity or projection
- Fans of deep, spicy, or sweet winter fragrances
- People who dislike aquatic or soapy-clean profiles
The Family
The original 1988 masterpiece, deeper and more aromatic.
A sweeter, more ambery and powerful version with better longevity.
A fruitier, more tropical take on the aquatic theme.
A darker, spicier, and more mysterious evening-oriented flanker.
A modern, creamier reinterpretation with cardamom and tonka bean.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar clean, aquatic, and affordable DNA; even lighter and more synthetic.
A more mineralic, seaweed-infused aquatic with better performance.
Another fresh, marine-inspired scent with a distinctive bamboo note.
Shares the super-clean, soapy, neroli-forward drydown, though it's a cologne-style scent.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A budget clone that mimics the fresh, citrus-aquatic profile with stronger performance.
A Middle Eastern fragrance often compared to fresh, clean scents like Cool Water, offering great value.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
A brighter, more citrusy and floral fresh scent with excellent versatility.
For those who enjoy the Summer Edition's transparency but want a more refined, higher-quality citrus.
The ultimate in sheer, sparkling citrus freshness, though less aquatic.
A deeper, more oceanic and mineralic aquatic with modern performance.
More from Davidoff
A warm, spicy oriental contrast to Cool Water's freshness.
A woody-aromatic fragrance with citrus and pepper notes.
A more formal, aromatic fougère with lavender and woods.
The iconic feminine counterpart, a fresh aquatic floral.
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, sweet vanilla lotion or oil to add warmth and longevity
- A woody base fragrance like Molecule 01 or Escentric Molecules Escentric 01 to add depth
- A citrus-focused cologne (like 4711) on top to boost the opening's brightness
🏆 Final Verdict
The Davidoff Cool Water Man Summer Edition 2019 is a textbook example of a successful seasonal flanker. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it polishes the original's iconic freshness to a high shine and optimizes it for sun and heat. For the price—often found under $40 for a large 125ml bottle—it represents outstanding value.
You should buy this fragrance if you're looking for a reliable, no-brainer scent for spring and summer. It's perfect for throwing on after a shower, heading to the office on a hot day, or going to a casual outdoor event. It smells clean, modern, and inoffensive in the best way possible. While it won't win awards for originality or beast-mode performance, it delivers exactly what it promises: a refreshing, aquatic escape in a bottle.
For beginners, it's a fantastic and low-risk entry point into the world of fragrance. For veterans, it's a useful tool in the arsenal—a dumb reach when you just want to smell good without thinking about it. Its limited edition status adds a touch of exclusivity, but its widespread availability means you can easily grab a bottle before it potentially disappears. In summary, if you want the spirit of Cool Water distilled into a lighter, summer-appropriate form, this 2019 edition is a compelling purchase.