Juliette Has a Gun Fragrance review

Juliette Has a Gun Ex Vetiver: A Quadrilateral Study

Name: Juliette Has a Gun Ex Vetiver: A Quadrilateral Study
Item: Juliette Has a Gun Ex Vetiver
Author: Vivir

Romano Ricci’s Olfactory Subversion of the Masculine Totem

By Vivir · October 9, 2026 · Updated October 14, 2026

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Juliette Has a Gun Ex Vetiver: A Quadrilateral Study - Product Image

In the grand tapestry of perfumery, few ingredients carry the historical weight and structural importance of Vetiveria zizanioides. Historically relegated to the 'pour homme' category—found in the barbershop staples of Guerlain and Carven—vetiver has long been the symbol of rugged, earthy masculinity. However, with the 2024 release of Ex Vetiver, Juliette Has a Gun attempts a radical deconstruction of this rhizomatic root. This is not merely a fragrance; it is an academic inquiry into the versatility of a botanical staple, reimagined through the lens of modern unisex perfumery. Ex Vetiver arrives as a bold statement within the Juliette Has a Gun portfolio, moving away from the ethereal transparency of 'Not a Perfume' and toward a more complex, structured composition. Romano Ricci has chosen to elevate the ingredient by utilizing four distinct geographic varieties of vetiver, creating a 'quadrilateral' profile that explores the plant’s multifaceted nature. This review seeks to analyze how this composition balances the historical gravitas of its core ingredient with the contemporary, synthetic-forward DNA that defines the house.

Longevity

4.0

Projection

4.0

Sillage

4.0

30 EUR - 130 EUR

SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Woody 35%

Citrus 20%

Aromatic 15%

Musky 10%

Earthy 10%

Amber 5%

Fresh Spicy 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top

BergamotLemon

Heart

Haitian VetiverVetiver des Sables (India)Indonesian VetiverJava Vetiver Oil

Base

AmbroxanMusk

Scent Journey

Opening 0-30 min

The initial 30 minutes are characterized by a sharp, Hesperidic burst of Bergamot and Lemon. This is not a gourmand citrus, but rather a cold, crystalline introduction that serves to strip away the expectations of traditional woodiness, preparing the palate for the green complexity to follow.

Heart 1-2 hrs

As the citrus recedes, the 'Ex' in the name begins to reveal its true nature. The heart is a dense, choral arrangement of four vetivers. The Haitian variety provides a clean, nutty airiness, while the Java and Indonesian oils introduce a darker, slightly smoky, and leathery texture. The 'Vetiver des Sables' adds a unique, mineralic salinity that bridges the gap between the earth and the sea.

Drydown 4+ hrs

After four hours, the botanical complexity yields to the structural integrity of the base. Ambroxan provides a contemporary, salty-skin warmth, while a clean white musk ensures the fragrance remains persistent and smooth. The vetiver remains present, but it is now a ghostly, powdery echo of its former self.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 4.0/5

6-8 hours on skin, significantly longer on textiles.

Projection 4.0/5

Moderate to high, extending about 3-4 feet from the wearer.

Sillage 4.0/5

High; creates a noticeable and sophisticated scent trail.

When to Wear

SpringOK

SummerBest

FallBest

WinterOK

OfficeEverydayCasualDaytime

Pros & Cons

Innovative use of four distinct vetiver varieties.
Excellent performance on fabric.
Truly unisex and highly versatile for office wear.

The high sillage may be overwhelming in confined spaces.
The synthetic base might feel too sharp for purists.

Price & Value

30 EUR - 130 EUR

Competitive for a luxury niche house.

“A solid investment for a signature daily scent.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported since its 2024 release.

Who It's For

Ideal For

Aficionados of woody-aromatic scents who seek a modern, gender-neutral interpretation.
Fans of the house who want more complexity than 'Not a Perfume'.

Not Recommended For

Those who prefer traditional, heavy, vintage masculines.
Lovers of sweet, gourmand, or heavy floral compositions.

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

Vetiver 46 Le Labo

Vetiver Guerlain

Grey Vetiver Tom Ford

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Layering Ideas

Layer with 'Not a Perfume' for an even more mineralistic, molecular finish.
Combine with a light citrus cologne to extend the top-note brightness.

Final Verdict

Ex Vetiver is a triumphant reclamation of a classical note for the modern era. By blending four distinct regional vetivers with a sharp molecular base, Romano Ricci has created a fragrance that is both historically grounded and aggressively contemporary.