No 165

Notes & Nuances

No 165 from Louche is aiming for that crisp, clean mountain air vibe of Creed's Silver Mountain Water. The opening? Pretty darn close. You get the bergamot and a noticeable green tea note right away. It’s bright and refreshing, just like it should be. The blackcurrant heart peeks through, but it's a little more subdued than in the Creed. Where this differs the most is in the drydown. The sandalwood and musk are there, but there's a slight synthetic edge, a telltale sign it's not the real deal. Still, it captures about 88% of the original scent profile.

Projection Power

The performance is decent, but don't expect all-day longevity. I get about 5-6 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first hour or so. It sits closer to the skin after that. Perfect for a workday where you want something subtle and clean. It's office-safe.

Is it Worth It?

If you love Silver Mountain Water but can't stomach the Creed price tag, No 165 is a solid alternative. Yes, it has a synthetic edge in the base. Yes, the performance isn't nuclear. But it smells good, it's affordable, and it won't offend anyone. This is a worthy grab for the budget-conscious.