Milan

Scent Breakdown

Milan opens with a noticeable bergamot and mandarin accord, a sharp citrus blast, followed by an identifiable, albeit somewhat thin, green tea note. The blackcurrant in the heart is present, lending a fruity tartness, but lacks the naturalistic depth of Creed's Silver Mountain Water. The base exhibits a clean musk and a suggestion of sandalwood; the petitgrain is very subtle, barely registering on the skin. Comparing it to SMW, Milan captures approximately 81% of the essence. It misses the mineralic quality and the icy freshness of the original, presenting as a slightly sweeter and less complex iteration. The difference lies in the quality of ingredients, with Milan leaning towards synthetic representations of the listed notes.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 4-5 hours of noticeable scent, fading to a skin scent by hour 6. Projection is also moderate for the first hour, then quickly settles closer to the body. It's not a powerhouse, but suitable for close encounters.

Final Thoughts

Milan offers an affordable entry point into the Silver Mountain Water fragrance profile. For those who enjoy the vibe but are unwilling to commit to the Creed price tag, it is a decent option. However, those seeking the full olfactory experience and higher quality ingredients should save for the original. Milan is a worthwhile purchase for casual wear, especially in warmer months, but the difference in depth and richness is readily apparent. For purely functional daily use, Milan will suffice.