No. 1 15th Year Anniversary Men

The Verdict

The Clive Christian No. 1 15th Year Anniversary Edition for Men is the superlative of a fragrance that already dealt in superlatives. When the original No. 1 launched in 2001, it held the distinction of being the most expensive perfume in the world. For this 2014 anniversary edition, the house produced just 500 individually numbered bottles, each containing a richer, more concentrated version of the No. 1 composition in a white-lacquered bottle crowned with gold detailing.

The community consensus, while small due to the fragrance's extreme rarity, is that this is a genuinely exceptional composition. The deeper concentration enhances the No. 1's characteristic woody-oriental profile, bringing out nuances in the iris, amber, tonka bean, and sandalwood that the standard version only hints at. Multiple reviewers describe it in terms that suggest being at a loss for adequate words, one noting that it is "so good that it is beyond words."

The unavoidable elephant in the room is price. Clive Christian's No. 1 line occupies the highest tier of luxury fragrance pricing, and the anniversary edition commands an even steeper premium. Whether the olfactory experience justifies the cost is the central question that divides the community, with enthusiasts arguing it represents perfumery at its finest and skeptics questioning whether any fragrance merits such investment.

What It Smells Like

The opening is an elaborate citrus-spice burst. Lime, cardamom, mandarin, grapefruit, pimento, cumin, artemisia, and nutmeg combine to create a complex, almost overwhelming first impression. This initial blast is described as "robust" and potentially "cloying" by some, though it moderates within the first half hour. The spices are warm and aromatic rather than sharp, with the citrus elements providing freshness that prevents the opening from becoming oppressive.

The floral heart is lavish and full. Ylang-ylang, rose, iris, heliotrope, lily-of-the-valley, and jasmine create a dense, powdery-floral bouquet. The iris and heliotrope together produce a distinctive powdery sweetness, while the rose and jasmine add richness. This floral character is notably prominent, leading some reviewers to perceive the fragrance as leaning feminine, though proponents describe it as "the best masculine floral" they have encountered.

The base is where the anniversary concentration truly distinguishes itself. Cedar, sandalwood, vanilla, musk, vetiver, tonka bean, and amber create an opulent, creamy foundation. The sandalwood and tonka bean combine into a honey-like sweetness, surrounded by the earthiness of vetiver and cedar. This base persists for hours, evolving slowly into a refined skin scent of sweet woods and gentle amber.

When to Wear It

This is an occasion fragrance in the truest sense. The complexity, intensity, and sheer luxury of the composition demand settings that can match its grandeur: formal events, black-tie affairs, anniversary celebrations, theater or opera outings, and significant business occasions. It is not a fragrance for running errands or casual weekend wear.

The rich, warm character places it firmly in cool-weather territory. Autumn and winter evenings are its natural habitat, where the spiced woods and amber can unfold without being amplified by heat.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one area where the No. 1 15th Anniversary edition delivers unequivocally. Longevity is commonly reported at 8-10 hours, with some wearers detecting traces well beyond that. Initial projection is strong, befitting the concentrated formula, before settling into a moderate-to-strong sillage that maintains presence without overwhelming.

The evolution from a powerful opening to a refined, persistent base is one of the fragrance's most praised qualities. Reviewers note that after the first hour, the sillage becomes more controlled and elegant, rewarding those who stay the course.

The Community Says

The community discussion around Clive Christian No. 1 is inevitably dominated by the price debate. On Basenotes, the appreciation thread for the standard No. 1 Men showcases passionate admirers who consider it "perfume overindulgence to the max," comparing the experience to ordering everything on the menu simply because you can. The fragrance is described as smelling like "a luxurious floral/powdery bar of soap with excellent sillage."

Skeptics, however, are equally vocal. Some argue they "wouldn't take a bottle for free," questioning whether the composition, however fine, justifies its positioning as the most expensive masculine fragrance. The floral oriental chypre classification also generates debate, with traditional masculine fragrance enthusiasts finding it too feminine for their tastes.

For the anniversary edition specifically, those who have experienced it consistently describe it as a richer, deeper version that enhances rather than alters the original vision.

Who Should Buy This

The No. 1 15th Anniversary Edition for Men is designed for those who collect ultra-luxury fragrances and appreciate maximalist compositions where every note is turned up to full volume. If you have the means and the desire for a fragrance that represents the pinnacle of opulent perfumery, this limited edition delivers on that promise.

Avoid this if you prefer minimalist, fresh, or modern compositions. Also steer clear if you are uncomfortable with prominently floral masculine fragrances or if the price-to-performance ratio is an important consideration in your fragrance purchases.

The Bottom Line

Clive Christian No. 1 15th Year Anniversary for Men is luxury fragrance taken to its logical extreme: a limited-edition, individually numbered concentration of an already lavish composition. The rich blend of iris, sandalwood, amber, and tonka bean delivers exceptional longevity and complexity, though the extreme price and polarizing floral character ensure this will remain a fragrance for a very select audience.