No. 1 Imperial For Men

The Verdict

Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial For Men represents the extreme end of luxury perfumery. Released in 2015 with only 10 flacons of 50ml produced, it is a richer, more concentrated version of the already opulent Clive Christian No. 1, which itself holds a Guinness World Record for being one of the most expensive perfumes in the world. The Imperial edition pushes that formula further, using even deeper concentrations of the original's legendary ingredient list.

Evaluating this fragrance objectively is inherently challenging given its extreme rarity. However, what we know about the original No. 1 and the few accounts of the Imperial edition suggest a composition of genuine distinction. Whether that distinction justifies its extraordinary price is a question that transcends perfumery and enters the realm of luxury collecting.

What It Smells Like

Based on the original No. 1's well-documented profile and the Imperial edition's promise of a richer concentration, the fragrance opens with a burst of fine citrus. The original No. 1 features bergamot, lime, and Sicilian mandarin in its opening, and the Imperial amplifies these notes with greater intensity and depth. This opening phase has been described as robust, requiring some patience before the composition reveals its true character.

The heart introduces an array of fine spices that give No. 1 its distinctive warmth. The original features cardamom, nutmeg, and paprika alongside a floral bouquet including iris, jasmine, and ylang-ylang. In the Imperial edition, these elements are rendered with greater richness, creating a more enveloping mid-section. Reviewers of the original have noted that it smells great at arm's length distance, projecting an artful elegance that is a rarity in men's fragrance.

The base is where the Imperial edition's deeper concentration likely makes its strongest impression. Precious woods, including 50-year-old Indian sandalwood, combine with musk, vanilla, tonka bean, and vetiver to create a warm, balsamic foundation. The overall effect has been described as smelling like a rich person in the most positive sense, projecting wealth and refinement through quality ingredients rather than mere volume.

When to Wear It

No. 1 Imperial is a formal fragrance designed for significant occasions. Black tie events, luxury galas, and milestone celebrations are its natural habitat. The fragrance's rich, enveloping character makes it best suited for cooler months when its balsamic warmth can be fully appreciated.

This is emphatically not an everyday scent. Its richness and complexity demand occasions worthy of its character, and its rarity dictates that each wearing is a deliberate choice.

Longevity & Projection

Reviewers of the original No. 1 report impressive performance, with sillage described as enormous and longevity extending to 12 hours or more. The Imperial edition, with its even richer concentration, can be expected to match or exceed these figures. The base notes of sandalwood, musk, and vetiver provide a long-lasting foundation that continues to evolve on skin for many hours after application.

The Community Says

Community opinion on Clive Christian No. 1 as a line is respectful but sometimes skeptical about value. Some consider it the best perfume they have ever smelled, while others find it pretty but not necessarily worth its extraordinary price tag. One notable criticism is that the opening can be somewhat off-putting, though the fragrance rewards patience as it develops into its magnificent heart and base. The Imperial edition, due to its extreme rarity, has generated more curiosity than detailed reviews, but its status as the concentrated pinnacle of an already prestigious line commands respect within collecting circles.

Who Should Buy This

No. 1 Imperial For Men exists for a very specific audience: ultra-high-net-worth fragrance collectors who appreciate the intersection of fine perfumery and luxury exclusivity. If you are already a devotee of Clive Christian No. 1 and desire the ultimate expression of that composition, the Imperial edition represents the apex. For everyone else, the standard No. 1 provides the same general experience at a fraction of the price and with actual availability.

The Bottom Line

Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial For Men is the pinnacle of luxury fragrance exclusivity, offering a richer and more concentrated take on an already iconic composition. With only 10 bottles ever produced, it exists more as a collector's artifact than a practical fragrance, but its quality and ambition are undeniable for those fortunate enough to experience it.