Baie de Genievre Creed 1982 unisex 18

The Verdict

Creed Baie de Genievre, fully named Baie de Genievre Feuilles de Canneliers (juniper berries and cinnamon leaves), is a 1982 creation by Olivier Creed that has become one of the more respected entries in the house's discontinued vault. Unlike some vaulted Creeds that achieve near-mythical status, Baie de Genievre occupies a more grounded position: admired by those who know it, but not placed upon the pedestal reserved for fragrances like Royal Oud or Bois du Portugal.

What makes this fragrance notable is its unapologetic commitment to a juniper-cinnamon core that feels simultaneously timeless and specific to its 1980s origins. It carries the confident projection of an era when masculine fragrances were meant to fill a room, yet its construction is refined enough to avoid the brashness that plagues many powerhouse scents from that decade.

What It Smells Like

The opening presents a bright burst of bergamot paired with the warm spice of cinnamon. This is not the sugary cinnamon of gourmand fragrances but rather a dry, aromatic cinnamon leaf that feels natural and grounded. The bergamot provides just enough citrus sparkle to keep the opening from feeling heavy.

The heart is where the fragrance earns its name. Pungent juniper berries emerge alongside warming clove, creating a piney, aromatic core that recalls quality gin and woodland walks in equal measure. The juniper is studded with warmth from the surrounding spices, lending a sophisticated complexity that elevates the composition beyond simple barbershop territory.

In the base, woody vetiver and cedar take the juniper into an appropriately coniferous direction, while the salty, breathy warmth of ambergris provides depth without heaviness. The natural aromatic simplicity of the juniper and cinnamon carries through to the dry-down, making the fragrance feel cohesive from first spray to final trace. The overall impression is of a proper 1980s powerhouse rendered with the taste and restraint of a luxury house.

When to Wear It

Baie de Genievre works best in cooler weather, where its spicy-woody character can bloom without being overwhelmed by heat. Autumn and winter are its natural seasons, though it can work on cool spring days as well. The fragrance carries an inherent formality that suits office environments, business dinners, and evening occasions.

Despite its barbershop-adjacent construction, it has enough depth and complexity to work beyond casual settings. This is a fragrance that rewards wearing to events where you want to project confidence and good taste without resorting to obvious crowd-pleasers.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is good but not exceptional by vintage Creed standards. The fragrance projects well for the first several hours, creating a noticeable but not aggressive sillage. Overall longevity is solid, with the juniper-ambergris base persisting through a full workday on most reviewers.

Given the now-astronomical prices on the secondary market (typically over $200 for what remains available), some community members feel the performance does not fully justify the cost, particularly when compared to what the original retail price would have been.

The Community Says

The vintage fragrance community holds Baie de Genievre in high regard. Basenotes reviewers draw favorable comparisons to classics like Chanel Pour Monsieur and Dior Eau Sauvage, noting the similar refined freshness. The consensus description places it as a sophisticated aromatic fougere with qualities that would appeal to lovers of old-school masculine fragrances.

Criticism tends to focus not on the fragrance itself but on its value proposition. As a vaulted Creed, it commands secondary market prices that some feel exceed what the scent delivers, however pleasant it may be. Several reviewers note that Creed fans who were loyal to the house from the beginning are understandably frustrated by its discontinuation.

Who Should Buy This

Baie de Genievre is for the collector and vintage enthusiast who values the particular character of 1980s niche perfumery. If you are drawn to juniper, cinnamon, and aromatic fougere compositions, and you are willing to pay collector's prices for a discontinued fragrance, this is a rewarding find.

It also appeals to men who appreciate the barbershop tradition in perfumery but want something with more refinement and complexity than mass-market offerings in that style.

The Bottom Line

Creed Baie de Genievre is a distinguished vintage aromatic fougere that showcases juniper berries and cinnamon leaves with genuine skill. Its discontinuation has made it a collector's item, and while the secondary market prices may give pause, the fragrance itself delivers a compelling portrait of sophisticated 1980s masculine perfumery that holds up remarkably well decades later.