Spicebomb Infrared EDP (Review): The 3 Key Questions

Spicebomb Infrared EDP was released onto the market in 2023. This warm spicy men’s cologne is a successor to Spicebomb Infrared by Viktor & Rolf. I liked that scent and was intrigued by the direction they’d take with this new one. I’ve spent tons of time testing it over the last few weeks and now formed my final opinion. Here’s the 3 key questions (and answers) you need to know.

Table of Contents

What does Spicebomb Infrared EDP smell like?

Firstly let’s go over the notes. Spicebomb Infrared EDP contains cinnamon, chili pepper, pink pepper, leather, resins, and woods.

At the outset cinnamon is the most noticeable accord. It sets the scene with a warm and spicy energy. However, it never becomes overwhelming – which is often a criticism of other colognes like Azzaro Wanted By Night.

Soon after you’ll detect further spiciness. This time, from chili and pink pepper. The chili adds a heated (not warm, but hot) essence behind the cinnamon. Also, pink pepper supports with sweet ‘rosy’ spiciness.

Despite those 3 notes, this isn’t as sharp and explosive as you’d expect. The ingredients are blended in a smooth and confident way that typifies the Spicebomb range. Impressively, Viktor & Rolf always seem to nail the balance.

Next, the cologne starts to journey through darker tones:

Leather adds texture and evokes a feeling of luxury and masculinity; and
Resins deepen the composition with a sweet, mysterious aroma.

Finally comes the dry down phase. Now, much of the initial peppery spiciness has reduced. Woods emerge, giving off a dry, cedar-like smell. They mingle with softened cinnamon. Also, the leather and resinous amber are there too.

In summary, Spicebomb Infrared EDP smells like a spicy, smooth cinnamon fragrance with unique smouldering red chili. Afterwards, the cinnamon settles alongside polished notes of leather, amber, and masculine woods.

This cologne is 70% similar to Spicebomb Infrared EDT. Specifically, the EDP replaces the prior tobacco with leather. Additionally, there’s more cinnamon and no red fruits. Thus, this release is drier and less sweet.

Overall, the two Infrareds do share the same DNA, they’re just approached in different ways.

Which one reigns supreme? Well, neither. Truthfully, it’s down to personal taste.

This reviewer prefers the EDP:

Wow what an absolute step up in terms of composition and quality. This Infrared EDP has an almost niche-like quality to it, the leather facet blended so incredibly well into the profile while cutting down the sweet-fruitiness of the EDT. It’s more refined, rich, with more character too, this leather note is freaking addictive.
Fragrantica.com

And this reviewer prefers the EDT:

I have to say that I love this flanker, but I don’t love it as much as the EDT. You get hit right off the bat with chili pepper & that cinnamon coming in. Going into the mid, the leather starts to shine. You get lots of resins and amber as thing dries down. It’s so well-blended like all of the Spicebombs.
Fragrantica.com

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