Bois Du Portugal

The 1987 Lavender Cedar Classic

Bois du Portugal launched in 1987, composed by Olivier Creed as one of the brand’s most enduring masculine compositions. The brief was a polished aromatic woody masculine inspired by the Atlantic forests of Portugal: lavender at the opening, cedar at the heart, and a deep base of sandalwood, vetiver, ambergris and musk. Where many late-1980s masculines went either powerhouse aromatic fougere (Drakkar Noir) or designer floral oriental (Cool Water came later), Bois du Portugal occupied the polished classical luxury aromatic woody territory. The composition has remained in continuous production for nearly four decades and continues to attract a steady following among collectors who appreciate classical masculine perfumery. Our interpretation respects the polished character.

How It Smells

The opening is bright and aromatic, lavender leading with its trademark herbal aromatic character (rendered as polished and slightly sweet rather than overtly herbal), bergamot adding citrus lift, and a quiet aromatic edge threading through the early phase. Within fifteen minutes the heart settles into the perfume’s signature accord: cedar takes a leading role with clean wood structure (Virginia cedar provides the central woody character), and a soft aromatic continues threading through the middle. The base is where Bois du Portugal earns its classical luxury reputation. Sandalwood provides creamy wood depth, vetiver adds earthy mineral support, ambergris contributes salty mineral warmth, and musk smooths the drydown into a polished masculine signature. The overall impression is classical aromatic woody luxury, polished and grown up in the great masculine perfumery tradition.

The Notes

Top: lavender, bergamot.
Heart: Virginia cedar.
Base: sandalwood, vetiver, ambergris, musk.

How Our Version Compares

Classical aromatic woody masculines like Bois du Portugal reward concentration because the cedar sandalwood ambergris drydown needs density to develop fully. Our European Union production at 40 percent perfume oil concentration handles the composition well, with the lavender bergamot opening sparkling cleanly, the cedar heart holding through the wearing, and the sandalwood vetiver ambergris drydown lasting well into the next day on clothing.

Common Questions

How does it compare to other classical masculines?
More polished than typical 1980s aromatic fougeres, more lavender-forward than typical cedar woody masculines. Bois du Portugal occupies the luxury aromatic woody middle ground with the Creed signature polish throughout.

Will it feel dated?
Classical rather than dated. The polished aromatic woody character has aged into timelessness rather than nostalgia. Many young wearers adopt Bois du Portugal precisely because it sits outside current aquatic and gourmand trends.

Is it suitable for office wear?
Yes, ideally. The polished aromatic woody character is grown up enough for professional settings and unobtrusive enough for shared workspaces. One or two sprays carries through a working day without overwhelming colleagues.

How long does it last?
Ten to twelve hours at our concentration, with the sandalwood vetiver ambergris drydown lingering on clothing well into the next day. The 40 percent oil approach extends the wearing significantly.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer

Parfumour creates inspired by interpretations of well known fragrances. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Creed. Creed and Bois du Portugal are trademarks of their respective owners. Our product is an independently formulated fragrance designed to evoke a similar olfactive impression, helping customers identify a scent profile they are seeking.