FRAGRANCE | Davidoff Cool Water Deep EDT: A flanker that departs from the DNA of the original

One of the countless flankers to the 1988 classic, Cool Water Deep is a little different in that it doesn't remind me at all of the original Cool Water. Unlike Terre d'Hermès Eau Très Fraîche or Guerlain L'Homme Ideal Cologne that still carry the DNA of their respective original creations, this one doesn't. It's still characteristically fresh but there's just a different vibe to it that I'm not sure if I could place it as an aquatic. Even the curved, flask-like bottle design is already quite the departure from the rectangular style of the original and of its many cousins that followed.

Deep has a sharp, citric opening typical of a freshie. After a few minutes a green note comes forward, but not the dry and bitter kind that I usually encounter. It's moist, succulent, almost like seaweed. I like it because it adds some depth to the composition but unfortunately it's fleeting.

Meanwhile, a cooling sensation ensues, underscored by a woody accord that's a bit sharp and not at all warm, with the moist greenness occasionally popping back. Later I get a hint of sweetness, working quietly in the background as the sharpness lifts off. The cool freshness, on the other hand, remains unto the end.

Performance-wise, Cool Water Deep projects moderately for one to two hours before receding into softer territory. The scent itself can last up to six hours, give or take. It's an easily likable fragrance with its overall fresh profile, along with an outdoorsy, masculine signature. Personally, however, I'm not that big of a fan but if you're into aquatics and freshies, then this might just be worth a try. The downside, though, is that it's already been discontinued, so sourcing it can be a challenge.

[Also check out: Latitude Longitude EDT by Nautica]