The Making Of Mont Blanc Cologne: A Fragrance Journey

Montblanc is a German company that began as Simplo Filler Pen in 1908. The company got its name from one of its high-quality pens introduced in 1910. The company's signature white star symbol, inspired by the peak of Mont Blanc, first appeared on its products in 1913.

Montblanc fragrances are produced in partnership with Inter Parfums Inc. The company's first fragrance was Presence, a scent for women, in 2001. Starwalker for men was introduced in 2005.

Montblanc's origins and history

Montblanc is a German company founded in 1908 by Claus-Johannes Voss, Alfred Nehemias and August Eberstein. The company started as the Simplo Filler Pen company, making upscale pens in Hamburg. A pen produced in 1910 would later give the company its new name: the Montblanc. The company's signature "White Star" shape, inspired by the peak of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, first appeared in 1913.

In 1924, Montblanc created its breakthrough pen, the Meisterstück, meaning "masterpiece" in English, which is still manufactured today. The figure "4810" (the height of Mont Blanc) was engraved on the nibs of all Meisterstück pens starting in 1929. In 1934, the company changed its name to Montblanc-Simplo GmbH and introduced its first piston pen filler. By 1935, the company had expanded its offering to include leather goods such as pen pouches, notebooks and writing cases to accompany its pens.

During World War II, the company's manufacturing facilities were destroyed but were rebuilt, with production continuing in Denmark while construction took place. The company was subsequently bought by the Richemont Group, allowing Montblanc to expand into larger leather goods, jewellery, watches and cases.

In 2001, Montblanc launched its first fragrance for women, titled Presence, and in 2005, it introduced Starwalker for men, alongside the Starwalker pen and Timewalker watch collection. Montblanc fragrances are produced in partnership with Inter Parfums Inc.

The story behind the name

Montblanc, the German company behind the cologne, was founded in 1908 by Claus-Johannes Voss, Alfred Nehemias, and August Eberstein. The company began as the Simplo Filler Pen company, making upscale pens in Hamburg. A pen produced in 1910 would later give the company its new name: the Montblanc. The name was inspired by Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. The company's signature "White Star" shape, inspired by the snow-covered peak of its namesake mountain, first appeared in 1913.

In 1924, Montblanc created its breakthrough pen, the Meisterstück, meaning "masterpiece" in English. The figure "4810" (the height of Mont Blanc) was engraved on the nibs of all Meisterstück pens starting in 1929. In 1934, the company changed its name to Montblanc-Simplo GmbH and introduced its first piston pen filler.

Over the years, Montblanc expanded its product offerings to include leather goods, stationery, watches, jewellery, and fragrances. The company's first fragrance for women, Presence, was launched in 2001, followed by the men's scent Starwalker in 2005. The Starwalker fragrance debuted alongside the Starwalker pen and Timewalker watch collection.

Today, Montblanc continues to be synonymous with exquisite writing instruments, as well as luxury goods such as watches, leather goods, stationery, and fragrances. The company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is reflected in all its products, including its colognes, which feature citrusy, floral, fresh, and woodsy aromas.

Fragrance notes and ingredients

Montblanc Legend Eau de Parfum is a woody and aromatic fragrance with a citrusy opening. The top notes are violet leaves and bergamot, followed by middle notes of woodsy notes, jasmine, and magnolia. The base notes are oakmoss and leather. The scent is described as clean, masculine, slightly sweet, and woody, with a mature and sophisticated feel. It has moderate projection and longevity, lasting around 5-8 hours on the skin.

The Montblanc Legend Eau de Parfum has been described as an upgraded version of the original Eau de Toilette, with improved longevity and projection. It is deeper, darker, and more mature, with added notes of leather and oakmoss. The fragrance is versatile and can be worn during the day or at night, in any season. It is considered a safe and crowd-pleasing scent, making it a good choice for a signature fragrance.

The Montblanc Legend Eau de Parfum has received mixed reviews. Some people praise its versatility, masculinity, and longevity, while others find it generic and unremarkable. Some reviewers compare it to similar fragrances such as Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, Chanel Platinum Egoiste, and Parfums de Marly Percival. Overall, it is an affordable and accessible fragrance that can be a good addition to a collection, especially for those who enjoy woody and aromatic scents.

Montblanc Explorer

The top notes of Montblanc Explorer include bergamot, pink pepper, and clary sage, creating an invigorating and slightly spicy introduction. The heart notes of Haitian vetiver and leather add a smoky and leathery depth to the fragrance. The base notes of ambroxan, akigalawood, Indonesian patchouli leaf, and cacao pod provide a sweet and woody finish, giving the fragrance its distinctive character.

The bottle has an elongated shape and is wrapped in a leather-like protective sheath printed with the Saffiano motif. The signature star that adorns all of Montblanc's leather goods is made exclusively in Hamburg, while the sleeve and emblem are assembled by hand in Florence.

Montblanc Legend

The perfume was created by Olivier Pescheux and Celine Perdriel, who aimed to fill the fragrance with contrasts, combining notes that evoke strength and tenderness, tradition, and modernity. The bottle design is inspired by the famous Meisterstück pen, with a heavy and slightly curved shape in black and metallic colours. The minimalistic and luxurious design complements the concept behind the fragrance.

Frequently asked questions