Question:
I decided to go with this (the regular version) this morning. My wife instantly complimented me on it.

Answer:
Oh my gosh...i love Rive Gauche!!

Answer:
The first time I wore this, I did think it fresh in a different way, and I did get the retro appeal. On consecutive wears I come to notice that the actual scent, that you smell up close, of RG is quite weird and rather boring and synthetic. It reminds me of oily kitchen soot, ground nuts, cashew nuts, etc, things generally nutty and oily, which I don't find it pleasant at all. This is a modern synthetic scent meant to mimic retro old school scents, and that is what it is, a mere impression of the real things.

Answer:
I expect to be booed off the stage, but I think it's a bit overrated.
I liked it, but didn't love it, didn't have to have it.
Oh well.
Joe

Answer:
No Joe you are right in a way. It's a bit of a utility cologne - however, it's great and it IS exactly that barbershop smell, which in and of itself, to me, is reason for ownership. You'll reach for it when you want that smell, which I do, but others may have no use for it. Am I the only one here who thinks that the bottle is indicative of the barbershop smell - or am I stretching?

Answer:
Back when Indie Guy was posting here regularly, he had stories
about Rive Gauche. Long-timers will remember the "biting" incident.
Some described it as "The King of Compliments."
I'm not as excited about it, but still find it better than so many
of the fresh aquatics being sold these days. In fact, it is very
long lasting and suitably powerful. Good attributes to have.

Answer:
Look, this is an outstanding take on the fresh category. No, it's not the most exotic or seductive or whatever - but it feels awesome to wear it. I've got it on now - what a great fragrance - it's very comfortable but distinctive too. I would recommend that anybody get this if you are on the fence.