Side-by-side comparison of Artisan Forest by John Varvatos and Explorer by Montblanc
John Varvatos
Montblanc
| Attribute | Artisan Forest | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | John Varvatos | Montblanc |
| Year | 2025 | 2019 |
| Rating | 3.88 | 4.24 |
| Concentration | — | — |
| Gender | masculine | masculine |
| Total Notes | 12 | 9 |
79 opinions · Source: r/fragrance community
7.2
/10
The r/fragrance community views Montblanc Explorer as a solid, affordable alternative that shares the fresh citrus DNA of Aventus but is distinctly different, particularly in the drydown. While praised for value, consistency, and wearability, it's criticized for being overly linear and ambroxan-heavy compared to Aventus's complexity, making it a good standalone fragrance rather than a true clone.