cK Free
Calvin Klein (2009)

A handsome and clever modern woody-aromatic: airy, watery, light, green, fruity, bitter, natural. Long-wearing, easily 10 hours, with subtle radiation. Has that fun future past feel of the great Mugler Cologne (2001) with pretty anisette iced coffee notes. An outstanding value buy. (A beautiful and tactile bottle, but why the damnable marketing is it blue?)

This is a work or gym cologne for me, and it I use it when I want something almost nobody will notice. It has a clean scent, doesn't last, and the middle notes are absent (I never get coffee, tobacco, or suede). Mainly out of this I get the citrus and the patchouli. At a clearance rack it is worth it... I put it in my gym bag for emergencies, or wear it to work when I am not feeling like making an impression. It's certainly not the CK I would choose for every day.

Okay, this one is my guilty little secret. It is synthetic, it is simple, it is a little vague on longevity. I totally understand why people have offered negative reviews to it, especially if you have bought it full price. However, for a crisp, simple fragrance I think it works well. I would want to purchase from the bargain bin, and I wouldn't pay full price for it, but I like the simplicity it offers. It's reliable and for me it lasts a fair little while (if not sitting close to the skin). If you demand too much from it then it flounders. But take away the house (CK has lived in its own shadow for too long) and take it for what it is, then I think it is a “fair enough” fragrance.

The fruity and crisp open is very pleasing and mixes down into a deeper, leather-based mid (whilst still holding onto the higher notes in the opening). There is no sight of the coffee note I have to say, but i'm willing to forgive that in standing of the fact it remains perfectly pleasant to wear. The dry down is simply a woodier version of the mid which does nothing but gently follow you. It doesn't amaze or surprise. But it is if anything consistent.

I own better constructed and more compliment grabbing fragrances than this. But for a simple clear crisp happy smell, it wins. If you don't expect miracles but want consistency then this is worth a look.

I need many sprays to give this one a shot. After 10 sprays I get a little fruit. The juniper is really weak. Most of the middle and base notes are imperceptible. Where's the wood, coffee, tobacco, and suede?

Smells clean and fresh but nothing special. Extremely poor longevity and projection. Thumbs down from me.

CK Free... Definitely in my Top 10..!!


Guys, CK Free is one of my top fragrances... It is almost intoxicating..!! I only wish it lasted longer...


Out of the bottle, Free offers that clean fresh smell with a blend of citrus, juniper, woodsy, and (call me crazy) leather. It is truly a pleasant scent that will work in all seasons and for any occasion. The only downside is the longevity - lasting only about 4 hours (at most). The projection/sillage is great early on and then fades after the first hour. Our noses are all different - in my opinion, Free differs from the other CK fragrances I own (probably 5 others) in that it is not as "sweet", or I detect less floral notes.


Early on, Free has potential "Wow Factor". I have not received compliments, but Sweetie gives two thumbs up. The interesting thing here, she is not a huge fan of the "clean" and "fresh" scents - she prefers the "musk" or "spice" scents. To reiterate, it has potential..!!


In addition to the fragrance/scent, the bottle is one of my favorites. Other than the CK logo, the bottle is totally clear showing the clarity of the fragrance. It may be my favorite bottle in my collection. Additionally, the packaging is above average.


All things considered, I give CK Free 4.2 stars out of 5 stars. The scent is one of my favorites. If the longevity were better, Free would clearly be in my Top 5. It is a long way to the top if you want to rock-n-roll.