Gris Charnel Clones

"### Scent Breakdown Francique 63.55 opens with a strong cardamom note, immediately present and somewhat sharper than the smoother spice in Gris Charnel. The fig is noticeable, providing a milky sweetness that balances the cardamom's initial intensity. Black tea is there but faint, acting more as an earthy background hum. The heart reveals a powdery iris, quite similar to the original, but with a slightly synthetic edge. Bourbon vetiver peeks through, adding a touch of green dryness, a welcome counterpoint. The drydown features a creamy sandalwood and tonka bean base. The sandalwood lacks the depth and complexity of the original's; it's less nuanced, more linear. Overall, Francique 63.55 captures approximately 88% of Gris Charnel's essence, with minor deviations in the quality of the ingredients. ### The Verdict Francique 63.55 is a respectable alternative to Gris Charnel, offering a similar experience . It's ideal for those who appreciate the core composition of Gris Charnel but are deterred by its price point. If you demand ultimate refinement and natural ingredients, stick with the original. However, for everyday wear and exploration of the scent profile, Francique 63.55 is a worthwhile option. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is moderate. I get about 6 hours on skin, with projection that extends to arm's length for the first 2 hours, then settles closer to the body. It's not a room-filler, but creates a pleasant, personal scent bubble."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Liam Grey from Lattafa is clearly gunning for the Gris Charnel crown. The opening hits that same cardamom-fig sweetness, maybe 92% similar. It's less nuanced initially, the fig being slightly sharper, more synthetic. The black tea is present but fleeting. As it dries, the iris emerges, but it's a bit powderier than BDK's version, lacking that creamy smoothness. The base of sandalwood and tonka is where the similarities really shine, creating a warm, comforting finish. However, that slight synthetic edge from the opening lingers – it’s a reminder that you’re not smelling the real deal. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is surprisingly good. I get a solid 6-7 hours, which is respectable. Projection is moderate; it sits closer to the skin after the initial hour. It's not a room filler, but people within arm's reach will notice it. ### The Verdict Liam Grey is a solid alternative to Gris Charnel. It's not a perfect clone, maybe 92% there, with a slightly cheaper feel. If you want that luxurious, creamy iris, the original is still king. But if you're on a budget and looking for a good-smelling, warm, and inviting fragrance, Liam Grey is a worthy contender. If money is no object, go for the OG. Recommended for those seeking an affordable, daily-wear take on a popular scent profile."

"### How it Smells Liam opens with a warm cardamom and fig that immediately recalls Gris Charnel, though a slightly sharper black tea note gives it a bit more of an assertive start. Where Gris Charnel whispers, Liam speaks a little louder. The iris in the heart emerges smoothly, blending nicely with the bourbon vetiver. It leans slightly more woody than the original, and the vetiver has a slight synthetic edge, but it's still well-composed. The drydown is where Liam shines, settling into a creamy sandalwood and tonka bean base. It mimics the comforting cashmere-like feel of Gris Charnel, achieving about 80% of the original's luxurious character. ### Performance Reality Check Liam projects moderately for the first two hours, leaving a noticeable scent trail. It then settles closer to the skin, providing a warm and inviting aura for another 4-5 hours. Longevity is about 6-7 hours on my skin. Not beast mode, but respectable, especially . ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Liam is a worthy alternative to BDK's Gris Charnel. If you crave the comforting, fig-infused sandalwood vibe but are hesitant to drop serious cash, Liam delivers a satisfying experience. Yes, the original has a smoother, more refined quality, but This is for the individual who appreciates quiet sophistication, a touch of bohemian spirit, and doesn't take themselves too seriously. Buy this and save your money for experiences, not just fragrance."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Massad opens with a notable cardamom and fig accord. The black tea is present but recessive, a subtle dryness compared to the creamier opening of Gris Charnel. The iris in the heart is detectable, a powdery counterpoint to the woody vetiver, but lacks the buttery richness of the original. It leans slightly more linear in the mid. Drydown brings forward a pleasant sandalwood-tonka combination. It attempts the cozy warmth of Gris Charnel, but with a slightly synthetic edge in the tonka. Overall, I'd place it at around 75-87% similarity. The brighter, more pronounced fig and slightly harsher tonka are the key differences. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is moderate. I get around 5-6 hours on skin, with projection strongest for the first hour before settling closer to the body. It is office safe after the first 30 minutes. Not beast mode, but acceptable . ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Massad offers a solid approximation of Gris Charnel . If you appreciate the scent profile but find the original’s price prohibitive, this is a worthwhile alternative. However, those seeking a near-identical experience will likely detect the nuances that set it apart. The original justifies its price point for its refinement, but the diminishing returns may make Massad a suitable substitute for many."

"### Notes & Nuances Carnal Gray opens with a respectable interpretation of Gris Charnel’s signature cardamom and fig accord. The black tea is present, though slightly more astringent here, giving it a sharper initial impact. The heart reveals a powdery iris note, similar to the original, but the bourbon vetiver leans a bit greener and less creamy. The base develops into a sandalwood and tonka bean combination that is fairly faithful. However, it lacks the smooth, luxurious depth found in BDK's blend. The overall composition is about 95% similar; the main difference lies in the quality of the raw materials. Carnal Gray has a slightly synthetic edge, particularly noticeable in the drydown where the tonka bean feels less refined. ### The Verdict Carnal Gray is a solid dupe for Gris Charnel. It captures the essence of the original . However, if you are seeking a truly luxurious and deeply nuanced fragrance experience, the original remains superior. Carnal Gray provides a satisfying, cost-effective entry point; those wanting the ultimate experience should still seek out the original. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is average. I get around 6 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It settles closer to the skin after that. A respectable performance point, but far from beast mode."

"### The Scent Profile Francique 63.55 opens with a cardamom blast. It's potent, a touch rougher than the refined spice in Gris Charnel. The fig note is present but less creamy, more of a green fig leaf. Black tea emerges quickly, lending a dry, slightly bitter counterpoint. The heart aims for iris and vetiver, but the iris is muted. The vetiver leans heavily into a woody, slightly harsh bourbon aspect. The sandalwood in the base is noticeable, but has a synthetic cedar-like edge that wasn't present in the original. The tonka is there, but acts only as a grounding agent. Side-by-side, it captures about 85% of Gris Charnel's DNA but lacks the smoothness. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get about 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the body. Not a room filler. You'll notice it, and others will if they're close. ### Conclusion This is a decent attempt at a popular fragrance, but the synthetic facets can be distracting if you're very familiar with Gris Charnel. If you want a sandalwood-forward, slightly spicy and woody scent and price is your main concern, Francique 63.55 is a serviceable option. However, if you crave the rounded, luxurious feel of the original BDK, it's worth saving up. Gris Charnel is easily 3x the quality and worth the extra cost."

"### How it Smells Liam Grey opens with a decent cardamom and fig, mimicking the Gris Charnel vibe, but it’s immediately apparent this isn't as refined. The black tea note is there, providing a slightly bitter edge, however the quality feels noticeably synthetic compared to the original. As it dries, the iris emerges, attempting that creamy, almost powdery feel. However, it's not quite as smooth or nuanced. The sandalwood and tonka in the base attempt to provide warmth and depth. Lataffa gets you 85% of the way there, but the ingredients betray the budget. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is acceptable. Expect around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. Don't expect beast mode performance. it performs adequately, but you will need to reapply for all-day wear. ### Is it Worth It? Liam Grey is a solid budget option if you crave Gris Charnel but can't stomach the price. It’s a good substitute. Is it a 1:1 dupe? No. Does it capture the essence? Yes, well enough. It's best suited for someone who wants a similar scent profile for everyday wear without breaking the bank. If you demand top-tier ingredients and refinement, stick with BDK's original. But if you are happy with "close enough" Liam Grey is a winner."