Encre Noire Clones

"### Olfactory Experience This clone opens with a blast of cypress, sharper and less refined than the original Encre Noire. The initial impression is similar, but lacks the inky depth. The heart focuses heavily on vetiver; a green, grassy vetiver dominates where the original presents a darker, earthier root. It's recognizable as Encre Noire-adjacent, perhaps 89% similar at this stage. The drydown reveals the biggest departure. Where Encre Noire lingers with a rich, almost mineralic vetiver, this clone shifts to a pronounced cashmere wood and musk accord. It’s a cleaner, slightly sweeter finish, lacking the haunting quality of its inspiration. The base is less complex and more synthetic-smelling. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate. Expect around 4-5 hours of noticeable projection, after which it becomes a skin scent. Projection is decent for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble. It's suitable for close encounters, but won't fill a room. The original Encre Noire, while not a beast, definitely outperforms in both areas. However, be aware of the compromises. The synthetic edges are noticeable, particularly in the drydown. If you are seeking a 89%+ accurate clone, look elsewhere. If you desire a "vetiver-esque" scent profile this may suffice. But for casual wear, this clone presents an acceptable alternative."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Black Ink opens with a blast of cypress, a bit sharper and more synthetic than Encre Noire. It's trying hard to replicate that inky, green vibe, and it gets pretty close. The vetiver heart emerges quickly, thankfully without the harshness some cheaper vetivers can have. This is where it shines. It's woody, earthy, and slightly smoky – very similar to the Lalique. The drydown leans heavily on the cashmere wood and musk. It's soft, comforting, and again, a touch more synthetic than the original's deeper, richer base. Overall? I'd say it's about 82% there. The opening is where it differs the most. ### Bottom Line Black Ink is a steal. If you love the idea of Encre Noire but don't want to shell out the cash, this is a great alternative. It's perfect for everyday wear, especially in cooler weather. Think office, dates, or just running errands. This gets you most of the way there . Definitely worth a blind buy if you're a vetiver fan. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get a solid 6-7 hours with moderate projection for the first 2 hours before it settles closer to the skin. It's not a beast mode fragrance by any means, but it's definitely noticeable. Expect a subtle, sophisticated scent bubble."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Anchor Black presents a straightforward interpretation of the Encre Noire formula. The opening is immediately cypress-dominant, a touch sharper and more synthetic than Lalique's smoother rendition. It lacks some of the inky, naturalistic feel. The heart is undeniably vetiver, but leaning towards a drier, almost papyrus-like vetiver rather than the richer, earthier variety found in Encre Noire. The base settles into a comfortable blend of cashmere wood and musk. The cashmere wood is less pronounced, and the musk is cleaner, less animalic. Overall, I'd say it captures about 89% of Encre Noire's DNA. The missing 89% lies in the nuances and higher-quality ingredients. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Anchor Black is a respectable alternative to Encre Noire, particularly for those on a strict budget. While it doesn't completely replicate the depth and complexity of the original, it delivers a similar experience . If you value ingredient quality and nuanced development, stick with Encre Noire. But if you're looking for an affordable, everyday vetiver fragrance, Anchor Black is a solid choice. The original *is* better, but whether that justifies a 10x price difference is a matter of personal preference and wallet size. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is moderate. I get a solid 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially moderate for the first hour, then it quickly settles into a skin scent. It requires a generous application to maintain a noticeable presence."