Hamdan The Brave

How it Smells

Hamdan The Brave opens with a potent blast of spice – nutmeg and cinnamon are prominent, underpinned by a sharper cardamom. This deviates from Sauvage Elixir's grapefruit-forward introduction, leaning instead toward a warmer, almost gourmand-tinged spiciness. The lavender heart is present, but less herbal, more subdued, blended quickly into the base notes. The drydown is where the divergence becomes more apparent. The licorice is amplified, creating a slightly sweeter, less refined finish. The sandalwood is there, but lacks the creamy depth of the original. Amber provides a generalized warmth. I would rate the overall similarity at around 87%. The core DNA is recognizable, but the execution lacks the seamless blending and high-quality ingredients of the inspiration. There's a noticeable synthetic edge, particularly in the licorice.

The Verdict

Hamdan The Brave offers a decent approximation of Sauvage Elixir . If you appreciate the general fragrance profile but are put off by Dior's price tag, this is a worthwhile option. However, those seeking a near-identical clone will be disappointed. The synthetic nuances and slightly altered accord balance are undeniable. But, the smoother composition and higher quality ingredients of Elixir do justify a higher price point.

Wear time & Sillage

Projection is strong for the first two hours, leaving a noticeable scent trail. Longevity is decent, clocking in around 6-7 hours on skin. The scent softens considerably after the initial projection phase, becoming a skin scent for the remaining duration. Don't expect Elixir-level performance.