Erolfa

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Alexandria's Erolfa is a solid offering. It captures the spirit of Creed's creation, even if it lacks the refined natural ingredients. Is it a perfect clone? No. The synthetic edges are noticeable, especially in the opening. But (think 1/5th, or even 1/10th depending on where you shop), it’s a worthwhile alternative. If you love the idea of Erolfa but can't stomach the Creed price tag, this is a good compromise. Just don't expect a perfect 1:1 dupe. If you want absolute quality and ultimate smoothness, buy the original. But if you are okay with a very good approximation, that will save you hundreds of dollars, look no further.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Alexandria Fragrances' Erolfa attempt opens with a bright, almost aggressively citrusy blast. Lime and bergamot are prominent, maybe a tad sharper than the Creed original. The melon note is there, but it's a bit more artificial smelling compared to the natural, watery sweetness of Erolfa. The heart tries to capture the herbal-pine essence, and it gets close – about 95% there. But the ginger is more pronounced, lending a spicy edge that distracts from the overall oceanic vibe. The drydown aims for that salty ambergris, but settles for a musky sandalwood with hints of synthetic amber.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is decent. I get about 5-6 hours on skin, which is comparable to current formulations of Erolfa. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then it sits closer to the skin. Don't expect a beast; this is a more subtle, refined fragrance (or at least it’s trying to be).