Amiral

The Verdict

Amiral is a respectable clone at its price point. The synthetic caramel is its weakest point, but it offers a reasonable approximation of Scandal Pour Homme. Those seeking photorealistic cloning should look elsewhere. However, if you want the general vibe of the original without the hefty price tag, and are willing to accept some synthetic edges, Amiral is a viable option. However, Amiral provides an accessible entry point to the caramel-tonka combination for budget-conscious consumers.

How it Smells

Amiral opens with a moderately bright mandarin, undercut by a herbaceous clary sage. The sage is less refined than in Scandal Pour Homme, possessing a slightly rough, almost camphorous edge. The heart develops quickly; a prominent caramel accord dominates. It's a synthetic caramel, lacking the buttery nuance of the original, leaning towards a burnt sugar sweetness. Tonka bean is present, adding a powdery almond facet, but remains secondary to the caramel. The vetiver base is clean and provides a counterpoint to the sweetness, preventing complete gourmand saturation. Overall, it captures roughly 80% of Scandal Pour Homme's DNA. The primary divergence lies in the quality of ingredients.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble, before settling closer to the skin. Sillage is decent, leaving a trail for approximately 2 hours. Reapplication is recommended for extended wear.