Derby Club House

Scent Breakdown

Derby Club House opens with a blast of grapefruit and cardamom. The elemi adds a resinous, almost pine-like nuance. It's brighter than Beloved Man's opening, which favors a heavier, spiced orange. The heart develops quickly. I detect a saffron accord, though it's somewhat linear. The orris is present, offering a powdery counterpoint, but lacks the velvety depth of the original's iris butter. Jasmine is a supporting note, more floral texture than distinct aroma. The base is where the divergence is most apparent. The cedar is prominent, slightly pencil shaving-esque. The leather note is present, but leans synthetic, lacking the rich animalic quality found in Amouage's creation. Vetiver provides an earthy grounding but is less smoky than the inspiration. I'd estimate this clone captures approximately 90% of Beloved Man's DNA.

Conclusion

Derby Club House is a decent budget alternative if you appreciate the overall structure of Beloved Man but cannot justify the price. The synthetic edges in the base are noticeable, particularly the leather. It's suitable for casual wear or office environments where a strong, complex scent might be overwhelming. If nuance and high-quality ingredients are paramount, save up for the original. But Derby Club House provides a serviceable and enjoyable experience.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. I get about 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble, then settles closer to the skin. Expect to reapply if you want all-day presence.