El Darodo Extrait

First Impressions & Dry Down

El Darodo Extrait aims squarely for Ganymede's otherworldly mineral vibe. The opening bursts with a juicy mandarin, tempered by a noticeable saffron note. It's less photorealistic orange than the original, leaning slightly synthetic but still enjoyable. The violet and osmanthus heart provides a suede-like texture, attempting to capture Ganymede’s refined elegance. However, El Darodo’s heart lacks the airy transparency, feeling denser and slightly powdery. The Akigalawood and immortelle base strive for that distinctive mineralic, slightly burnt sugar drydown. It's here where the separation is most apparent. El Darodo has a sharper, more synthetic woody presence. I'd estimate it captures approximately 84% of Ganymede's overall feel.

Is it Worth It?

This fragrance is for the person who appreciates the artistic direction of Ganymede but isn't ready to commit to its high price tag. El Darodo Extrait offers a compelling alternative that captures the essence without completely replicating the nuances. The synthetic edges are noticeable if you're familiar with the original, but for those new to this genre of fragrance, it provides a fascinating and affordable introduction.

Wear time & Sillage

El Darodo Extrait packs a punch . I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first 3-4 hours before settling closer. It definitely fills a room on initial application, so go easy on the sprayer.