Pardon

Olfactory Experience

Pardon by Fragrance World opens with a fleeting magnolia impression quickly overtaken by something akin to spiced cocoa powder – less dark chocolate, more Swiss Miss. The heart is where it veers furthest from its inspiration. The tonka bean is muted, buried under a dominant, almost medicinal cinnamon accord. The agarwood is present, but it's a stripped-down, woody chemical interpretation rather than a rich oud. The sandalwood in the base provides some grounding, but is largely overshadowed by the persisting cinnamon and a slightly acrid, synthetic woody aroma. Side by side, the original is noticeably smoother, with a far more nuanced development. This version feels rushed and a bit muddled.

Bottom Line

Pardon by Fragrance World is best suited for cooler evenings. Its heavy cinnamon and woody notes would be cloying in high heat. Consider it a casual, nighttime option for situations where a bold, potentially divisive fragrance is acceptable.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is surprisingly robust, clocking in at around 7-8 hours. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, radiating about an arm's length, before settling closer to the skin. I tested this during a mild spring day at the office. It didn’t overwhelm, but I could catch whiffs of the spicy-woody scent throughout the afternoon.