Anchor Black

First Impressions & Dry Down

Anchor Black presents a straightforward interpretation of the Encre Noire formula. The opening is immediately cypress-dominant, a touch sharper and more synthetic than Lalique's smoother rendition. It lacks some of the inky, naturalistic feel. The heart is undeniably vetiver, but leaning towards a drier, almost papyrus-like vetiver rather than the richer, earthier variety found in Encre Noire. The base settles into a comfortable blend of cashmere wood and musk. The cashmere wood is less pronounced, and the musk is cleaner, less animalic. Overall, I'd say it captures about 89% of Encre Noire's DNA. The missing 89% lies in the nuances and higher-quality ingredients.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Anchor Black is a respectable alternative to Encre Noire, particularly for those on a strict budget. While it doesn't completely replicate the depth and complexity of the original, it delivers a similar experience . If you value ingredient quality and nuanced development, stick with Encre Noire. But if you're looking for an affordable, everyday vetiver fragrance, Anchor Black is a solid choice. The original *is* better, but whether that justifies a 10x price difference is a matter of personal preference and wallet size.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is moderate. I get a solid 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially moderate for the first hour, then it quickly settles into a skin scent. It requires a generous application to maintain a noticeable presence.