Grise

How it Smells

Grise by Maison Alhambra aims squarely for the sophisticated DNA of Dior's Gris Dior, and it gets surprisingly close. The opening is a bright, slightly tart citrus – bergamot and grapefruit definitely there, though maybe a tad more synthetic smelling than the original. It lacks some of Dior's smoothness. The heart unfolds with a prominent rose, blended with jasmine and a hint of strawberry. It's a fruity floral, but not in a juvenile way. The drydown is where it diverges most. While patchouli, oakmoss, and sandalwood are present, the oakmoss feels dialed down, making it a bit sweeter than Gris Dior. I'd say it captures about 89% of the original's essence.

Bottom Line

Grise is a solid option for someone who appreciates the Gris Dior profile but doesn't want to shell out the big bucks. The slight synthetic edge is noticeable upon close inspection, but in the air, it's difficult to tell the difference. If you want a sophisticated, easy-to-wear fragrance for the office or a casual date, this is a great daily driver. This one gets the job done nicely.

Performance Reality Check

Performance is respectable . I get about 6-7 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first 2 hours, then it settles closer. It's not a beast mode fragrance by any means, but easily detectable within arms length.