Café Intense

Conclusion

Café Intense provides a decent approximation of Intense Café, particularly for those seeking the general rose-coffee-vanilla profile. If you're sensitive to synthetic notes or demand the highest quality, stick with Montale. However, for budget-conscious individuals wanting a similar experience, this is a viable alternative. Given the significant price difference, it's worth considering if you find Intense Café too expensive. The original is better, but is it ten times better? Probably not.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Café Intense opens with a generic floral accord; indistinct but present. This deviates slightly from Montale's Intense Café, where the rose emerges quicker. The heart is where this clone attempts its mimicry. Rose is certainly present, a jammy and sweet rose, intertwined with a roasted coffee note. The coffee isn't as refined as in the original; it possesses a slightly burnt, synthetic edge. As it dries, vanilla becomes dominant, alongside a creamy white musk and a supporting amber. The base is sweeter and less nuanced than Intense Café's, lacking the depth of the original's amber. I'd estimate this is about 85% similar, the main difference being the slightly rougher edges of the coffee and amber notes.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is respectable. I get a solid 6-7 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first 2-3 hours before settling closer. Sillage is noticeable but not overpowering. It performs adequately for its price point, though Intense Café boasts superior longevity and projection.