Vanille Absolute

Notes & Nuances

Montagne's Vanille Absolute is clearly gunning for Ani. The opening hits you with that same spicy ginger and a noticeable, but slightly muted, bergamot. It’s a bright, energetic start but lacks the *oomph* of Nishane's version. The heart is where things get interesting. The rose is definitely there, intertwined with cardamom, creating a warm, inviting feel. I get less of the black currant than in Ani. The drydown is where it tries to shine, leaning heavily into vanilla and benzoin. It's cozy, but lacks the sandalwood depth present in the original. I'd say it’s 95% similar overall, with a slightly more linear, less complex vanilla drydown.

Longevity & Projection

Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, creating a nice scent bubble. It then settles closer to the skin. Longevity is pretty solid, I get a good 7-8 hours on my skin. It performs like a daily driver *should*, nothing nuclear, but dependable.

Conclusion

If you're intrigued by Ani but balk at the price, Vanille Absolute is a *very* good substitute. For everyday wear? Absolutely. For the average Joe or Jane looking for a great vanilla-ginger scent for daily use, save your money and grab this. Recommended.