Wayward Charlie

Olfactory Experience

Wayward Charlie opens with a blast of synthetic caramel. It's not unpleasant, but lacks the nuanced depth of Franck Boclet's Cocaine. The tobacco note is present, more a vaguely sweet pipe tobacco than a smoky, ashy variety. I detect a fleeting whisper of red berries; however, they're quickly subsumed by the emerging floral heart. The tuberose and lily are fairly prominent, lending a creamy sweetness. The orchid provides a powdery, slightly vanillic counterpoint. The drydown is where Wayward Charlie diverges most from its inspiration. While Cocaine features a drier, more resinous patchouli, this clone emphasizes the monoi oil and vanilla, resulting in a sweeter, almost gourmand finish. It’s approximately 91% similar to the original, missing some of the original’s more complex nuances.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, creating a noticeable scent bubble for the first hour. It then settles closer to the skin, becoming a more intimate fragrance. I would classify performance as "adequate". It delivers a palatable, if somewhat simplified, version of the original's DNA. If you prioritize nuance and high-quality ingredients, the original Cocaine remains the superior choice. However, for casual wear or as an introductory fragrance, Wayward Charlie presents a reasonable alternative. it's a worthwhile gamble.