Imperial Blue

The Scent Profile

Imperial Blue starts with a blast of candied orange peel and a synthetic pepper note that lacks the nuance of freshly cracked peppercorns. Instead, it's more like pre-ground white pepper that's been sitting in the spice rack a little too long. The Chinotto element adds a bitter zest, but it's fleeting. The heart attempts to capture the original's floral spiciness with geranium and rose, however, the rose is thin and watery; the geranium smells like a cleaning product. As it dries down, the vanilla emerges, but it's a cloying, saccharine vanilla, not the creamy, rich variety. The tonka and sandalwood offer some grounding, but the overall impression is a syrupy sweetness with a lingering, plasticky aftertaste. The resemblance to its inspiration is superficial; it shares some DNA but takes a detour through artificial sweetener territory.

Projection Power

I get about 4-5 hours of longevity with Imperial Blue. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length, then it quickly fades to a skin scent. I tested it during a casual daytime outing, and by lunchtime, it was barely detectable. It doesn't hold up well in warmer temperatures; the sweetness becomes amplified and slightly nauseating.

The Verdict

Wearing Imperial Blue is like opting for a generic cola when you crave the real thing. You get a similar sugary fix, but it lacks the complexity and satisfying finish. You save some money up front, but you sacrifice depth and quality. The initial blast might be appealing, but the cheapness becomes increasingly apparent over time. Ultimately, it fails to capture the refined character of the inspiration and smells synthetic.