Black Ghost

The Scent Profile

Black Ghost aims for Kilian's Dark Lord, and the resemblance is notable, hitting perhaps 88% of the mark. The opening presents a peppery, slightly citrusy blast, with Sichuan pepper adding a noticeable prickle. It's less refined than the original; the bergamot smells a touch synthetic. The heart develops a boozy rum accord, though it's more like rum flavoring than aged barrel rum. Jasmine is present but subdued, blended with Davana which lends a fruity, herbal aspect. The base is where the divergence is most apparent. The leather is present, but thinner and less nuanced than Dark Lord’s. Vetiver and cedar provide a woody backbone but lack the depth and richness of the inspiration.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is acceptable, hovering around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, then sits closer to the skin. It won't fill a room, but creates a noticeable scent bubble.

Conclusion

Black Ghost delivers a commendable approximation of Dark Lord . The synthetic edges are detectable, especially in the opening and base, but are not deal-breakers. If you crave the Dark Lord profile but balk at the cost, this is a solid alternative. But for casual wear, Black Ghost offers significant value. Recommended for those seeking an affordable leather-rum fragrance.