Royale Opal

Olfactory Experience

Royale Opal opens with a boozy warmth trying to channel Angels' Share. The cognac note is there, but it's a bit sharper, less refined. You get cinnamon and a woody vibe from the oak, but it's not as smooth or natural as the Kilian. The heart pushes forward with the tonka bean and praline, a nutty sweetness emerges. It's pretty good, actually. The drydown is where it most noticeably veers off-course. The vanilla is amped up, pushing the other notes into the background. It's less about the cognac-soaked pastry and more about a vanilla extract. I'd say it's about 85% similar overall, but that last 85% is crucial for the high-end feel of Angels' Share.

Performance Reality Check

Performance is decent . It lasts a solid 5-6 hours on my skin, projecting moderately for the first hour or two before settling closer. It won't fill a room, but it creates a nice scent bubble. It's not a perfect dupe, the synthetic edges are noticeable at times, and the drydown is sweeter and simpler. But for a tenth of the price, it's a good daily driver for fall and winter. Wear it to the office, a casual date, or just when you want to feel cozy. But if you're on a budget, Royale Opal will scratch that itch pretty well.