Tonic Impact

The Scent Profile

Tonic Impact opens with a boozy rum note, definitely there, but noticeably sharper and more synthetic than Kilian's Black Phantom. The almond is present, though less creamy, more like almond extract. The heart pushes forward with a dark coffee note, which is well done and surprisingly similar to the original. Thankfully, the cyanide accord – that slightly bitter almond facet – isn't as prominent, making it more wearable. The drydown is where the similarities fade. Vanilla is prominent but lacks the depth and richness found in Black Phantom. The sandalwood and vetiver are muted, playing second fiddle to a cloying sweetness. I'd say it's about 81% similar to Black Phantom, missing some of the nuances and overall smoothness.

The Verdict

Tonic Impact is a solid alternative to Black Phantom. If you want the full, luxurious experience, save up for the Kilian. But if you're on a budget and crave that dark, boozy coffee scent profile, Tonic Impact is a worthy compromise. Just be aware of the synthetic edges and limited longevity. A great grab if Black Phantom is too rich for your blood, but don't expect a 1:1 recreation.

The Performance Stats

This is where the price difference is most evident. Tonic Impact projects decently for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble. However, it quickly becomes a skin scent. Longevity is average; expect around 4-5 hours on skin, maybe 6 on clothing. Not bad but don't expect all-day performance.