Is Maison Alhambra Encode Blue a dupe of Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue?
Explorer Ultra Blue EDP
Montblanc by Olivier Pescheux, Jordi Fernández, Antoine Maisondieu Original Favourite
Explorer Ultra Blue EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| M | Gender | M |
| 2021 | Year | 2023 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £££££ |
Encode Blue EDP
While both share citrus and woody notes, Montblanc's Explorer Ultra Blue offers a more refined, longer-lasting experience. Encode Blue, despite its similar aspirations, may fall short in performance and complexity. Explorer Ultra Blue's blend of sparkling citrus and salty accords creates a crisper, more polished impression, suitable for daily confidence. Encode Blue leans towards a simpler, shower-gel-like profile, potentially better for casual or gym use if you accept the performance issues. Price is a major difference. Explorer Ultra Blue wins out on quality and longevity, justifying the mid-tier price.
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Explorer Ultra Blue
- Encode Blue
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a reliable, long-lasting aquatic fragrance.
- You appreciate a crisp and clean profile.
- You prefer a well-blended, high-quality scent.
- You want a versatile fragrance for daily wear.
- You're on a very tight budget.
- You need a fragrance solely for the gym.
- You like very simple, linear scents.
- You don't mind reapplying frequently.
A clean aquatic that tries to feel like open water. Sea water and ambergris give it a brisk, salty character, and patchouli and leather keep it from floating away. Modern, and made for warm days.
Fresh and light, a marine in the classic blue mould: bright fruit and pink pepper at the start, ambergris and a little leather in the base. Suits gym bags and hot days.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Sea Water
53%
vs
52%
Ambergris
46%
vs
47%
Woody Notes
36%
vs
40%
Bergamot
34%
vs
40%
Patchouli
34%
vs
22%
Pink Pepper
32%
vs
24%
Fruity Notes
32%
vs
36%
Leather
29%
vs
36%
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Sea water, bergamot and pink pepper are cooling and bright, so summer leads and spring follows.
Occasions
Fresh and unobtrusive, it fits the office, casual days and sport. It lacks the depth for a formal night.
Seasons
Sea water, bergamot and a light base make it a summer scent first. Spring is workable, but cold months leave it with nothing to hold on to.
Occasions
Light and clean, it is best for sport, casual days and the office. It lacks the presence for a date night or formal event.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Sea Water, Woody Notes, Patchouli
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Other (1)
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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