Explorer Eau de Parfum bottle Explorer
Edp Concentration Edp
M Gender U
2019 Year 2022
££ Price Tier £
Encode Eau de Parfum bottle Encode
Our Verdict

Explorer and Encode share similar DNA, but the execution sets them miles apart. Montblanc's Explorer delivers a refined blend of citrus, woods, and leather, creating a versatile and long-lasting scent. Maison Alhambra's Encode fails to capture the same magic, resulting in a muddled and weak fragrance. Explorer excels in performance and quality, making it suitable for daily wear. Encode suffers from poor longevity and a less defined scent profile. Choose Explorer for a reliable and sophisticated experience; avoid Encode unless you enjoy disappointment.

ScentArt

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Explorer if...
  • You want a versatile, everyday masculine fragrance.
  • Longevity and projection are important to you.
  • You appreciate a clean and crisp scent profile.
  • You value quality ingredients and a refined blend.
Choose Encode if...
  • You enjoy taking risks on affordable fragrances.
  • You don't mind reapplying fragrance frequently.
  • You prioritize price over performance and quality.
Our Verdict - Explorer
Explorer fuses crisp citrus and aromatic woods in a versatile, clean signature that projects confidence without shouting. Effortlessly wearable, it is a modern masculine staple perfect for everyday use.
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Our Verdict - Encode
Skip this 'clone of a clone'; the overwhelming community consensus screams 'waste of money'. Poor performance and a muddled scent profile make this one an easy pass. You've been warned.
Acquired

Scent Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 10% 11%
Floral 6% 2%
Fruity 2% 1%
Green 11% 12%
Sweet 6% 8%
Warm 16% 17%
Woody 26% 21%
Earthy 22% 24%
Animalic 15% 17%
Fresh 16% 18%

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Explorer EdP
Encode EdP

Notes

Shared Notes
Bergamot 35% vs 40%
Shared Notes
Vetiver 50% vs 47%
Leather 49% vs 52%
Shared Notes
Ambroxan 27% vs 38%
Patchouli 24% vs 23%
Cacao Pod 20% vs 38%
Only in Explorer
Akigalawood 27%

Accords

Explorer Encode
100%
Woody
68%
85%
Aromatic
100%
70%
Fresh Spicy
88%
65%
Citrus
84%
Cacao
70%
Amber
70%
60%
Leather
66%
Musky
61%
Herbal
58%
50%
Earthy
Woody shared
100%
68%
Aromatic shared
85%
100%
Fresh Spicy shared
70%
88%
Citrus shared
65%
84%
70%
70%
Leather shared
60%
66%
61%
58%
50%

Performance

Explorer Encode
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Moderate
Projection
Moderate
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Explorer

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Autumn
Also Works:
Summer

Explorer shines in spring and fall, where its crisp bergamot, aromatic vetiver, and woody backbone feel lively yet grounded. While fresh enough for summer, the leathery and earthy undertones give it the most character in cooler, transitional weather.

Occasions

Best For:
Office Date Casual
Also Works:
Formal

Its moderate projection, clean freshness, and balanced woody-spicy character make it ideal for daily wear at the office and smart-casual outings. The understated leather and patchouli give it refinement for dates, but it is less suited to sporty or high-formality events.

Encode

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Autumn Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

No strong occasion fit

Given the widespread reports of minimal sillage and poor longevity, this fragrance is unlikely to be appropriate for almost any occasion. Its weak nature wouldn't make an impact in social settings and offers little personal enjoyment.

Similarity Breakdown

Overall
94%
Olfactory
97%
Notes
93%
Accord
72%
Key Similarities

Both share Woody, Aromatic, Fresh Spicy accords and Vetiver, Leather notes

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Explorer
Encode
also worth checking

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