Is Maison Alhambra Leyden a dupe of Parfums de Marly Kalan?
Kalan EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| U | Gender | M |
| 2019 | Year | 2023 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Leyden EDP
Kalan and Leyden share a similar DNA, but diverge notably in execution. Kalan is a bold statement, known for its intense peppery opening and potent performance. Leyden, as a clone, aims for the same profile but often falls short in depth and longevity, with a 'watery' opening being a common complaint. While both lean unisex, Kalan projects a more assertive character, while Leyden strives for mass appeal at a budget price, sacrificing some of the original's complexity and impact. Ultimately, the choice hinges on budget and desired boldness.
→
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Kalan
- Leyden
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a powerful and long-lasting scent.
- You appreciate a unique, peppery-citrus fragrance.
- You value quality ingredients and performance.
- You want a fragrance that makes a statement.
- You're on a tight budget.
- You want a versatile everyday fragrance.
- You prefer a softer, more approachable scent.
- You want to test the Kalan DNA affordably.
Kalan is a truly divisive scent-bomb; you'll either love its unique, peppery-citrus punch or recoil from its perceived harshness. Definitely not a safe blind buy, but for those who get it, it's a confident, head-turning beast.
A modern woody aromatic that feels at home in cool weather. Crisp apple and lavender lead, a softer violet and geranium heart follows, and cardamom, pepper and amber warm the drydown.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Lavender
53%
vs
27%
Pepper
30%
vs
15%
Sandalwood
18%
vs
16%
Amber
17%
vs
20%
Orange Blossom
46%
Spicy Notes
37%
Blood Orange
33%
Woody Notes
25%
Oakmoss
22%
Tonka Bean
18%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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
A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.
Occasions
Its exceptional longevity and strong projection make it unsuitable for the office, but perfect for making a statement on dates or at formal events. The unique spicy-woody profile adds an intriguing touch to evenings out, though it's too heavy for casual daytime wear or sport.
Seasons
Cardamom, pepper, amber and guaiac wood make it a winter scent first, with autumn a fair second. Summer is too warm for it.
Occasions
Dates and casual days suit it best, and it manages the office reasonably. The spicy woods are a stretch for formal wear and it is no gym scent.
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.
Shares 4 of its 13 notes, including Sandalwood, Amber, Lavender
Adds apple and bergamot, drops blood orange and oakmoss
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.