No.619 Uncompromising Sohan

Eden's No.619 is styled directly after Penhaligon's The Uncompromising Sohan and doesn't shy away from its intensity - the brand's own copy describes it as a sweaty, muscly, testosterone-heavy scent for self-confident wearers who like to be noticed. Rose, saffron and pink pepper open with real spice and warmth, moving into a labdanum-vetiver heart before a heavy oud and sandalwood base takes over. That oud-forward structure is a fair likeness to the original, which built its reputation as an unapologetically loud amber-oud fragrance with real presence. Where this dupe falls short is refinement - the original's oud is smoother and better blended with the labdanum, giving it a more polished, expensive-smelling depth, while this version leans rawer and slightly rougher around the edges, with the spice notes sitting a little more separate from the base. Longevity and projection are strong for a budget alternative but still trail the original's genuinely long-lasting sillage. For oud fans who want the big, confident character of The Uncompromising Sohan without the price tag, this is a reasonable way in, best worn when you want to be noticed.