Fragrances inspired by Explorer Eau de Parfum
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedWhat they share
Shares 8 of its 9 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Adds cacao butter, drops cacao pod
What they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Without patchouli
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Our verdict
Explorer and Encode share similar DNA, but the execution sets them miles apart.
What they share
Shares 6 of its 8 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Bergamot
The main difference
Adds pepper and sage, drops akigalawood and clary sage
Choose Encode when
You enjoy taking risks on affordable fragrances.
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
What they share
Shares 7 of its 8 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Adds dark chocolate, drops akigalawood and cacao pod
What they share
Shares 7 of its 8 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Adds cacao butter, drops akigalawood and cacao pod
What they share
Shares 7 of its 8 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Adds dark chocolate, drops ambroxan and cacao pod
What they share
Shares 8 of its 9 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Clary Sage
The main difference
Adds musk, drops cacao pod
What they share
Shares 5 of its 7 notes, including Vetiver, Leather, Pink Pepper
The main difference
Adds amber and musk, drops akigalawood and ambroxan
What they share
Shares 7 of its 8 notes, including Vetiver, Clary Sage, Pink Pepper
The main difference
Adds dark chocolate, drops cacao pod and leather
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Leather, Pink Pepper, Bergamot
The main difference
Adds amber and cedar, drops akigalawood and ambroxan
Scent profile
How we judge a match
We score each pairing on the two fragrance profiles: shared accords, overlapping notes, longevity and projection, and the occasions each suits. A good inspired-by scent captures the original's character rather than copying it molecule for molecule.
The full method, and what to look for in a dupe. Prices are UK retail and change often. Check before buying.
Inspired-by fragrances. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or produced by Montblanc. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.