Fragrances inspired by Explorer Ultra Blue Eau de Parfum
The original
Explorer Ultra Blue
Montblanc
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedOur verdict
While both share citrus and woody notes, Montblanc's Explorer Ultra Blue offers a more refined, longer-lasting experience.
What they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Sea Water, Woody Notes, Patchouli
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Choose Encode Blue when
You're on a very tight budget.
What they share
Shares 4 of its 11 notes, including Sea Water, Woody Notes, Bergamot
The main difference
Adds citrus and cypress, drops fruity notes and leather
What they share
Shares 3 of its 8 notes, including Sea Water, Pink Pepper, Ambergris
The main difference
Adds canadian fir balsam and musk, drops bergamot and fruity notes
What they share
Shares 5 of its 16 notes, including Sea Water, Patchouli, Bergamot
The main difference
Adds caramel and cardamom, drops fruity notes and leather
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Sea Water, Bergamot, Pink Pepper
The main difference
Adds cypress and grapefruit, drops fruity notes and leather
What they share
Shares 4 of its 16 notes, including Sea Water, Bergamot, Pink Pepper
The main difference
Adds cardamom and cypriol oil or nagarmotha, drops fruity notes and leather
What they share
Shares 3 of its 10 notes, including Sea Water, Woody Notes, Ambergris
The main difference
Adds bay leaf and birch, drops bergamot and fruity notes
What they share
Shares 2 of its 13 notes, including Patchouli, Bergamot
The main difference
Adds ambroxan and aquatic, drops ambergris and fruity notes
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.