Spicebomb

Nicholas Charles' Spicebomb opens with the same vivid, spice-cabinet burst the original is known for - pink pepper, bergamot, grapefruit and elemi combine into a fresh, energetic rush that lands close to Viktor&Rolf's signature. Cinnamon, saffron, paprika and lavender build a warm, aromatic heart that echoes the original's holiday-spice character, if a touch simpler in its blending. Tobacco, leather, vetiver and musk finish things off with a smoky, masculine base that captures the spirit of Spicebomb's grenade-shaped bravado. What this dupe can't replicate is the enormous projection the original is famous for in the community - Spicebomb is often praised for sillage that fills a room, and this version settles down to a much closer, more intimate scent within a few hours. Still, as an affordable way into a bold, spicy-woody masculine signature, it delivers a convincing opening act.