Fragrances inspired by The Blazing Mister Sam Eau de Parfum
The original
The Blazing Mister Sam
Penhaligon's
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedOur verdict
While both share a warm, spicy tobacco heart, The Blazing Mister Sam distinguishes itself with superior quality and a bolder presence.
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Choose Apex when
You're on a budget and want a similar scent profile.
Our verdict
While both share a warm, spicy tobacco core, The Blazing Mister Sam justifies its higher price with superior performance and a more refined, confident character.
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Choose Blazing when
Budget is your primary concern.
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
What they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron
The main difference
Without cumin
What they share
Shares 6 of its 7 notes, including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron
The main difference
Adds spicy notes, drops cumin and patchouli
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 Penhaligon's. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.