Tropical Thunder

Tropical Thunder explodes open with a juicy, almost photorealistic mango, tangy pineapple and creamy coconut, all splashed with a boozy lift of white rum and a sliver of bergamot - the unmistakable signature of Lorenzo Pazzaglia's Summer Hammer (2023). The heart turns even creamier with coconut milk, a soft white-floral bouquet and a salty marine touch, before settling onto a smooth base of sandalwood, amber, musk and a green whisper of vetiver. Perfume Parlour's version nails that holiday-in-a-bottle pina colada character, sweet and tropical and fun. The trade-off is performance: the original is an extrait famous for being beastly strong, where the dupe reads a little thinner and more obviously synthetic, with good but far gentler projection and longevity. Still, it is an infectiously cheerful summer scent. Best in spring and summer, it suits beach days, casual wear, sport and playful dates where its juicy energy feels right at home.