After seeing several posts hyping clones and seeing the divisiveness around them, I decided to share my thoughts. When reviewing something like Dua or another clone brand, I think it is fair to acknowledge the original it is inspired by, because that gives proper context. I also think it helps keep the conversation honest instead of making it sound like the clone is basically the OG. Most of the reviews I see tend to hype the clone as if it is just as good as the original, and I think that is where a lot of the confusion starts. A few things I think are worth keeping in mind: - Most clone brands do not really compare to the original once you look at refinement, balance, smoothness, and quality of materials. - Dua can still compete with or even beat plenty of designer fragrances, especially in terms of scent profile and performance. - That is where brands like Dua make the most sense to me: niche-inspired scents at a more affordable price. - A clone may capture the general vibe, but it usually cannot capture the complete profile of the original. - Saying a clone is good for the money is fair. Saying it is better than the OG or describing the quality as close to the OG is where things start getting misleading. It may compete with other clones for the most part, but not the OG. I think where some reviewers and even some members of the Brotherhood of Scent lose people is when they hype clones up like they actually surpass the original. In most cases, that is just not true if you have real experience with perfumery. A clone can absolutely be a good value, a good daily wear option, or a way to enjoy a similar style without the price tag, but that still does not mean it matches the original in refinement, composition, balance, or material quality. This is not me knocking clones or the people who enjoy them. I understand the appeal. I just think the conversation is better when we keep the comparison honest and give people proper context instead of letting hype blur the line between inspired-by and original quality.

Good morning frag fam. Today is day 4 of my self imposed ATH overload. Also wanted to say Let’s Go Duke!!! Glad to see them win the ACC yesterday. So Hombre is an interesting frag and was an instant win imho as a blind buy. Really my entire ATH collection is a blind buy since where can you actually test them unless you know someone? Woody, mild citrus, Vetiver and clary sage. For me what comes to mind at the opening is Champagne. Dry and effervescent (Thank you thesaurus. lol), this is a huge win for me. Absolutely office safe. 4 season wearable in my mind. Nick I know you hate clary sage and It makes me sad this isn’t in your wheel house. But always a huge thank you for bringing this back for me. Always grateful. Performance you ask? Fantastic. No it’s not beast mode nor would I want this to be. Sillage bubble is always present and about 2-3 feet that follows you. Projection is solid but not offensive. For me, this is as close to perfection in modern parfumerie as you can get. It gets a 9.9/10 for me. I can’t give it a 10 as I’ve recently changed my thought process slightly reserving that for all but a few frags both current and discontinued. What say you? Tried it? Hated it? Loved it? Meh?