I will continue reviewing clone, designer, niche, and artisan fragrance houses so newer brothers—and even some of our older brothers—can get a better understanding of what each house offers. The goal is not to shame anyone for what they buy. It is to help the brotherhood make better-informed decisions and separate genuine quality from hype. Montagne Parfums is an American-inspired fragrance house based in New York City. Out of the clone houses I have tried, I consider Montagne one of the better-quality options. Their fragrances are freshly compounded to order, and they generally come across as smoother, cleaner, and more refined than many inexpensive Middle Eastern clones. The openings are usually not as loud, harsh, or overly synthetic. They also tend to do a better job of maintaining the original fragrance’s structure throughout wear. With many cheaper clones, the opening may slightly capture the original, but the fragrance eventually falls into the same generic sweet, woody, amber, or musky closing. Montagne usually gives you better transitions and a more complete wearing experience. I also think Montagne deserves credit for attempting fragrances that are difficult to duplicate. Some of their interpretations get surprisingly close to the scent profile of the original, especially in the air. The materials often smell better than what you normally find in cheaper clone houses, and many of the fragrances do not have that rough opening that needs 20 or 30 minutes before becoming wearable. However, I still would not automatically say that Montagne replaces the original fragrance. Capturing the recognizable scent profile is not the same as reproducing the exact quality, texture, depth, and transitions. Sometimes Montagne captures the opening well but becomes flatter in the dry down. Other times, it gets the overall smell right but comes across as denser, sweeter, sharper, or less transparent than the original. And sometimes it captures everything. Performance can also be inconsistent. Some Montagne fragrances last extremely well, while others are much softer or shorter-lasting than the online hype suggests. Citrus-heavy fragrances can still disappear faster, regardless of how closely they resemble the original. This is why every release should be judged individually instead of assuming everything from the house is automatically excellent.

It opens very fresh, citrusy, a bit sweet and aromatic, quickly transitioning towards a “nutty/licorice/powdery” nuance that gives the scent a sophisticated touch, that continues strong throughout the dry down, where the mossy and woodsy notes also get their space to shine. This is a very easy to wear scent, compliments getter, casual day time and warm weather appropriate, with average projection and longevity. Very delightful. Website official notes: Top notes: bergamot essence, aquatic accord, lavandin heart. Middle notes: geranium, sunflower seeds accord, clary sage essence heart. Base notes: Haitian vetiver, sandalwood essence, patchouli sustain heart.

Some discerning noses, of this group, say there is no need for the OG. I have tried other inspirations but never the OG and I must say this is the best of them. Love this stuff!!!!