Not all dupes are copies. Some simply reveal what the price was hiding.
In the first part of this series, we compared the most sought-after dupes of the moment: Creed Aventus, Bvlgari Tygar, and Parfums de Marly Althaïr. This time, we step up the exclusivity: three less obvious niche fragrances—cult favorites within the perfume community rather than on mainstream shelves—and the Arabian alternatives that are capturing their DNA with remarkable precision.
Sospiro Vibrato, Nishane Hacivat, and Byredo Bal d'Afrique Absolu aren't among the most Googled niche perfumes, but they are well-known to those who have been involved in the world of perfumery for some time. And that is precisely why they are worth a closer look.
Comparison 1: The Citrus Vibration – Sospiro Vibrato
In recent years, Sospiro Vibrato has become one of the most frequently mentioned names when discussing high-performance citrus fragrances. It is no coincidence that it is now spoken of in the same breath as classics like Bvlgari Tygar: few citrus perfumes command such presence without sacrificing elegance.
Sospiro Vibrato: The Original
Notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Jasmine, Magnolia (top) · Ginger, Herbal Notes, Powdery Notes (heart) · Musk, Cedar, Amber, Patchouli, Orris Root (base)
Composed by Christian Provenzano, Vibrato opens with an explosion of grapefruit and bergamot softened by floral whispers of magnolia and jasmine, before ginger adds a spicy snap to the heart. The lingering trail rests on a velvety bed of musk and cedar, enriched by the depth of patchouli and the elegance of orris root—a composition that feels both fresh and imposing.
Performance: It is one of the rare citrus fragrances that is truly "beast mode": offering 8–10+ hours of longevity and projection that the fragrance community repeatedly describes as exceptional for the genre. It is also frequently compared to Bvlgari Tygar, sharing its citrus-woody DNA, albeit with a more floral and spicy profile.
Price: from €5 for the Pocket size (also available in a 100ml bottle).
→ Dupe 1: Maison Asrar Regent
Notes: Grapefruit, Ginger, Bergamot, Mandarin (top) · Orange Blossom, Iris, Jasmine (heart) · Musk, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Ambergris, Tonka Bean (base)
Regent, from Maison Asrar’s Royal Collection, is today one of the names most closely associated with the Vibrato DNA within the Arab perfumery community—to the point where it is repeatedly recommended with the advice: "Try Regent before deciding on Vibrato."
Direct comparison:
| Vibrating Sigh | Maison Asrar Regent |
|---|
| Opening | Luminous grapefruit and bergamot, ginger already present | Grapefruit, ginger, and bergamot—equally vibrant, slightly sharper. |
| Heart | Soft floral (magnolia, jasmine) with powdery notes | A more restrained white floral (orange blossom, iris, jasmine) |
| Drydown | Velvety musk, cedar, patchouli, orris root | Musk, sandalwood, cedar, ambergris, tonka bean (warmer) |
| Projection | Very high; "beast mode" frequently cited. | Moderate, most intense during the first 2–4 hours |
| Longevity | 8 to 10+ hours | 6 to 9 hours (majority report 6 to 7 hours) |
| Price | from €5 | from €3 |
Verdict: Regent successfully captures the essence of the Vibrato DNA (the citrus-ginger trio set against a woody-amber base) at a much more affordable price point. The difference is most noticeable in performance: Vibrato is known for projection that is hard to match, whereas Regent tends to sit closer to the skin sooner. For anyone wanting to see if this profile suits them before investing in the original, it is a very solid entry point.
💡 Pocket Essensio: Try Maison Asrar Regent from €3 before you decide.
→ Dupe 2: Rasasi Hawas Highness
Notes: Citrus, Spicy notes, Amber (top) · Jasmine, Violet, Rose (heart) · Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli (base)
Launched as part of Rasasi's Hawas line, Highness is consistently cited by the community as one of the most convincing takes on Vibrato, with some users describing it as "almost there—90% of the way."
Direct comparison:
| Vibrating Sigh | Rasasi Hawas Highness |
|---|
| Opening | Grapefruit and bergamot, spicy ginger | An energizing citrus wave blended with spices and warm amber right from the start. |
| Heart | Soft floral, powdery notes | A floral of contrasts: indolic jasmine, powdery violet, classic rose |
| Drydown | Musk, cedar, patchouli, orris root | Cedar, dry vetiver, deep patchouli (more earthy) |
| Projection | Very high | High, with a sillage described as surprising for the price. |
| Longevity | 8 to 10+ hours | 6 to 8 hours |
| Price | from €5 | from €3 |
Verdict: Highness closely resembles the original, particularly in its citrus-woody character, albeit with a spicier opening and a denser, more "mature" floral heart. It is one of the most talked-about alternatives to Vibrato in 2026, with frequent compliments reported by the community and a price-to-quality ratio that is hard to ignore.
💡 Pocket Essensio: Try Rasasi Hawas Highness starting at €3 and compare it with Regent.
→ Dupe 3: Mykonos Sorrento
Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Ginger, Magnolia (top) · Grapefruit, Ginger, Aquatic Notes, Neroli, Rice Powder Notes (heart) · Grapefruit, Cedar, Musk, Amber, Orris Root, Patchouli (base)
Sorrento, from the Indonesian brand Mykonos, is the most accessible option in the group. The community describes it as true to the spirit of Vibrato/Tygar but in a more relaxed and less concentrated style: for some, an elegant interpretation of a "day by the sea"; for others, the ginger quickly becomes dominant, making it less predictable than Regent or Highness.
Direct comparison:
| Vibrating Sigh | Mykonos Sorrento |
|---|
| Opening | Luminous grapefruit and bergamot, ginger already present | Mandarin, bergamot, and grapefruit with ginger and magnolia (sweeter and "sunny") |
| Heart | Soft floral (magnolia, jasmine) with powdery notes | Layered grapefruit, neroli, aquatic notes, and rice powder (fresher and more aquatic) |
| Drydown | Velvety musk, cedar, patchouli, orris root | Grapefruit, cedar, amber, orris root, patchouli (fruitier, less woody) |
| Projection | Very high; "beast mode" frequently cited. | Moderate; it varies significantly depending on the skin. |
| Longevity | 8 to 10+ hours | Inconsistent – from a few hours to a full day, depending on the user |
| Price | from €5 | from €3 |
Verdict: It is the most accessible of the three, but also the least predictable: the citrus-aquatic profile leans towards the spirit of Vibrato/Tygar without attempting a 1:1 clone, and the experience varies significantly from person to person. It is worth trying out the Pocket size before deciding if this is your preferred style within the family.
💡 Pocket Essensio: Try Mykonos Sorrento starting at €3 and compare it with Regent and Highness.
The Pocket Solution
The Vibrato DNA currently has at least three accessible faces: the niche original and two Arabian "Pocket" clones (Regent and Highness), plus a more laid-back interpretation in a full-sized bottle (Sorrento). Test the Pockets side-by-side before deciding which one has your name on it.
➡️ View all available Pockets
Comparison 2: The Woody-Smoky Legacy – Nishane Hacivat
Nishane Hacivat is a quiet benchmark in niche perfumery: less hyped than Aventus or Tygar, yet holding almost cult status among those who seek the pineapple-oakmoss combination in its most refined form.
Nishane Hacivat: The Original
Notes: Pineapple, Grapefruit, Bergamot (top) · Cedar, Patchouli, Jasmine (heart) · Oakmoss, Woody Notes (base)
For Hacivat, the Turkish house Nishane crafted a brilliant citrus opening—grapefruit, bergamot, and a juicy, realistic pineapple—that flows into a heart where noble cedar meets earthy patchouli and the clarity of jasmine. Its signature lies in the base: a pure oakmoss and a woody dryness that the community considers particularly well-executed, and more refined than the majority of its Arab "clones."
Performance: Longevity of 8 to 10+ hours, with strong projection in the first few hours that later settles close to the skin, maintaining a presence until the end of the day.
Price: from €6 for the Pocket size (also available in 50ml and 100ml).
→ Dupe 1: Rasasi Hawas Black
Notes: Bergamot, Pineapple, Grapefruit (top) · Patchouli, Cedar, Jasmine (heart) · Oakmoss, Woody Notes, Amber (base)
Few Arab dupes command as strong a consensus as this one. Hawas Black is repeatedly described by those who own both bottles as being about 90% similar to Hacivat—to the point where it is known within the community as "Hacivat's brother."
Direct comparison:
| Nishane Hacivat | Rasasi Hawas Black |
|---|
| Opening | Juicy pineapple, grapefruit, bergamot | Juicy pineapple, citrusy grapefruit, bergamot (very close) |
| Heart | Noble cedar, earthy patchouli, jasmine | Patchouli, cedar, jasmine – practically layerable |
| Drydown | Pure oakmoss, dry woody notes | Oakmoss, golden amber, deep woody notes (slightly sharper on the moss) |
| Projection | Discharge | Very high, described as "phenomenal" in the first 4 hours. |
| Longevity | 8 to 10+ hours | 10h+, often superior to the original |
| Price | from €6 | from €1.50 |
Verdict: The main difference lies in the oakmoss—purer and more refined in Hacivat, slightly more synthetic and "sharp" in Hawas Black. In terms of performance, the Rasasi often outperforms the original. For those seeking the DNA almost intact at a fraction of the price, it is the standout choice in this comparison.
💡 Pocket Essensio: Try Rasasi Hawas Black starting at €1.50 before you decide.
→ Dupe 2: Afnan Supremacy Not Only Intense
Notes: Blackcurrant, Apple, Bergamot (top) · Oakmoss, Patchouli, Lavender (heart) · Ambergris, Musk, Saffron (base)
Supremacy Not Only Intense holds a dual position in the fragrance community: it is cited as an alternative to both Hacivat and Creed Absolu Aventus, making it a more versatile fragrance than a direct clone.
Direct comparison:
| Nishane Hacivat | Afnan Supremacy Not Only Intense |
|---|
| Opening | Pineapple, grapefruit, bergamot | Blackcurrant, apple, bergamot – more tart-fruity, less tropical |
| Heart | Cedar, patchouli, jasmine | Oakmoss, patchouli, lavender (drier and aromatic) |
| Drydown | Oakmoss, dry woods | Smoked ambergris, musk, saffron (warmer and spicier) |
| Projection | Discharge | Very high (2 sprays are enough) |
| Longevity | 8 to 10+ hours | 10 to 12+ hours |
| Price | from €6 | from €2 |
Verdict: It loses some direct fidelity to the Hacivat DNA (oakmoss plays a less prominent role, while blackcurrant and saffron create a warmer profile), but it gains in robustness and versatility. For those who already own Hawas Black and are looking for a second, more intense and spicy interpretation, it makes for a natural addition to the collection.
💡 Pocket Essensio: Try Afnan Supremacy Not Only Intense starting at €2 .
The Pocket Solution
Between a near-perfect clone (Hawas Black) and a more intense, spicy interpretation (Supremacy Not Only Intense), the best way to decide is to try both—in pocket-sized format—side-by-side with Hacivat.
➡️ View all available Pockets
Comparison 3: The Savanna Reinvented – Byredo Bal d'Afrique Absolu
In 2025, Byredo relaunched its 2009 classic in an Absolu version: sweeter, woodier, and—above all—offering performance far superior to the original EDP, which was historically known for its modest longevity. This new version quickly became a prime target for Arab fragrance houses.
Byredo Bal d'Afrique Absolu: The Original
Notes: Blackcurrant, Bergamot, Lemon (top) · Praline, Musk, Violet (heart) · Black Amber, Cedarwood, Vetiver (base)
Absolu reinterprets the original Bal d'Afrique savanna with a denser, more nocturnal sweetness: blackcurrant blends with bergamot and lemon in a fruity opening, the heart deepens into toasted praline and violet, and the base rests on black amber, cedar, and vetiver—an opulent trail designed for those already familiar with the original who are seeking greater weight and longevity.
Performance: Longevity of 8 to 12+ hours—a significant improvement over the original 2009 EDP, whose modest performance was a major point of criticism within the community. High projection, especially during the first few hours.
Price: from €220 (Pocket not available).
→ Dupe 1: Khadlaj Karus Gold Absolu
Notes: Candied Lemon, Blackcurrant, Bergamot (top) · Praline, Magnolia, Violet (heart) · Musk, Vetiver (base)
Karus Gold Absolu is currently one of the most talked-about dupes for Bal d'Afrique Absolu—at a price that is a fraction of the original.
Direct comparison:
| Byredo Bal d'Afrique Absolu | Khadlaj Karus Gold Absolu |
|---|
| Opening | Blackcurrant, bergamot, lemon | Candied lemon, blackcurrant, bergamot – almost interchangeable |
| Heart | Praline, musk, violet | Praline, magnolia, violet, praline equally present |
| Drydown | Black amber, cedarwood, vetiver | Clean musk, vetiver (simpler, without the black amber) |
| Projection | Discharge | Moderate—the biggest difference pointed out by the community |
| Longevity | 8 to 12+ hours | 4 to 6 hours on average |
| Price | from €220 (50ml) | from €2 |
Verdict: In terms of scent, the resemblance is remarkable; many users admit they cannot distinguish between the two after the first few minutes. The major difference lies in performance: while Byredo successfully boosted staying power with this Absolu version, Karus Gold Absolu falls short in projection and, above all, longevity. It is unbeatable for testing the concept without a significant investment, but it may fall short of fully recreating the original experience.
💡 Pocket Essensio: Try Khadlaj Karus Gold Absolu from €2 before you decide.
→ Dupe 2 (coming soon): Maison Asrar Belgravia
Notes: Blackcurrant, Bergamot, Lemon (top) · Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Sandalwood, Caramel (heart) · Musk, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Moss (base)
Arriving soon at Essensio, Belgravia is already one of the most talked-about interpretations of Bal d'Afrique Absolu in 2026. Launched by Maison Asrar as part of its Royal Collection, it boasts one of the highest ratings from the Arab perfumery community for a recent release (over 4.7 out of 5). Its note pyramid closely mirrors the original: blackcurrant, bergamot, and lemon in the opening, followed by a sweet-floral heart (lily of the valley, freesia, and a touch of caramel replacing the traditional praline) resting on a base of musk, vetiver, cedar, and moss. The absence of the ambergris note is the most frequently cited difference from the original, and some already consider it more successful than Karus Gold Absolu itself in recreating the "lightness" characteristic of the Bal d'Afrique DNA.
🔜 Coming soon to Essensio — in the meantime, explore our selection of Arabian perfumes .
The Pocket Solution
This is the family with the most uneven testing options: the original and the new Maison Asrar are currently only available in full-size bottles, whereas Khadlaj Karus Gold Absolu is already available in a Pocket size—the most accessible starting point to see if this citrus-gourmand profile is for you before committing to a full bottle.
➡️ View all available Pockets
Conclusion: Rare Pieces, Worthy Alternatives
Unlike the more mainstream dupes in Part 1—where some Arab clones actually outperform the originals in terms of raw performance—these three comparisons reveal a different pattern: the rarer and more complex the niche original, the more apparent the difference in raw materials becomes during the drydown and, above all, in longevity. Vibrato and Hacivat have Arab alternatives that are very close in terms of DNA; however, the newer and denser Bal d'Afrique Absolu has yet to find a clone that fully matches its performance.
This simply turns these alternatives into distinct value propositions. Brands such as Maison Asrar, Rasasi, Afnan, and Khadlaj make no secret of their inspiration and continue to expand the reach of Arab "dupes" into the increasingly exclusive territory of niche perfumery.
Before deciding between the original and the alternative, try both in Pocket format : it’s the smartest way to compare. Also, explore our niche and Arabian perfumes available at Essensio.
The dupes mentioned in this article are available from Essensio in Pocket format (1ml, 3ml, 5ml), where applicable, or as a full-size bottle, with 24–48 hour delivery to mainland Portugal for Pockets.
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