2 Best Parfums De Marly (PDM) Kalan Clones/Dupes (2023)

I've got a hobby collecting fragrances, with 60+ and counting. I liken smelling fragrances to tasting fine wine (which I also do). I enjoy trying scents and expanding my comfort zone. Finding high-quality clones is a joy as many designer and niche fragrances are overpriced, in my opinion.

Importance of Maceration: Have you ever bought a fragrance and when you first sprayed it the performance and/or scent just sucked? The solution is to spray it 10 times and let sit in cool, dark place for 1-3 months. When you try it again you may notice a major difference in performance and/or smell. This has worked for many of my fragrances.

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Parfums De Marly Kalan is known to be a polarizing scent, people tend to love it or hate it. I’m one of those people who loves the scent PDM Kalan! This may sound odd because I’ve never actually smelled Kalan! So, how is it possible I love the scent of Kalan?

I ordered the cheapest clone/dupe of Kalan I could find, Maison Alhambra’s Kalos. It gave me a general idea of Kalan’s scent profile. And for me, I enjoyed this scent from the first sniff.

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It’s nothing I’ve ever smelled before, captivating me with its’ mysterious curiosity.

After several wearings, it grew on me more and more. My liking for the scent grew into love, convincing me to upgrade to a higher-quality clone.

I ordered the premium clone/dupe of Kalan called Amber Oud Exclusif Sport, also by Maison Alhambra, and boy and I am glad I did!

You can read about the differences between the 2 clones based on my experience below.

Parfums De Marly Kalan Notes

pdm kalan notes
Source: Fragrantica

PDM Kalan Clones/Dupes

There are not many clones/dupes of PDM Kalan on the market. I’ve tried the only 2 I have access to in Canada.

#1 PDM Kalan Clone/Dupe

Maison Alhambra Amber Oud Exclusif Sport

My Choice

pdm kalan clone
Amber Oud Exclusif Sport Review
Similarity To PDM Kalan
8.5
Longevity
7.5
Projection
7.5

Clone/Dupe of: PDM Kalan

Have I tried Amber Oud Exclusif Sport? Yes

Have I tried PDM Kalan? Yes

Blind buy worthy? Yes

The quality of this fragrance is very apparent as soon as I put my nose to it.

The upgrade in quality over the other clone, Kalos, is noticeable at first spray. No more alcohol opening. No more rough and edgy opening. Much more depth, body, and well-roundedness.

Although Amber Oud Exclusif Sport isn’t as close to Kalos in scent, it’s miles ahead in quality. That’s why I placed it ahead of Kalos on this list.

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Opening: Is about 85% the same as Kalan in my opinion. The biggest difference is Amber Oud Exclusif Sport is missing the blood orange that Kalan has and replaces it with saffron. This makes for a less citrusy and more linear opening. I actually prefer the opening of Amber Oud Exclusif Sport.

Drydown: Remains about 85% the same as Kalan in my opinion. Amber Oud Exclusif Sport doesn’t have the earthiness or depth that Kalan carries in the dry down.

Performance: Amber Oud Exclusif Sport has above-average performance. I get around 2 hours of above-average projection, 6+ hours on my skin, and days on clothes.

Summary:

  • Best PDM Kalan clone/dupe
  • Opening and dry-down are nearly 100% identical
  • People will think you’re wearing PDM Kalan
  • Above average projection for 2 hours
  • Lasts 8+ hours on skin and days on clothes

#2 PDM Kalan Clone/Dupe

Maison Alhambra Kalos

pdm kalan dupe 1
Maison Alhambra Kalos review
Similarity To PDM Kalan
8.5
Longevity
6.5
Projection
7

(Canadian site, but ships internationally)

Clone/Dupe of: PDM Kalan

Have I tried Kalos? Yes

Have I tried PDM Kalan? Yes

Blind buy worthy? Yes

Opening: After an initial blast of alcohol, the opening is rough around the edges. It starts to come together after a minute or two. Once it settles, it’s about 95% the same as Kalan in my opinion.

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Drydown: Lacks depth and body, and starts to lose the Kalan DNA slightly. Doesn’t contain that earthiness found in Kalan that adds some masculinity to the scent. I get more florals at this point than I do in Kalan or Amber Oud Exclusif Sport.

Performance: Moderate projection for 1-2 hours. Lasts 5-6 hours on my skin and a day on clothes.

Summary:

  • Clone/dupe of PDM Kalan
  • Opening is alcoholic, rough around the edges
  • Dry down lacks depth and body, more florally.
  • Moderate projection for 1-2 hours
  • Last 5-6 hours on the skin, a day on clothes

(Canadian site, but ships internationally)

May you awaken
May you see clearly
May you be love

Take care ♥

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