by The Dua Brand
Crater is a rich, unisex amber-vanilla fragrance that closely resembles Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Grand Soir, particularly in its warm, balsamic dry-down. It opens with a smoky, resinous blend of labdanum, benzoin, and tonka bean, giving it a slightly masculine character that softens into a velvety, creamy vanilla amber after about 30 minutes. The scent lingers well into the night, with strong sillage and a noticeable, moderate to strong presence. While the initial impression can be dense and slightly overpowering when sprayed heavily, it settles into a smooth, sophisticated finish that many find both elegant and sensual. It shines in cooler weather and is ideal for evening wear. The perfume wears oily and is best applied lightly to avoid overwhelming delicate fabrics. Though not a perfect clone, it’s widely regarded as one of the closest available alternatives for those seeking a budget-friendly version of Grand Soir.