Few fragrances say "British autumn" quite like Pomegranate Noir. Launched by Jo Malone London in 2005, it has become one of the brand's signature scents: the one you smell in department stores from October onwards, the one that gets gifted in the cream-and-black box every Christmas, and the one people describe as "fruity but dark". It is unisex, it is unmistakable, and on the official Jo Malone UK site a 100ml Cologne currently lists at £125.00, with the 30ml at a lower price if you only want a taste. That is the reason so many people in the UK search for a Pomegranate Noir dupe.
What does Pomegranate Noir actually smell like?
The official description is ruby-rich pomegranate grounded in patchouli, sparked with pink pepper and Casablanca lily and warmed by smoky guaiacwood. The fuller note breakdown on Fragrantica looks like this:
- Top notes: pomegranate, rhubarb, plum, raspberry and watermelon
- Heart notes: clove, pink pepper, guaiac wood, olibanum (frankincense), opoponax, rose, lily-of-the-valley and jasmine
- Base notes: Virginia cedar, patchouli, amber and musk
Fragrantica classes it as an aromatic fruity scent, and its main accords lean woody first, then warm spicy and fruity, with sweet, amber and patchouli underneath. In practice that means a tart, juicy opening that quickly turns into something spicy, resinous and quietly smoky. It is far less "fruit salad" than the name suggests: the pomegranate is more of a glow than a headline, and the clove and incense give it a mulled, wintry character that a lot of people find addictive.
Why people look for a Pomegranate Noir dupe
At £125 for 100ml, Pomegranate Noir sits firmly in luxury territory, and Jo Malone colognes are also known for being on the lighter side when it comes to lasting power, which makes the price per wear feel steep. Many fans go through a bottle quickly because they spray generously to get it to stick around. A well-made "inspired by" fragrance in the same fruity-spicy-woody direction lets you enjoy that mood every day, layer it freely, or simply find out whether the style suits you before committing to the real thing.
Introducing Obsidian Pom — Insp by Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir
Obsidian Pom is our take on the dark pomegranate style that Pomegranate Noir made famous. It is an Extrait de Parfum, so it is blended at a higher fragrance concentration than a cologne, and it is priced from £19.99 for 15ml, with a 30ml at £34.99 and a 50ml at £44.95. A 12ml oil roller is also available at £19.99 for a handbag-friendly option.
The scent follows the same journey: a tart red-fruit opening with pomegranate and plum, moving into a spiced heart of pink pepper, clove and soft incense, and settling on a base of smoky woods, patchouli, amber and musk. It is a scent for cooler months, evenings, knitwear and candlelit dinners, and because the fruit is kept dark rather than sugary it works just as well on men as on women. If you have ever wanted a bottle of Pomegranate Noir on the dresser but winced at the receipt, this is the one to try.
Being upfront about the comparison
We want to be clear: no "inspired by" fragrance is an exact clone or replica of the original, and Obsidian Pom is no exception. It is our own original composition built around the same fruity, spicy and woody direction, not a copy of Jo Malone's formula. Jo Malone has its own materials, its own perfumer and its own quality control, and if you already love Pomegranate Noir you will notice differences in the opening and in the way it dries down. What we aim for is the same feeling, at a price that lets you wear it without rationing.
Longevity and projection
Because Obsidian Pom is an Extrait de Parfum, most people find it sits closer to the skin than a body spray but lasts noticeably longer than a typical cologne concentration. Realistically, expect a few hours of clear projection followed by a soft, woody-spicy skin scent for the rest of the day. Skin type, weather and how many sprays you use all make a difference, so treat any figure as a guide rather than a promise. In cold weather the smoky base tends to linger longest, which suits this style perfectly.
The verdict
If Pomegranate Noir is your winter signature but the £125 price tag is hard to justify, Obsidian Pom is a sensible, affordable alternative in the same dark-fruit, spice and smoke family. Start with the 15ml at £19.99 to see how it wears on your skin, then move up to the 50ml if it earns a place in your rotation.
Shop Obsidian Pom — Insp by Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir
Jo Malone and Pomegranate Noir are registered trademarks of Jo Malone London / The Estée Lauder Companies. D&E Fragrances is an independent UK fragrance brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Jo Malone London. "Obsidian Pom" is our own original composition, inspired by the popular fruity-woody fragrance family that Pomegranate Noir helped define.