Short answer: Aquila Exc is the D&E Fragrances Extrait de Parfum take on Parfum De Marly Althair Exclusif, from £14.99 to £44.95, against the luxury price of the original. Shop Aquila Exc
- Smells like: saffron, amaretto and cinnamon over orange blossom, praline and bourbon vanilla
- Best for: lovers of sweet, spiced gourmand scents for cooler days and evenings
- Honest note: it is our own interpretation, not an exact clone
Althair is a favourite among fans of Parfum De Marly's sweet, indulgent side, and the Exclusif version is a richer take on that idea. As a luxury designer release, it comes with a luxury price. Here is what it smells like and how Aquila Exc compares.
What does Althair Exclusif actually smell like?
Retailer listings describe a top of bergamot, amaretto and saffron. The heart brings cinnamon, orange blossom, cardamom and praline, and the base rests on bourbon vanilla, guaiac wood and ambrox. Some retailers split the notes into tiers slightly differently, but the overall impression is the same: warm, nutty-sweet and spiced.
Why people look for an Althair Exclusif dupe
Gourmand scents are often worn heavily through autumn and winter, so a bottle can empty quickly. At luxury designer prices, that gets expensive. A well-made alternative lets you wear the style often without the cost, and a sample size lets you test it first.
Comparison at a glance
| Althair Exclusif | Aquila Exc | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Luxury designer price | From £14.99 (5ml) to £44.95 (50ml) |
| Style | Saffron, praline, vanilla gourmand | Our own take on that style |
| Format | Parfum spray | Extrait de Parfum, oil roller and sample |
| Sizes | Larger bottles only | 5ml, 12ml roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Aquila Exc
Aquila Exc is hand-blended in the UK as an Extrait de Parfum. It captures the sweet, nutty, spiced character with a creamy vanilla finish. It is vegan and cruelty-free, and available in five sizes including a 5ml sample bottle. Try Aquila Exc from £14.99
Being upfront about the comparison
Aquila Exc is not an exact copy of Althair Exclusif, and we do not claim it is. It is our own composition inspired by the same style. You may notice differences in the opening and in how the sweetness develops. If you enjoy our standard Aquila, the Exc is the richer version.
Longevity and projection
As an Extrait de Parfum, Aquila Exc is designed to last around 8 to 10 hours or more on skin, depending on skin type and application. Gourmand notes tend to project warmly and linger, so a couple of sprays is usually enough.
The verdict
If you love the idea of Althair Exclusif but not the luxury price, Aquila Exc is an easy way to enjoy that sweet, spiced style. Start small, and upgrade when you are sure. Shop Aquila Exc now
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Aquila Exc is our own original composition, inspired by the fragrance family that Althair Exclusif belongs to. Parfum De Marly and Althair Exclusif are registered trademarks of their owners; D&E Fragrances is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Want more? See our full fragrance dupes guide.