Short answer: The Distinguished from D&E Fragrances is our Extrait de Parfum take on Penhaligon's The Dandy, from £14.99 to £44.95, while the original costs around £180 for 100ml. Shop The Distinguished here.
- Smells like: bright raspberry and bergamot over smoky whisky, oak and cedarwood.
- Best for: evenings out and anyone who likes a boozy, woody scent.
- Honest note: it is our own interpretation, not an exact copy.
The Dandy is one of Penhaligon's more playful releases, mixing fruit, whisky and wood in a way that feels polished but fun. It is a distinctive scent, and many people want to try something like it without paying full designer prices.
What does The Dandy actually smell like?
UK retailers list bergamot and a raspberry accord in the top, with citrus cedrat also named by other stockists. The heart centres on a whisky accord alongside oak and cedarwood, giving it that smooth, slightly smoky, boozy character. The base is patchouli, clearwood and ambrox, which add a soft, woody and slightly earthy finish.
Why people look for a The Dandy dupe
The price is the obvious one. At around £180 for 100ml, The Dandy is a luxury purchase. People also like to build a small collection of scents for different moods, and a full-size bottle of every niche favourite adds up quickly. A dupe lets you enjoy the same general style at an everyday price.
| Penhaligon's The Dandy | The Distinguished (D&E) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around £180 for 100ml | From £14.99 to £44.95 |
| Style | Boozy, fruity, woody | Boozy woody in the same style |
| Format | Eau de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Sizes | 100ml | 5ml, 12ml roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing The Distinguished
The Distinguished is our own composition, inspired by the style of The Dandy. It opens with bright bergamot and raspberry, settles into a smoky whisky and oak heart, and finishes with patchouli, clearwood and ambrox. You can start with a 5ml sample for £14.99 or go for a full 50ml bottle. Try The Distinguished from £14.99.
Being upfront about the comparison
The Distinguished is not an exact clone, and we do not claim it is. It follows the same broad idea of fruity, boozy and woody, but it is our own blend, so expect differences. If you already love the original, a sample is the best way to compare them on your own skin.
Longevity and projection
As an Extrait de Parfum, The Distinguished has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, and most people can expect around 8-10+ hours of wear. Results vary with skin type and weather, and woody, boozy scents tend to sit nicely in cooler conditions.
The verdict
If you love the idea of a raspberry and whisky scent with a woody finish but not the price, The Distinguished is worth a try. Shop The Distinguished now and decide for yourself.
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The Distinguished is our own original composition, inspired by the fragrance family that The Dandy belongs to. It is not an exact replica. Penhaligon's and The Dandy are registered trademarks of their owners; D&E Fragrances is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Browse more in our best fragrance dupes UK guide.