The copy is very good, very close. It is not 100%, perhaps 80-90%. I can say that because I still have about 40ml left of a 100ml bottle of Dolce&Gabbana By Man I bought some years ago. As this is my all-time favorite fragrance, I use it sparingly - only on extremely special occasions.
Given the rarity of the fragrance now and the ludicrous prices it is now going for, that is of course - if you can find it, I was tempted to sell what I do have remaining. Even a bottle with 40% of the product within is still gold dust it seems. Nevertheless, I could not bring myself to do such a thing as, as I said, being my favourite fragrance, owning it is more valuable to me than any financial profit I could gain by selling it.
Here comes the science bit. The top note of this copy is right there in that it is familiar. But, there is a slight difference. When comparing it to the original, I was of the opinion that the original is more subtle, particularly in the Mid note. With time the Base notes again do remind of the original. Therefore, in sum, a good, but noticeable, copy. This may be nostalgia talking, but, since By Man is discontinued, and likely gone forever, this will, and absolutely does, suffice. Personally, unless by some freak chance of fate Dolce&Gabbana, begin to sell By Man again (it is shocking that it was discontinued, apparently, due to lack of interest) I would rather buy this than anything else.
If you miss Dolce&Gabbana By Man, I would recommend this. Given the circumstances (i.e. the fact that By Man has been essentially relegated to the stage of history), I doubt you will be disappointed.
I will end by echoing the cry of other reviews… please, do not ever stop making this.
