Valhalla vs Erba Pura: A Farewell to an Icon & the Rise of a New Favorite [2025 Review]

Discovering Valhalla by Paradis des Sens: The Unisex Fragrance That Rekindles Erba Pura’s Magic

Thank you for all you’ve done, Erba Pura — but it’s time for you to go to Valhalla.

In life, we encounter people who shape us, who leave deep marks and help us grow. They may not stay with us forever, but their impact lingers. They earn a special place in the luggage of our life — a permanent place, as they deserve.

This metaphor applies not only to people, but to fragrances too. That’s exactly what happened with Xerjoff’s Erba Pura. This perfume was so impactful during my fragrance journey that it stayed high in my top 20 for a very long time. At first sniff, I would have classified it as quite feminine — but wearing it told a different story. It was the full package: compliment-getting, potent, long-lasting, and incredibly versatile.

As with all iconic fragrances, many brands tried to emulate the success of Erba Pura — and some did so quite well. Others attempted to enhance it or give it a personal twist. Not all succeeded. Even the newer versions, like Sospiro Erba Pura Magica or Xerjoff’s own Erba Pura Gold, received attention but couldn’t recapture the original’s magic. Add to that a reformulation that, in my opinion, didn’t improve the scent — and slowly, Erba Pura started slipping down my fragrance hierarchy.

The Search for a New Standout: Enter Valhalla

Then, something new arrived.

In our search for standout brands, we discovered Paradis des Sens. While my attention initially went to Nirvana, I decided to try Valhalla first. I sprayed it on — and instantly, something in my brain lit up. The scent was familiar, yet I couldn’t place it. As I stepped outside the showroom, my colleague immediately said, “Damn! You smell good. What are you wearing?” I was still trying to figure it out — was it too feminine for me?

That part, at least, I eventually made peace with: Valhalla is truly unisex. The compliments kept coming — three that day alone — and the scent lingered until the evening. But I was still obsessed: Why does this smell so familiar?

The next morning, it hit me — it reminded me of Erba Pura. I grabbed the bottle and sprayed both fragrances side by side. The resemblance was undeniable. Not 100%, or even 90%, but I’d say around 80% similar. Valhalla smells fresher, louder, and more vibrant. Erba Pura, in comparison, now feels muted — like its power has slowly faded over the years.

Valhalla took me back to those early days in my fragrance journey, when Erba Pura first blew me away. It gave me that same rush. When you wear it, you’ll likely be the best-smelling person in the room.

Will it enter my top 20? I’m not sure yet — as you know, uniqueness is a major factor for me — but I can already tell: I’ll be wearing this a lot.

Erba Pura vs Valhalla: Scent, Longevity, and Value

Why Did Erba Pura Lose Its Magic?

Let’s face it: reformulations happen, and sometimes the magic just… fades. The newer versions, even with their fancy names (hello, Erba Pura Magica and Erba Pura Gold), just didn’t do it for me. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe the original really was that good — but Valhalla managed to capture the spirit and add its own twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valhalla a dupe for Erba Pura?
Not exactly. It’s about 80% similar but feels fresher, louder, and more modern. It’s a worthy alternative, not a clone.

Is Valhalla unisex?
Absolutely! If you’re worried it might lean too feminine, don’t be. The compliments I received came from all directions.

Is Erba Pura still worth buying?
If you love the original, it’s still a great scent — but if you’ve noticed it’s lost some of its punch, Valhalla is a fantastic option to try.

Which lasts longer, Erba Pura or Valhalla?
Both have excellent longevity and projection, but Valhalla felt more vibrant and noticeable throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Fragrance journeys are personal, and sometimes it’s time to let an old favorite go to Valhalla — literally and figuratively. I’ll always have a soft spot for Erba Pura, but I’m excited to see where Valhalla takes me next. If you’re searching for a new signature scent that turns heads and brings back that “wow” factor, give Valhalla a try.