If you’re familiar with my reviews, you’ll know that my scores center on three factors: uniqueness, potency, and a personal “likability” factor. Some fragrances I love for their profile don’t make it into my top rankings because they lack that uniqueness or longevity. One such fragrance has been Ganymede by Marc-Antoine Barrois.
When Ganymede launched in 2019, the name alone caught my attention. Named after Jupiter’s largest moon, it promised an intriguing experience, with its fresh, mineral, and immortelle notes. It sounded like a superstar fragrance, and when I first sprayed it, I wasn’t disappointed by the initial scent. I tend to spray a lot—10 to 15 spritzes—so the fragrance immediately came alive, bursting off my skin. It was captivating, loud, and distinct.
But then, after just 1.5 to 2 hours, it faded fast. While it lingered faintly on my clothes, the magic was gone from my skin. Seeing reviews from others claiming Ganymede lasted 12 hours, I was confused. I tried it multiple times, hoping for a different result, but each time it was the same story. Eventually, I shelved it. Then in 2024, Superz and Gritti introduced Immortalis and Super Nova, and my interest in Ganymede alternatives was piqued.
When I sprayed on Immortalis, I was hopeful. I put it on at 9:15 a.m., and by 10 a.m. it was making an impression. The scent was strong, to the point that colleagues in my office actually opened a window! This fragrance certainly had the boldness I’d been missing with Ganymede. But, just like Ganymede, after two to three hours, the scent started to fade. It still lingered a bit, but I wasn’t left with that lasting presence I crave in a fragrance. I loved the scent profile and how powerful it was at first, but it didn’t have the longevity to stick with me through the day.
Super Nova was an interesting surprise. I tried it on a quiet, chilly Sunday afternoon and immediately noticed how it differed from both Ganymede and Immortalis. While not as loud, Super Nova has a subtler, intriguing quality with an undertone that reminded me of one of my favorites, Oud Satin Mood. It didn’t fill the room with the same intensity, but my son noticed right away and even complimented it.
The scent followed me outdoors, and even after four hours, it still lingered faintly. By the five-hour mark, it had settled into a soft, close-to-the-skin aroma, but still detectable. I was impressed by how it lingered without overpowering, making it a quieter but long-lasting presence compared to Immortalis or Ganymede.
Superz Immortalis and Gritti Super Nova are strong alternatives to Ganymede. Immortalis matches Ganymede’s bold initial projection and scent profile closely, while Super Nova offers something a bit different with that touch of Oud Satin Mood, adding depth. However, none of these fragrances fully resolve the longevity issue I’ve experienced with Ganymede on my skin.
Super Nova, while a compelling option, comes at €245, which makes it a splurge compared to Immortalis at €95 for 50ml and Ganymede at €195 for 100ml. Immortalis offers a similar experience for a lower price, making it a good value if you’re after the powerful initial impact. But for uniqueness, Super Nova stands out with its subtle complexity, despite the higher price.
Superz Immortalis
Gritti Super Nova
If price weren’t an issue, I would go with Super Nova over both Ganymede and Immortalis for its smooth and intriguing character. But Immortalis provides much of Ganymede’s charm at a more accessible price. Each of these fragrances has its own strengths, so if you’re drawn to Ganymede’s unique profile but want something longer-lasting, these two are worth a try.
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