Kilian Angels’ Share vs. Smoking Hot

Kilian’s Angels’ Share has been a best seller for years now and has been copied by a lot of different releases, trying to capitalize on that success. Meanwhile, Smoking Hot is one that’s gaining steam from the brand, but hasn’t gotten the same level of attention yet.

However, these two are often compared to one another. As such, I thought I’d do a post, matching them up. Which smells better? Lasts longer? And is the better buy?

---

Tale of the Tape: Angels’ Share vs. Smoking Hot

Angels’ Share

Notes include: cognac, tonka bean, oak wood, cinnamon, praline, vanilla, sandalwood

Click here to try: Angels’ Share at Sephora

Read my review: Angels’ Share by Kilian

---

Smoking Hot

Notes include: apple smoke, cinnamon, tobacco, Bourbon vanilla, moss, clary sage, licorice, Orcanox

Click here to try: Smoking Hot

My Review: Smoking Hot by Kilian

---

Opening

Angels’ Share starts of with its signature cognac, oak, and its tonka bean note. The cognac has an apple-like sweetness to it, which is fantastic.

The sweetness is enhanced by the inclusion of vanilla and praline. Which all plays well off of the spicy punch of the cinnamon note.

It’s a great mix of boozy, sweet, and spicy. Very warm with its aroma and has a baked good sort of undercurrent to the cognac-led mix.

Meanwhile, Smoking Hot also starts things off with an apple and cinnamon blend. But, it doesn’t strike me as being exactly like Angels’ Share. It smells much more like Apple Brandy on the rocks, just swapping out that brandy note for a smoky shisha.

But, there’s obviously going to be some sense of an overlap between them.

It’s fruity, sweet, smoky, a tad spicy, and fresh. The cinnamon note isn’t as powerful in Smoking Hot, as it is in Angels’ Share. Plus, you do get some moss and a faint clary sage note, adding a lighter and somewhat greenish dimension to this scent.

Vanilla, is also in the mix, but feels more prominent later on.

Which is better? It’s a close race. However, I still prefer the opening act of the cognac-soaked Angels’ Share more than Smoking Hot. Though, I really do like the latter a whole lot too.

Edge: Angels’ Share

---

Projection

Both of these fragrances have a strong opening act. I think Angels’ Share hits a higher high and its initial blast of notes is slower to fall off when compared to those of Smoking Hot.

Nonetheless, each of these Kilian perfumes is a strong, but not overwhelming fragrance. That will both settle into something more moderate, but still noticeable.

The performance differences between these two are interesting. Angels’ Share is the heavier of the two and has a bit better reach, in terms of its projection.

But, while it takes this category, the longevity is much more of a contest.

Edge: Angels’ Share

---

Longevity

With Angels’ Share, I get 9-13 hours of wear on my skin. It’s not a complete powerhouse throughout, but I for sure get a good and long time with this Kilian perfume whenever I wear it.

Smoking Hot actually matches Angels’ Share for me. Also, it has yet to not reach the 10 hour mark. 

I’ve been wearing each of them quite a lot recently. I haven’t noticed either of them really taking an edge in this category. So, I’ll call it a draw.

Edge: Push

---

Versatility

Seasonally, each of these are best in the autumn and wintertime. I think Smoking Hot is better than its competitor in slightly warmer temperatures, as it is somewhat lighter as a fragrance.

I wore it outside in 65 degree Fahrenheit weather and Smoking Hot was fine. I wouldn’t push it into summer, but it could venture somewhat into spring.

The smoky shisha aroma of Smoking Hot and the cognac of Angels’ Share may prevent them from being a daily wear for some people. The middle and latter stages of Angels’ Share isn’t too boozy.

It’s already a best-seller, so, I’m sure plenty of people wear that perfume to work without issue. With Smoking Hot, it does have a hookah smell. Take that into consideration.

Both are about equal in terms of casual wear and venturing into the nightlife. Not much separation here.

Edge: Push

---

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Kilian fragrances do I prefer?

Both of these are great. However, I’m still leaning towards Angels’ Share.

I love the sweet mix and use of cognac in the blend. The rich oak and notes like praline coming through. A good cinnamon kick early. It’s a perfume that I’ve worn for multiple years and will continue doing so.

Smoking Hot is close to being as good, but just falls short. I like the apple smokiness early. That initial introduction isn’t long enough, I wish there were more time with that aspect.

The dry down of Smoking Hot is also very nice. I get some more woodiness, vanilla, and there’s a licorice note in here that seems more noticeable, later in the wear.

It’s one that I’m wearing a lot right now and may pick up a full bottle of. It’s a fragrance that is well worth trying. I just still prefer Angels’ Share in a head to head comparison.

If Angels’ Share is too sweet, feminine, or even boozy for you; Smoking Hot can be a great alternative. Still unisex, but seems to lean more masculine for most people.

Winner: Angels’ Share