Gold Clones

"### Olfactory Experience Z15 attempts to mimic Bond No. 9 Gold, and gets respectably close. The opening offers a boozy brandy note, tempered by saffron and a slightly artificial orange. Not as smooth or rich as Gold. The heart reveals ginger and woody notes, but the cedar leans a bit pencil-shaving synthetic. The drydown becomes a pleasant amber and sandalwood mix, but with a persistent musk that's a little heavier than I prefer. I'd say it captures about 90% of Gold’s DNA. The biggest difference is the lack of that luxurious, almost creamy texture present in the original. ### Bottom Line Z15 by Zoghbi is a solid option if you crave the Gold scent profile but can't justify Bond No. 9 prices. Is it a perfect dupe? No. Does it smell good? Absolutely. It avoids being a complete mess of synthetics, which is a win at this price. If you're a fragrance snob, stay away. But if you're a budget-conscious enthusiast who wants a reasonable alternative, it's worth considering. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is surprisingly good. I get about 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. It's a decent performer point. Don't expect beast mode."

"### The Scent Profile Z15 opens with a boozy warmth, a brandy note fighting nicely with the saffron's slight medicinal tang. It's a confident start. The bitter orange tries to cut through the richness, but the brandy largely dominates. In the heart, a dry cedarwood emerges, tempered by a slightly sweet ginger. Where Z15 diverges from Gold is a certain woodiness: Gold has a smoother, almost creamy amber from the start. Z15 feels drier, more angular. The base is where the clone truly shines; a blend of amber, musk and sandalwood creates a comforting, if somewhat synthetic, aura. I’d say it captures roughly 85% of the Gold vibe. The overall impression is a sophisticated night out, less velvet rope, more speakeasy. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is fairly intimate, creating a pleasant bubble that won't offend. It's not a room filler. After the initial hour, it settles close to the skin. The dry down is worth the wait. ### Conclusion Zakat's Z15 provides a solid, albeit slightly rough-around-the-edges, alternative to Bond No. 9 Gold. If you appreciate the boozy-woody profile of Gold but can't justify the price, this is a worthwhile option. it's perfect for someone who enjoys a confident, slightly mysterious air. If you want to experience the general vibe, pull the trigger on Z15."