Meydan Clones

"### Bottom Line This leans towards cooler weather – fall and winter are its domains. I'd reserve it for evening events or outdoor gatherings where its bold character can shine without overwhelming those nearby. It's too heavy and intense for daytime office wear, but would be suitable for a night out. ### First Impressions & Dry Down Hypnotic Oud kicks off with a fascinatingly peculiar saffron note – less like threads in paella and more like saffron-infused cough drops. The lavender is subtle, acting as a clean counterpoint rather than a starring player. Bergamot offers a fleeting citrus zest, quickly overshadowed by the developing heart. The geranium emerges, slightly rosy and metallic, intertwining with a sweet, pipe tobacco accord. This is where the oud starts to surface, a medicinal, band-aid style oud, less barnyard and more antiseptic. The drydown shifts gears. The leather note presents a worn, slightly dusty sensation, joined by earthy patchouli and a re-emergence of the medicinal oud, which lingers heavily. While this captures some facets of Meydan's luxurious profile, it replaces some of the richness with synthetic nuances. The rose-like sweetness is somewhat reduced and the oud lacks the same depth. ### Longevity & Projection Hypnotic Oud boasts impressive staying power, clocking in at around 8-10 hours on skin. It projects moderately for the first two hours, extending to about an arm's length, before settling closer to the skin. I wore it during a chilly evening walk, and again during a work day confined to a small office. It definitely garners attention but could be headache-inducing in close quarters if oversprayed."

"### Conclusion If Al Kaser were a character in a movie, it would be a knock-off Bond villain – all the posturing, but none of the menacing charm. ### How it Smells Al Kaser throws a lot at you right from the start. It's a boisterous opening of medicinal saffron with a sharp, almost antiseptic lavender. The bergamot struggles to cut through, like a citrus fruit left out too long. The heart softens slightly; the geranium adds a powdery floral touch, but the tobacco note is less refined tobacco leaf and more stale cigarette ash. The oud is present, but it has a synthetic edge, reminiscent of wood cleaner. The drydown is where this fragrance falters. The leather is plasticky, the patchouli smells like damp earth, and the oud lingers with a faint whiff of burning rubber. In comparison to its inspiration, Meydan, Al Kaser lacks depth, nuance and quality materials. It aims for the same oriental leather, but instead of a rich, multifaceted experience, it feels flattened and synthetic. ### Performance Reality Check On my skin, Al Kaser lasts around 5 hours. The projection is strong for the first hour, easily filling a room, then rapidly retreats to within one arm's length. I wore it during a casual outing and a dinner party, and while it garnered some initial curiosity, the synthetic drydown became cloying after a few hours."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Hypnotic Oud opens with a surprising blast of synthetic lavender and something akin to burnt rubber – the saffron, perhaps, gone wrong. It lacks the refined citrus sparkle promised by bergamot. The heart introduces a medicinal geranium note intertwined with a very dry, almost dusty tobacco. A woody aroma is present, but the oud smells like cedarwood shavings dipped in furniture polish rather than authentic agarwood. The drydown is where it really diverges. The advertised leather comes across as a plasticky accord, mixed with a damp, earthy patchouli, creating an unpleasant musty effect. The final impression is a faint, sweetish aroma mixed with lingering tire shop. ### Longevity & Projection On my skin, Hypnotic Oud lasts roughly 6-7 hours, but becomes a skin scent within the first two. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length. I wore it to an outdoor barbecue and then to an air-conditioned office. It performed better outdoors in warmer weather, the cooler air amplified the synthetic harshness. ### Bottom Line Wearing Hypnotic Oud is like listening to a cover band play a complex rock opera. The melody is recognizable, but the execution lacks the nuance and the magic. You get the general idea, but the experience is noticeably inferior. The original is smooth and elegant; this is a rough sketch. It hints at the sophistication of the original, but fails to capture its depth. You might save some money, but you will also miss out on a truly special fragrance."