Makkah

First Impressions & Dry Down

Makkah opens with a blast of synthetic strawberry and vanilla. It's sweet, almost cloying at first. Compared to Montale's Mukhallat, it's maybe 88% similar. The original has a richer, more natural strawberry. Makkah's almond heart emerges quickly, slightly powdery and less nuanced than Mukhallat's. The dry down is a sweet, musky affair. It's pleasant enough but lacks the depth and complexity of the Montale. The base notes, which should be the most similar, are where the distinction is noticeable. Makkah is linear and lacks the layering of the original, but it's not bad. It projects strongly for the first 2 hours, leaving a sweet, fruity trail. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, but it becomes a skin scent after hour 3 or 4. Definitely overspray if you want to make it through a whole day.

Is it Worth It?

Makkah is a solid budget alternative to Mukhallat. It captures the general vibe – sweet, fruity, musky – but with some obvious synthetic edges. If you can't justify the Montale price tag, or simply want a cheap and cheerful daily driver with a similar scent profile, this is worth considering. However, if you demand the highest quality ingredients and a sophisticated experience, stick with the original. Makkah is a good stand-in for those on a budget.