Posh Alpha

How it Smells

Posh Alpha opens with a resinous burst – elemi and olibanum trying their best to mimic that gothic grandeur of Rose Incense. There's a slightly synthetic edge here, a sharpness not present in the Amouage. The ink note is interesting, giving a fleeting metallic tang. The heart blooms into a recognizable Damask rose, plush and jammy, but again, a little less refined. The suede is softer here, more of a suggestion than a statement. The base leans heavily on myrrh and sandalwood, with a noticeable vanillic sweetness that wasn’t as prominent in the original's drier, more austere drydown. Overall, it captures maybe 81% of the Rose Incense vibe, opting for sweetness where the original held back.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Posh Alpha is for the budget-conscious soul who appreciates the *idea* of dark, resinous roses. It's for the person who likes to wear black, prefers old books to shiny screens, and probably owns a record player. While it lacks the impeccable quality and haunting depth of Rose Incense, it offers a compelling impression .

Performance Reality Check

This is where Posh Alpha shines. Longevity is impressive easily pushing 7-8 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, leaving a noticeable scent trail, then settles closer to the skin. It's potent enough to be noticed, without becoming obnoxious.