Ajwad

The Scent Profile

Ajwad goes straight for the Intense Café vibe. It's clearly aiming to replicate that rose and coffee combo, and it gets pretty darn close, maybe 85% of the way there. The opening is floral, yes, but more of a general sweet floral than a specific rose blast. The coffee note isn't as rich or roasted as in Intense Café; it's a touch more instant coffee-esque. The drydown is where the differences really show. The vanilla and musk are more prominent here, making it sweeter and slightly less sophisticated than the Montale. There's a synthetic edge, especially noticeable up close.

Is it Worth It?

Ajwad is a steal if you like Intense Café's DNA. If you want a dead-ringer, pony up for the original. However, if you're on a budget and just want something similar and don't mind some rough edges, this is an excellent option. It's sweet, rosy, and coffee-ish. Who is this for? Students, folks new to fragrance, or anyone who appreciates value. Subjectively? Only you can answer that based on your bank account.

Performance Reality Check

This stuff projects! Seriously. Expect a good 3-4 hours of noticeable projection. Longevity is decent, lingering on skin for a solid 6-7 hours, although it becomes a skin scent after the initial blast. Not beast mode, but respectable .