Sheikh Al Shuyukh Final Edition

How it Smells

Sheikh Al Shuyukh Final Edition opens with an unconvincing apple note; more like artificial green apple candy than a crisp orchard fruit. The ginger is dialed way up, adding a spicy sharpness that clashes somewhat with the citrus attempts of the bergamot. It lacks the refined sweetness present in Y. The heart is where it deviates more noticeably. The sage and geranium create a soapy, almost medicinal accord, not unpleasant, but clearly distinct. Juniper berries are present, but muted. In the drydown, the amberwood is prominent, lending a woody chemical aroma that borders on harsh. The tonka bean attempts to smooth things out with a powdery sweetness, but the cedar emerges as a dominant force, giving it a pencil shaving vibe.

How Long Does it Last?

This one lasts a solid 6-7 hours on my skin, projecting moderately for the first 2 hours, then settling closer to the skin. I tested it during a day of light activity, mostly indoors.

Is it Worth It?

Wearing this instead of Y offers a semblance of the intended scent profile, but with compromises. You gain a bolder, spicier opening, but lose the smooth sophistication of the original. The sharper, more synthetic amberwood in the drydown is a definite downgrade, sacrificing the elegant, refined finish of Y for a louder, less nuanced character. It’s an obvious stand-in, not an equivalent.