Sheikh Shuyukh Final Ed.

Scent Breakdown

Sheikh Shuyukh Final Edition opens with a blast of something vaguely apple-like, but closer to apple-scented dish soap. The promised aldehydes are there, but they lean heavily synthetic, lending a metallic sharpness that clashes with the grapefruit note. The heart attempts to replicate the original's smooth lavender-sage blend, but falls short, coming across as a generic "fresh" laundry detergent. The drydown is where it deviates most. The tonka bean is present but muddied by an overwhelming cedar note reminiscent of hamster bedding. The olibanum offers a fleeting smoky suggestion, immediately stomped out by the cedar. It mimics Y Le Parfum to some degree, but ultimately lacks the refined character.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is surprisingly decent, clocking in at around 6 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong, easily filling a room for the first hour or so, before settling to about an arm's length. I wore this to the grocery store and received no compliments or complaints. I also wore it to a casual dinner, and my companion wrinkled her nose slightly.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This is a competent, if uninspiring, casual fragrance best suited for situations where you don't want to risk your finer bottles: gym trips, quick errands, or spraying on clothes that might get dirty. It lacks the finesse for date nights or formal occasions.