Opus

The Scent Profile

Opus by MAD launches with a blast of artificial apple – think green Jolly Rancher mixed with the metallic tang of ginger ale, a far cry from Y's smoother opening. The bergamot is present but fleeting, quickly overtaken by the synthetic fruitiness. The heart offers a medicinal sage note alongside a vague juniper berry accord, which is a pale imitation of the original's aromatic depth. Geranium peeks through, adding a rosy facet that fights with the other synthetics. The drydown is where it truly falters: amberwood dominates, giving it a harsh, scratchy texture, while a weak tonka bean note attempts to soften the sharp cedar. It has a slightly acrid, vinyl-like undertone that persists until the end.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours. Projection is initially strong, reaching about an arm's length for the first hour, before quickly settling close to the skin. I tested this during a humid workday, and it became cloying and tiresome. It performs adequately in cooler settings, but the synthetic edge becomes more pronounced.

Final Thoughts

Choosing Opus over the original Y is a matter of sacrifice. You gain a similar initial impression, but with a noticeable downgrade in quality. You lose the nuance, the smoothness, and the overall refinement of the genuine article. While it may scratch the itch for the scent profile, the synthetic composition gives it a juvenile feel and fails to capture the sophisticated essence of Y. Ultimately, it's a reminder that some scents are best experienced in their original form.