Optus VII

The Scent Profile

Optus VII aims for Amouage's Memoir Man, a challenging scent with wormwood and incense. The opening is a green, herbal blast – basil and mint are present, but the wormwood leans slightly medicinal here, more like cough syrup than the refined bitterness in the original. The incense heart is there, but it's thinner. The rose and lavender are backseat players. Where this diverges most is the base. The tobacco and leather are present, but they lack the depth and smoky character of Memoir Man. It's a simpler, slightly sweeter drydown, missing the original's austere elegance. I'd peg this as 87% similar.

The Performance Stats

Don't expect beast mode. Optus VII projects moderately for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, which is acceptable . It's not going to fill a room all day, but it's present enough to enjoy.

The Verdict

For the money, Optus VII is a solid alternative if you are curious about the Amouage style but are not ready to commit to the price. It captures the general vibe of Memoir Man, although sacrificing some refinement. If you are extremely familiar with the original, you may note the lower quality materials here. But for someone wanting a dark, herbal, incense-driven fragrance on a budget, this is a good option. For everyday wear, this scratches the itch without breaking the bank.