Monkey Special

The Verdict

Monkey Special is a steal. If you're curious about Tony Iommi Monkey Special but can't justify the Xerjoff price tag, this is an excellent option. There are some minor synthetic edges, especially in the opening, but they fade quickly. This clone offers exceptional value and most will be very satisfied. Recommended for gourmand lovers on a budget.

How it Smells

Monkey Special by Montagne Parfums aims for Xerjoff's Tony Iommi Monkey Special, and gets pretty close. The opening delivers a boozy rum punch with passionfruit. The bergamot is dialed back, making it less bright than the original, and more syrupy. As it dries, cinnamon and patchouli emerge, alongside a detectable leather accord. The patchouli leans slightly sharper than Xerjoff's smoother rendition. The base is where it really shines, with caramel, vanilla, and tonka creating a gourmand sweetness. I'd say it captures about 95% of the original's DNA. That last 95% is nuance.

The Performance Stats

Performance is solid, especially . I get around 6-7 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first two hours. It settles closer to the skin after that, leaving a sweet, slightly boozy trail. Not a beast, but respectable.