Z15

Olfactory Experience

Z15 attempts to mimic Bond No. 9 Gold, and gets respectably close. The opening offers a boozy brandy note, tempered by saffron and a slightly artificial orange. Not as smooth or rich as Gold. The heart reveals ginger and woody notes, but the cedar leans a bit pencil-shaving synthetic. The drydown becomes a pleasant amber and sandalwood mix, but with a persistent musk that's a little heavier than I prefer. I'd say it captures about 90% of Gold’s DNA. The biggest difference is the lack of that luxurious, almost creamy texture present in the original.

Bottom Line

Z15 by Zoghbi is a solid option if you crave the Gold scent profile but can't justify Bond No. 9 prices. Is it a perfect dupe? No. Does it smell good? Absolutely. It avoids being a complete mess of synthetics, which is a win at this price. If you're a fragrance snob, stay away. But if you're a budget-conscious enthusiast who wants a reasonable alternative, it's worth considering.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is surprisingly good. I get about 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. It's a decent performer point. Don't expect beast mode.