Golden Rush

Yowza! What can I say, except that HH has hit another out of the park. This stuff is flat out magnificent. It's all at once simple and super complex. And not only is it gentlemanly, but tastefully aristocratic as well -- and I mean that in the best possible way. Scent Profile: Hints of a dry, tart berry over what is otherwise gorgeously balsamic, resinous and a tad smoky/spicy at the same time. For me, the most lasting and noticeable accords that come out of this are cloves, frankincense (burnt and unburnt) and strangely, a kind of thyme or oregano note that is ever so light, with that wispy blackberry only showing itself on occasion. A subtle honey accord meshes gorgeously with the balsamic backbone of GR in the dry down that really gives it that aristocratic air. GR (like JXXV) has a certain olfactory iridescence about it -- it really shows its different "colors" depending on how and when you wear it. It's anything but linear. Performance: Longevity is quite good for me - no less than 6-8 hours of arm's length or better. Sillage is on the moderate side, though honestly I don't really fish for comments on my scent trail. Projection is at least moderate if not better -- but I don't like to over spray, so ymmv. I do this for me, not for everyone else. Comparables: Aside from the most obvious one, I get a few familiar accords out of this. There's a dialed down version of that smouldering incense/wood from Loewe 7 Anonimo, and also a more subtle version of the tart blackberry in Olympic Orchids Blackbird. Not the same as either, just some familiar notes within a larger symphony. VS Jubilation XXV: In comparing this with Jubilation, you have to first accept a few realities. With some of the more niche products (including Amouages), you're (likely) getting more natural ingredients, and in stronger concentrations. And with Alexandria Fragrances, you will almost always wind up receiving something that is highly concentrated and literally fresh off the line. Why mention this? It's simple: In both cases, they need some time and a little air to fully develop. Otherwise, either could give the impression of being weak in all areas of performance, as well as being more "top heavy" than they should be. This makes it exceptionally difficult to properly compare the likes of Golden Rush and Jubilation XXV. Having said that, I really think this one is AT LEAST as strong as the original, and is extremely faithful to its intended balance of notes. Not always the case with AF, but in my experience, clone houses don't get much better than this. Just my $.02 worth. Golden Rush seems to me both a bit opulent and mysterious to the nose, like a story waiting to be told. Absolutely no one will hate this. To my nose, this is a very rare, instant love. I presently have about 200 fragrance options, designer to niche, and I can honestly say that this WILL be worn more than most. The only question is whether there's still a compelling argument in favor of a FB purchase of the original. Many times there is, but in this case I'm not seeing it. 10/10

So I purchased a 30 ml blind the other day. I am a firm believer that you need to let AFs rest for a few weeks in order to get the best they have to offer. But I can't help myself whenever I get new fragrances and I cracked it open straight out of the mailbox. This is what I have been needing without knowing I need it. I am not going to get into notes as I do not think I am very articulate in describing what I smell. What I CAN tell you is that if it smells this good now, I can't wait to see what it smells like in a few weeks, if it makes it that far. I've had it for less than a week and a good 5-6 ml are gone. I really like AF's synth oud note. It's just pleasant to me. Golden Rush and No Apologies are my favorites from the house by FAR (out of about 30). So, me being me, (seeing as how I had a successful blind purchase of Pardon) I flooded my browser with searches Jub XXV and found a bottle at a well known discounter for a really good price with codes and some reward points (I always pay my dues with the OGs if I enjoy the clones). I got it in yesterday and was surprised when I sprayed it on. It's doing the same thing that BR540 does with me as it is almost undetectable off my skin right after application. Today, I sprayed them on separate arms for a comparison. Jub XXV is an amazing fragrance; soft, natural, well rounded and extremely smooth by comparison, once i can smell it. But I like the smell of Golden Rush more... So much more, that I had to chuckle to myself for not sampling Jub XXV before I bought it. Made in Oman Batch Code: A32711E281 Gold, magnetic cap. Maybe my recent (over)use of GR has brought on some anosmia to JXXV?

Ok, I have to revisit this, now that I have an older travel sprayer, a newer full bottle AND a decant and FB of Jubilation XXV. The verdict: To my nose, this clone has indeed exceeded its target. It's brighter and evolves more than the OG, making it more versatile and attractive. Where JXXV takes a more rose-heavy and opulent route (nothing wrong with that per se), Golden Rush adds a much more noticeable bright tartness at the top and a touch of sweetness that helps open up the dry down. For much of its life, you can juuuuust pick up that blackberry with the orange, juxtaposed with a bit more of a resinous version of JXXV. For me, this makes for a much more addictive scent. Total winner at a very reasonable price point. Will probably live on my top 5 for a good long time. My only complaint: For something so gorgeous, this stuff really has an unfortunate name! For me, Golden Rush would be more aptly named like "Fireworks," as it brings the olfactory pyrotechnics, in the best possible way.

Wow! To my nose, this extremely elaborate fragrance smells like a "softer" Nasomatto Pardon. Not as pungent and smoother. but that same rounded, spicy, deep and savory feel. Very sensual and mature. This is definitely perfect for a man my age (I'm 45). And my lady LOVES it. She can't stop nuzzling her face into my chest when I have this on. And the longevity? 12+ hours. And I'm not talking you can barely smell it then. It's definitely still strong enough to notice. I've never smelled Amouage's Jubilation XXV, but I can see why it's held in such high regard if Golden Rush is close to it. If you're interested in smelling like a mature, successful man more than you in smelling like a "bad boy", get this fragrance! If the projection was better, it out be a 10 out of 10 but I give it a 9.5

This is magnificent scent in it's own right. Clearly it's a clone of Amouge Jubilation but veers in slightly different directions. Love to wear this when I go to my parents cabin in the woods. Mature vibe that draws compliments and makes me feel nostalgic. Long lasting with decent village. Enough to get you noticed. 8.5 out of 10