Is Athoor Al Alam Nazih Gold a dupe of Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Black Patchouli?
While both share woody and patchouli notes, Nazih Gold leans heavily into a rich, robust oud-leather experience, ideal for oud aficionados. Velvet Black Patchouli, surprisingly, offers a lighter, more aromatic experience, downplaying the patchouli. Nazih Gold offers better value and a bolder statement, while Velvet Black Patchouli is a more subdued, elegant option. If you want a powerful, long-lasting fragrance, Nazih Gold is the clear winner. If you prefer a softer, more refined scent profile, Velvet Black Patchouli might be more your style, provided you're not seeking strong patchouli.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Velvet Black Patchouli
- Nazih Gold
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a prominent oud and leather scent.
- You prefer stronger, longer-lasting fragrances.
- You're looking for excellent value for money.
- You enjoy bold Middle Eastern perfumery.
- You want a fragrance that makes a statement.
- You prefer a softer, more subtle fragrance.
- You dislike strong oud or leather notes.
- You want a more refined, elegant scent.
- You are seeking a lighter patchouli experience.
- You value a smoother, aromatic profile.
Velvet Black Patchouli struggles to live up to its name, baffling some with its lack of prominent patchouli. It’s an elegant, aromatic scent, but its weak performance, especially for the price, makes it a bit of a letdown for many.
A solid, well-executed oud-leather blend that punches above its weight. It's a fantastic entry point into Middle Eastern perfumery, offering complexity without overwhelming the senses. A consensus crowd-pleaser for those who appreciate woody scents.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Patchouli
43%
vs
26%
Papyrus
41%
Vanilla
34%
Tonka Bean
33%
Caramel
33%
Davana
31%
Clary Sage
29%
Blood Orange
28%
Coriander
27%
Saffron
33%
Leather
27%
Oud
27%
Balsam
25%
Cedar
25%
Iris
25%
Pepper
25%
Nutmeg
25%
Labdanum
25%
Sandalwood
20%
Bergamot
17%
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.
Occasions
While initially strong, the fragrance quickly becomes a skin scent, making it suitable for intimate date nights and cooler evening wear. Its elegant character suits formal occasions, but poor longevity and sillage mean it might not last a full workday or casual outing.
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its sophisticated woody and leather accords make it suitable for dates and formal events, while its moderate sillage keeps it from being too overpowering for casual wear or the office. This isn't one for the gym, though, it's far too elegant.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 1 of its 12 notes, including Patchouli
Adds balsam and bergamot, drops blood orange and caramel
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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