Is Zimaya Taraf Black a dupe of Montale Arabians Tonka?
While both Arabians Tonka and Taraf Black share sweet, ambery, and oudy profiles, they cater to different preferences and budgets. Arabians Tonka is a powerhouse - a loud, unapologetically sweet Oud fragrance with beastly performance. Taraf Black offers a more subdued and accessible experience, emphasizing saffron and amber, making it smoother and easier to wear. If you want a statement fragrance that fills a room, go with Arabians Tonka. If you prefer a more refined and budget-friendly option, Taraf Black is a great choice.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a fragrance with exceptional projection and longevity.
- You enjoy bold and sweet Oud fragrances that make a statement.
- You don't mind a potentially polarizing scent profile.
- You want a fragrance that lasts all day and projects well.
- You prefer a more subtle and versatile fragrance.
- You're looking for an affordable alternative to Arabians Tonka.
- You enjoy warm, ambery scents with a touch of saffron.
- You prefer a smoother, less challenging Oud experience.
Arabians Tonka is notorious - a divisive, beast-mode Oud fragrance that demands attention, for better or worse. You'll either adore its sweet, powerful sillage or find it utterly overwhelming. It truly is a love-it-or-hate-it affair.
This budget-friendly Middle Eastern gem is surprisingly complex, offering a sweet, warm embrace that often defies its price tag. It's a crowd-pleaser for those who love a subtly oudy, saffron-tinged amber, though some find the opening a bit sharp and the blend inconsistent.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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 winter and autumn.
Occasions
Its immense sillage and longevity make it unsuitable for sensitive environments like the office. It's best reserved for date nights, clubbing, and formal events, especially in colder weather, where its powerful presence can shine without overwhelming.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.
Occasions
Its sweet and resinous profile, combined with generally good projection for the price, makes it better suited for evenings or cooler weather. While some find it light enough for casual wear, its bold character might be a bit much for most office environments.
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 7 of its 9 notes, including Sugar Cane, Musk, Amber
Adds oud and rose
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Arabians Tonka EDP
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International (3)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. How import charges work