FRAGRANCE | Arab Tradition EDP by Nabeel: Another cheapie that packs quite the punch

halfwhiteboy - Arab Tradition EDP by Nabeel 02

This is but another testament to the Middle East's rich perfumery tradition. This much-touted "clone" of Tom Ford's highly regarded Tuscan Leather is a very solid fragrance on its own merits. For a fraction of the cost of the "original" (less than 10%), Arab Tradition by Nabeel is a cheapie that packs quite the punch.

It opens gorgeously with a bang. Immediately you can detect the sweet raspberry caressing the very rich leather and suede double-down. There's an intoxicating smokiness to it, rendering a certain darkness and depth to the overall scent.

Unlike Davidoff Leather Blend, there's no sharpness at all. Yes, it's been completely sweetened over and smoked, and I love it. And if I may add, there's also none of that alcohol burn-off stage I've come to expect from cheap fragrances like Arabian Mystery Soleil Mystery. Arab Tradition is pretty good stuff!

Projection ranges from moderate to heavy and longevity is very good. You can go on a full day with this. And while its strength understandably decreases over time, the fragrance affords you beautiful whiffs of it at random, more so every time your body heats up due to temperature change or from some activity.

It may not be as smoothly blended as its pricier inspiration but Nabeel's Arab Tradition is mega-bang for your buck. Because it's so cheap, you got nothing to loose if you just go ahead and pull the trigger on this one. If anything at all, I bemoan the design change in its bottle. This rather boring, black, corrugated flacon - though heavy and sturdy - is nothing compared to the original, clear glass bottle with a white faux leather wraparound and a white Nasomatto-ish cap that just looks so niche.

Oh well. But do I really have to complain?

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