The original black version of this absolutely lives up to the hype. From a first wear this is a 3.5 maximum, it's just a typical womens spicy rose fragrance with some oud in it. It's undeniably a flanker of the original and the "rubber" scent that many complain about I absolutely see. Where as the original version I never understood what people were complaining about. Thankfully it goes away after a wear or two.
it's a jammy rose, an uplifting jasmine, there's just enough pink pepper to not overtake the fragrance and keeps it interesting. The only thing that I don't detect is the vanilla. My issue is how many other fragrances are doing this same thing. At least the bottle and presentation are going to make for great gifts.
this is somewhat grown up, for dances, going to the club, formal, night time, cold weather. Personally if I was a woman I'd get the black bottle of this. I can see North American or European women who don't even know what an "oud" is wear this proudly.