Al Haramain Amber Oud Tobacco Edition vs Xerjoff Alexandria II

This isn't a comparison of two similar fragrances, but of two worlds. Al Haramain costs €60 for 100 ml; Alexandria II is among the most expensive in our catalogue. The question isn't which is better, but how much you get for the price difference.

Property	Amber Oud Tobacco Edition	Alexandria II Anniversary
House	Al Haramain	Xerjoff
Concentration	EDP	Parfum
Top notes	cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, tobacco leaves	bulgarian rose, cumin, cardamom, lavender
Heart notes	star anise, clove, cocoa, tonka bean, vanilla, incense	wormwood, clary sage, orris, mint, Nagarmotha (cypriol), civet, oud, amber
Base notes	tobacco, dried fruit, woody notes	sandalwood, musk, madagascar vanilla
Longevity (community rating)	6–10 hours	12–16 hours
Sillage (community rating)	Strong for the first hours, then moderate	Very strong
Full bottle	€60 / 100 ml	—
Price per millilitre	€0.60	—
Decant 5 ml	€12	€35
Decant 10 ml	€17	€62

Amber Oud Tobacco Edition has cinnamon, ginger and tobacco leaves up top, anise, clove, cocoa and tonka in the heart, and tobacco, dried fruit and wood underneath. It's sweet, spicy and uncomplicated — exactly what an Arabian budget fragrance should be. Alexandria II goes elsewhere: Bulgarian rose and cumin up top, wormwood, clary sage, mint and civet in the heart, sandalwood and vanilla in the base. Among its accords are oud and an animalic note that Al Haramain doesn't have. Price: Al Haramain is €0.60 per millilitre, among the lowest in our catalogue — only Vulcan Feu and Liquid Brun are cheaper. A 5 ml decant is €12 against €35 for Alexandria — almost three times as much.

Is Al Haramain a dupe of Alexandria II?

No. They're not alike — Al Haramain is sweet tobacco, Alexandria II herbal and animalic with oud. Anyone looking for a cheaper version of Alexandria won't find it in Al Haramain.

At this price, is Al Haramain any good?

At €0.60 per millilitre it's hard to go wrong. The composition is simpler and the materials cheaper, but the fragrance works and has a clear idea. As a way to get to know the Arabian style, it's the logical first step.

What do I get for the price difference?

Complexity and development. Alexandria II changes over the hours; Al Haramain stays more or less the same from start to finish. Whether that's worth three times the decant price depends on how closely you follow fragrances.

Are both unisex?

In our database Alexandria II is listed as unisex and Al Haramain as masculine. Thanks to the sweet tobacco, Al Haramain is neutral enough in practice.

Which should I take for winter?

Both are winter fragrances. With cinnamon and tobacco, Al Haramain is more directly festive and warm; Alexandria II is more reserved.