I can't compare this to the original as I've never smelled it. I suggest that you let this rest awhile before passing final judgment. I tried this 24 hours out of the mailbox and there was a sour note that didn't jive with my chemistry. I reapplied about 1 week later and that sour note is gone. This starts off with a blast of true to life cedar (reminds me of my cedar chest). Sadly the cedar note fades and the resulting scent that develops smells exactly like the dupe for Jo Malone's Tonka and Myrrh with some additional spices thrown in the mix. I prefer the TF Sahara Noir dupe over the JM Tonka and Myrrh dupe. I find them very similar on me. This was originally marketed towards women but I feel like a man could easily pull this off. For that reason, I'd call this scent unisex. If you're liberal with your oil application (I tend to slather as things don't last on my scent eating skin) I'd give it at least 30 minutes to calm down. Too much of this one can be off putting until it chills out. To me, this can be worn year round. Maybe I'm not the authority on this as my motto is wear what you want when you want and the hell with what others say. Surprisingly, Sahara Noir does well in the heat. It was in the low 80's here with a bit of humidity. I'll have to try this in the sweltering high heat of summer and see how it goes. If you find this too masculine, you can layer a floral or something sweet on top to soften it up a bit. If you like JM's Tonka and Myrrh then you may enjoy…