SOTD: 9pm by Afnan 26/05/2026
When I first got my hands on 9pm by Afnan, little did I realize why it had become so popular since its release in 2020. I heard it was similar to Le Male and that was prettyuch the extent of it. I've worn it a couple of times, and not jumped on any of its flankers as it didn't do much for me. Fast forward about 2 years into my fragrance journey. I've since acquired a bottle of Ultra Male amongst others, six to be precise and honestly I have a bigger appreciation for 9pm now. It's no a dupe per day, but you get a familiar DNA, it's nice. You get that party vibe, without the designer price tag. The opening is easily my favorite part, it hits you with a super crisp, fresh burst of apple and bergamot. Interestingly, even though itās not listed, I always get a distinct pear sensation; the way the fruit notes blend with the cinnamon creates this watery, sweet cocktail that feels incredibly vibrant. As it moves into the heart, the spicy warmth of the cinnamon lingers while orange blossom and lily-of-the-valley start to peek through. This floral touch is clever because it balances the initial sugar rush. The real magic, though, happens in the dry down. The base is a rich, resinous blend of vanilla, tonka bean & amber, grounded by a bit of earthy patchouli that gives it a depth I didn't expect from such a sweet scent. In terms of real-world use, the performance is where this bottle truly wins. I consistently get about 6 hours of longevity, with the projection being quite punchy for the first 90m. It definitely makes a statement when you walk into a room. Because of that heavy vanilla/amber base, I find it's best suited for cooler weather like autumn or winter, and itās a perfect choice for evening events or nights out. While it is marketed toward men, the sweetness is so smooth and fruity that I think anyone could comfortably wear it. Itās rare to find something that performs this well while costing only a fraction of what its designer rivals do. My Rating 7/10 Scent 2.5