9pm
Afnan (2020)

A Solid Alternative to JPG Ultra Male – Afnan 9PM Review

If you're looking for a fragrance that captures the essence of Jean Paul Gaultier's Ultra Male at a more affordable price, Afnan 9PM is a standout choice. While clones are often associated with lower-quality ingredients and presentation, Afnan 9PM breaks that stereotype. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the bottle, cap, atomizer, and most importantly, the juice inside.

Note Comparison:
A) JPG Ultra Male
Top Notes: Bergamot, Pear, Black Lavender, Mint
Heart Notes: Cumin, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Black Aztec Flower
Base Notes: Black Vanilla, Amber, Cedarwood, Patchouli

B) Afnan 9PM
Top Notes: Bergamot, Lavandin, Cinnamon, Apple
Middle Notes: Muguet, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean

Though the scent profiles are clearly similar, Afnan 9PM outperforms Ultra Male in terms of projection and longevity. On my skin, it easily lasts 8–12 hours with about 5 hours of solid projection. The fruity opening of Ultra Male is more subdued here, giving 9PM a smoother introduction, while still maintaining a connection to the DNA of the original JPG Le Male, which subtly lingers in the background.

This is an ideal fragrance for cooler months and evening wear. The vanilla and tonka bean blend beautifully, creating a warm, cozy, and reassuring heart that makes it perfect for date nights or casual evening outings.

I now have a newfound respect for Afnan as a brand.

Highly recommended!

There is no faulting the crisp freshness of this so-called clone of Ultra Male by JPG, with apple notes replacing the pear of the latter. Floral notes are here, too, but pleasantly understated. There does, however, appear to be some controversy about performance. Much as I like the powdery charm of 9pm, it vanishes off my skin very quickly. I have sprayed generously but to little avail. This is a performance view fairly widespread on a rival site. Annoying, because I really like it. The name 9pm, too, seems a bit of a misnomer since its light fresh miasma is not one I’d associate with evening.
This slightly odd-bod number in my small collection has had its usage much augmented lately when I have been layering it with another orphan clone in the cupboard, Bright Peach by Maison Alhambra. Together, they add up to something far more interesting than the sum of their parts.

9pm is a big, loud UltraMale-like scent, which means it smells and performs like the JPG original. I find the opening less fruity-sweet than UltraMale, so I slightly prefer the original to 9pm, but this is very close and very good.

Big projection that lasts most all day. Can get cloying so go easy on sprays.