
Optus VII captures the spicy-floral opening and oud-driven base of Memoir quite faithfully, with the pink pepper and rose maintaining good prominence throughout. The clone performs admirably in the mid-development phase, though the oud in the base feels slightly more synthetic and less refined than Amouage's original, lacking some of the complex animalic warmth that makes Memoir sophisticated.
The original Memoir has superior longevity and projection, with a more nuanced oud that develops gracefully over time, while Optus VII tends to flatten slightly in the dry-down. Amouage's version also features a creamier amber undertone that Maison Alhambra's interpretation doesn't quite replicate.