Interlude Black Iris and Silver Oud recent batches

So, I'm interested on Amouages, especially Interlude Black Iris or Opus XIII - Silver Oud . But I had my doubt to pull the trigger since both are rare to find on discounters here (Indonesia) and reformulations. Yes reformulations.

I had Interlude Black Iris sample with batch code G25058 (not really sure on last 4 digits, since the seller sent me and got glares) and Opus XIII - Silver Oud sample from same seller with batch code H26975. My problem is Interlude Black Iris sample is not strong enough. On my skin it only lasted 8 hrs. I remember spraying it on test strip at one of boutique and it lasted 3 days, and more than 12 hrs on my skin. Is that true It got reformulated and watered down? I wanted to buy them but I can't find seller with old bottle (let alone finding it, it's already a miracle).

Also to subtitute them, I'm looking at The Dark Side and The Black Knight , and still can't decide which one is better and could replace Amouages.

Any suggestion? But please don't give me ultra niche that sold exclusively, because I',m 100% sure I can't found it or far off my budget (my budget is $200)

OP I hope you don’t mind me saying that I think reformulation is a very overstated thing.  Not because of it not being real, but the importance of it is very overstated to the point where it triggers some folks. If you like the current offerings then buy, if not move on. Performance of 8 hrs is still truly great. 

Unfortunately, Amouage have been on a massive reformulation spree. G batch is more reliable than H batch when it comes to performance and honoring the perfumer's vision.

It's possible the tester has been sitting at the boutique for months. Black Iris and Silver Oud come at 25% and 20% oil concentration respectively, so they only get better with age.

I agree! 

Thanks for all the reply. I just wanted to make my purchases worth every penny. My IBI decant also should've been sit for a long time at the seller's shelf

Maybe I'll just go with SO since I never saw IBI on sale again. Sadly IBI is my most favourite offering from Amouage, followed by SO, RT, IB53. Also I don't like the idea of reapplying fragrance that priced more than $150. Now I just waited for SO came back to sale again. I had an alternative that I would like to have if I can't have SO The Dark Side it's also cheaper than Amouage but still strikes me with the buttery Iris (perfect to replace IBI)