Durian Comparisons
Two durians, side by side, with a straight answer at the top. Most of these come down to something more interesting than taste: whether the name on the sign is the clone in the box.
Black Thorn vs Musang King: Which One Should You Buy
Black Thorn is the lighter, creamy one. Musang King is the bittersweet one with the strong aroma. Both are checked at the base, for different marks.
D101 vs D24 Durian: Which Should You Buy
What is sold as D101 is almost always D168 Mas Muar, so this comparison is really D168 against D24, two different clones entirely.
D13 vs D24: Which One Should You Buy
D13 is the mild, frequently mislabelled one. D24 is the older registered clone, sweet and slightly bitter.
XO vs D24 Durian: What Is Actually Different
XO is not a registered clone. It is sold as a variation of D24, and the difference people taste is an alcoholic note put down to fermentation.
Why most durian comparisons are really naming problems
Malaysia's Department of Agriculture has been registering durian clones by D number since 1934, and the register has passed 200 varieties. Stall signs do not always follow it. Three substitutions come up often enough that they decide most comparisons before flavour does.
XO is not a clone
It is D24 taken further in fermentation, so comparing XO with D24 is largely comparing a fruit with itself, at a different stage. It is also often mislabelled D2, which is Dato Nina, a different clone in its own right.
The D101 you are sold is usually D168
True D101 is Bangkok Tree 16, registered in 1970 at Serdang, which most Malaysians have never tasted. D168 is Mas Muar, registered 1989.
Red Prawn in Singapore is often D13
Real Red Prawn is D175 from Penang. Separate the two by seed size, whether thorns run to the base, and husk colour.