SOTD - Sultan by Nsym Alrmal Almiky
I struggled with making this post because I don't really see much benefit in posting about a frag that most cannot get if they wanted to try or buy, but I think I have a loophole. As I mentioned a week or so ago, I bought three bottles from a store that were in the hotel we were staying at. This is very Middle East and this House doesn't really operate outside the UAE as I understand it. To put it bluntly, this is a fragrance for lovers of strong Middle Eastern scents. It's VERY rich and bold. I used to think that Swiss Arabian's Oud Azraq made me feel like a million bucks but this stuff is a game-changer in comparison. And I kinda hate mentioning these two frags in the same paragraph. This is NOT for those that prefer Western type frags. The opening delivers a thick wave of sweet resin, warm spice, and smoky undertones. The sweetness is dark and syrupy, but not gourmandy. There are amber and slightly caramelized sugar notes, but it leans dry and aromatic. I think there is cardamom and maybe some clove, but there is nothing that can be specifically defined by me. Instead, everything is blended VERY well into a dense, cohesive cloud. Oh, and did I mention that there's a hint of incense? It's just beautiful. In the mid you get an amber core with some woody accords that feel dry and slightly leathery. The sweetness dissipates and the woods become more apparent. To me it feels downright regal. The incense remains and adds depth. The drydown is simply magnificent. It settles into that amber–wood base with a soft musk sitting close to the skin. This is a well-balanced fragrance that is definitely masculine leaning. This is at a potent extrait that lingers for hours and if you spray it on your clothes, you can expect it for at least a day or two. Again: powerful, regal, incensy and woody with great woods and Middle Eastern spice. Rating? I guess it's a 9.0 / 10.0, but I really have no complaints with this stuff. I'm having tremendous luck with this and the other two I bought from this House and they are sold in 70ml bottles.