I’d almost forgotten I even had this one tucked away, until I grabbed a sample to wear today. Taraf Black came out in 2023, and it’s exactly the kind of bold, opulent scent I find myself reaching for when I want something rich and full-bodied. It blends deep, earthy woods with warm spices, then layers in a sweet, prominent floral heart that gives it such a distinctive character. You might already know it’s widely considered an inspired take on Montale’s famous Arabians Tonka, honestly, that comparison is not too far off the mark, but it still has its own personality that makes it worth exploring on its own terms. The first spritz hits you with real intensity: resinous, softly smoky oud takes the lead, paired with warm saffron that has almost a subtle metallic glow to it, and just a bright touch of bergamot to keep it from feeling too heavy right out of the bottle. Once it settles into the heart, it really blooms — a lush rose note comes through, sweetened beautifully by a soft sugary warmth and wrapped in cozy, resinous amber. That mix creates this delicious, almost gourmand-like floral feel that’s incredibly inviting. By the time it dries down, it turns creamy and grounding: tonka bean brings that familiar sweet vanilla-almond richness, white musk leaves a soft, clean finish, and a hint of oakmoss adds just enough earthiness to anchor everything and help it last. Wearing it, I find it performs pretty much like others from Zimaya or Fragrance World — solid, reliable, and straightforward. I get about 4 to 5 hours on my skin, with strong, noticeable projection for the first hour or two before it softens into a lovely close-to-skin scent. It commands attention without ever feeling harsh or overbearing, so if you go light on the spray, it works perfectly for the office or everyday outings. Because it’s so warm, sweet, and rich, it really shines in autumn and winter, though I’ve worn it both day and night — it feels right at home in a professional setting, but also has enough depth and boldness to feel special for evenings out too.

#sotd... Armani Code EDP by Giorgio Armani... This one opens with a freshness that has a slight sweetness that gets deeper as the mid comes into play. The nutmeg in the mid has a nice blend of sweet and a slight spiciness to it. The dry down still features a mild sweetness with a rich and warmth coming from the Tonka Bean. Moderate projection and longevity. I went 7 hours before refreshing. I give this a 8.5 out of 10.