Portrait - Abstract

I approached Abstract with my usual caution for blind buys, selecting it from a store that offers reliable, free returns. As I do with any uncertain purchase, I sprayed a small amount on my arm to only test it — and instantly knew I wanted it as a permanent addition to my collection. I quickly found it at a much better price and returned the new unopened bottle to the first store. You're greeted with a dusty, earthy vetiver, combined with smoky incense and rhubarb, which almost gives the illusion of cherry. The scent slowly shifts into a nutty tonka with hints of tobacco, accompanied by a unique, slightly powdery, bitter rose, which is not overly floral. The fragrance finishes with a soft, subtly woody, suede-like leather and a warm, amber undertone with cedar rounding it out, adding a dry finish. It's not overly sweet; as Samasama observed, there's a natural, non-candy sweetness here, perhaps from the rhubarb. Throughout, an animalic note subtly lingers, adding complexity and depth that creates an enveloping scent bubble — one that is deeply satisfying. Projection is impressive, and longevity is fair, making it hard to resist reapplying. The bottle itself is striking. If colors were assigned to Abstract, they would indeed be a deep, smoky red and a polished black, matching the bottle's design. My sole critique is the cap, which has an opening at the top that makes it unsuitable for spraying directly onto it to smell later. I don't typically keep packaging, but this one is so well-crafted that I'll certainly find another use for it. The atomizer is high quality, adding to an overall impressive presentation. Abstract is a unisex fragrance with a slightly masculine lean, suitable for year-round wear. Even in warmer weather, it won't feel overpowering, offering instead a smooth journey through scent layers. It isn't one of those intense, leather and smoke heavy compositions strictly for winter; it's a premium fragrance experience of the highest caliber. It brings to mind an entire genre of fragrances, one of which is Rasasi Shuhrah Pour Homme. While I can't quite pinpoint the connection, I own several scents that share a similar blend of aromatic leather and smoky rose. Yet, Abstract veers into its own lane, remaining entirely unpredictable. This is one of the highest-quality compositions I've ever experienced, comparable only to the finest (and priciest) leathery Tom Ford or certain niche fragrances I've yet to discover, which often cost 10 to 20 times more than Middle Eastern perfumes. With just one use, Abstract made me reflect on the sentimental value I attach to my entire collection; despite having many fragrances, I find myself drawn to pieces as exceptional as Abstract more frequently, elevating the experience of scent to something far more profound and casting a shadow over others. Ultimately, it turns out to be yet another superb choice — this fragrance embodies niche-quality craftsmanship and luxury. I'm amazed by how underappreciated it is. I thought I'd smelled enough to no longer be surprised; I'd felt that way often in recent times, but Abstract — much like Lattafa Ajwad Pink to Pink — has truly stunned me in a short span of time. The finesse of this composition is extraordinary. Fragrances like this deliver sensory experiences of the highest order — ideal for those seeking three-dimensional, truly astonishing scents — an enigmatic sensory work of art. Quite simply, phenomenal. I can't shake the feeling that vampires would be especially drawn to wearing this; there's something dark, mysterious, and haunting that seems perfectly suited to their nocturnal elegance. Opening note: 10- Sillage/Projection: 8+ Drydown: 9+ Longevity: 8+ Blend/Composition: 10 Versatility: 7+ Uniqueness: 8+ Value for money: 8+ Bottle design/Aesthetics: 9 Overall experience: 9+ Blind-buy rating: 6+

I'm a huge fan of Encelade, and after discovering it two years ago, it quickly became one of my favorite fragrances. When I bought Portrait Abstract, I was looking for another fragrance featuring a rhubarb note. Based on the notes and community votes here, I was expecting something quite different from Encelade. To my surprise, Portrait Abstract turned out to be extremely close—I’d estimate it captures about 90–95% of Encelade’s overall profile. I really don’t understand the votes in the “This perfume reminds me of” section, which currently stands at a 5-to-2 ratio. The number of “up” votes should definitely be higher. In fact, I believe most people wouldn’t be able to distinguish between the two in the air. You really have to compare them side by side to notice the differences—and even then, when testing blindfolded and repeatedly on blotters, I occasionally mixed them up. To my nose, Abstract is slightly sweeter (the tonka bean and amber notes are a little more prominent), perhaps a bit more leathery, and a little less green (its vetiver accord feels subtler). Overall, I’d say Abstract has a somewhat softer and more approachable profile, but again, you really have to dig to find the differences and it remains subtle. I genuinely appreciate both fragrances, but I’ve been questioning Abstract’s place in my collection. It feels completely redundant, and I’m debating whether to keep it just to preserve my Encelade. That said, I’ll most likely sell it since my 100 ml bottle of Encelade will last me a long time—its performance is exceptional, and a little goes a long way. Abstract’s performance is still under evaluation, but although its longevity seems slightly less impressive, it remains well above average, as does its sillage. For now, I appreciate having the original in my collection; however, when the time comes to replace it, it might be hard to justify the significant price difference.

Coming in from under the radar at an unreal value, Afnan's Portrait - Abstract is a gorgeous masterpiece. A somewhat niche profile with subtle inspirations, Abstract comes off as sophisticated, intoxicating, delicious, and seductive. The leather and the wood notes work together in harmony along with a mouthwatering undertone of rhubarb and rose that does indeed come off as a natural cherry. The dry down transitions into a warm and inviting amber. Followed by masculine smoke and a slight earthiness, keeping things grounded and refined. The experience from this fragrance is seamless. The performance is stellar, both the longevity and sillage being incredible for how gentle and smooth it is. (At this price, how is it possible?) I wager that Abstract is good for all seasons but will perform best in lukewarm to cold temperatures—and honestly, I see this more befitting being worn at night rather than during the day. Abstract, to me, is a shadowy work of art that is sorely underrated. The overall impression I get is a dark and alluring seduction, mature and mysterious. At the same time, I feel like I've found that special and distinct scent that few know about. Which is extremely satisfying with this hobby. Will it appeal to the masses? Probably not. But it's inoffensive while remaining quite unique. So there will undoubtedly be people you come across who will appreciate this. I'm 31 years old as of writing this review, and Abstract has quickly become one of my favorites, complementing this new chapter of my life—where traits and style begin to refine and congeal with the coming of age. Edit: I couldn't put my finger on it, but in the best and most refreshing way possible, the dry down reminds me of a more delicate and upscale Cherry Pepsi. Exquisite!

Incredible stuff, not what I expected. Decades ago my grandad smoked a pipe, he has a brand of tobacco in the UK called Mellow Virginia. We used to smell the empty plastic pouches and marvel at the sweet, slightly cherry and vanilla wonder that was left behind. That’s what this fragrance is. I thought it would be niche and polarising. There is some crossover with CK Shock, i.e. sweet soft fruit notes with vanilla tobacco. There are some powdery woods here, I get a little patchouli with its earthy tones or possibly the tiniest hint of dampness from vetiver. This is a crowd pleasing scent, forget anything about rhubarb! There is only slight rhubarb tartness when smelt where you sprayed it. There is some slight smokiness which compliments the tobacco accord and some may feel an aura of un-lit cigarettes and sweet cigarette smoke to it. Really quite potent with one spray, it’s coming back at me strongly from my wrists, sat down, nearly two hours later. This will leave a trail, but it’s totally linear throughout the drydown. There’s a hint of youthful, happy go lucky bad boy about this. You may drive a older VW Golf in sports trim, wear a leather jacket etc. It is a going out or evening/bedroom scent. For autumn, winter and early spring.

I must have tried or bought 300 or so fragrances over the last decade and it's not very often that you immediately feel like a certain fragrance belongs to you and is exactly what you have been looking for. Of course I liked and even loved a lot of fragrances, but this one hits different; it's very unique and so well-blended and classy. The rhubard accord - absolutely mouthwatering and to some people it might come across in the air as a combination between green apple and berries - is extremely well-done in this fragrance and blends very well with the other much darker notes like earthy vetiver, incense, woods, amber and leather. Not saying the fragrances are similar, but when you look into the 'unique, affordable, Middle Eastern hidden gem' category Rasasi Shuhrah gives me similar VIBES. At 45 Euros I had to buy a back-up bottle. Masterpiece? Yes! Hidden gem? 100% Could this also be a 200 dollar niche fragrance? No doubt if you look at the quality of the blend and the scent profile! 9.85/10 Btw I've seen some reviews in which people were complaining that you can't see how much juice is left in the bottle. But when you put the bottle in front of a light you can see it.