Shaghaf

This is a gorgeous animalic oud yet non-fecal oud. I would say the most prominent notes during the initial spray are cardamom, tobacco, and oud and throughout the dry down of the scent are tobacco, leather, oud, and tolu balsam. Natural pure oud normally already has hints of leather, tobacco, and honey(animalic). The oud in this is prominent from start to finish however it is very natural yet not fecal, non medicinal. The profile of the oud used in this one is to be on the more expensive kind of oud which has undertones of fruit and honey. Whatever the origin of the oud that was used in this is, it is high quality oud and it lingers on longer than all the other notes. Think about the smell of a wooden lodge in the forest during rainy days - that is what this smells like. It smells incredibly natural and organic and the quality is high. You can tell this perfume was crafted with a lot of love and attention to detail. With that being said, it is not for the uneducated nose. I don't see this as being a good blind buy or a good gift if you are used to “popular” fragrances. The only other perfume that I know that smells like this is Rhinoceros from Zoologist, however, this one is more well rounded and refined. This is a unisex perfume that you can wear all year round. I wouldn't wear this in the office because I dont think the people I work with have the best taste, but that is subjective, I am tempted to. This is an adventurous and bold perfume. Truly remarkable and unique.

Sex War - At the edge of the Abyss... This is big. Border-lining all usability edges, but the greatest thing about it is that it keeps itself just within limits. Do not take any step further, because you will fall... This is an Oud fragrance. To me, but I could be wrong, smells like the real thing. It is scanky, animalic, sweet and alluring, but still very fun to wear. I do enjoy this juice a lot. (you will get notice, for sure) It is great news that we still have brands launching this fragrances with this specific profile and not charging you ridiculous amounts of money. Still expensive, but nothing crazy. Together with the oud, that could be real, you have lots of spices, resinous creaminess and warm comforting sweetness. Sometimes I layer this with some floral-based fragrances to make it even prettier (mainly indolic, not so sweet white flowers)... it's heaven. In the dry-down this is Skin in Action, it is like the calm after the storm, a storm of bodies in an amber and patchouli field. Lay down and enjoy. Sweet dreams guarantee. This is clearly not for everybody, but... could be a winner for those approaching animalic oud scents, but still not there yet... this will take you all the way, grabbing your hand softly and gentle. Note: the juice color in the picture here is not what you get. What you get is a dark ambery juice, that match much better to the scent. Uniqueness: medium Scent: 8.5/10 Performance: Beast Would I buy it: Yes (already in my collection)

The real deal to me. The barnyard quality in the opening is deep, organic, and surrounded by the spice of cardamom and ginger and citruses. Then, as that true fungal scent dissipates, a delicate and custardy vanilla makes itself known, along with patchouli. It's that rare skanky vanilla... I'm reviewing a sample from an Anfas Discovery Kit, but think I have to splurge for a bottle. This is a perfume by Christian Carbonnel in the Anfas line of Saudi / UAE house Al-Rehab. The marketing materials say that Shagaf "Is the most triumphant and emblematic fragrance of the collection," and although I like several others, notably Gaya Green, I would agree.

A glorious Woody Oriental with a slight leathery undercurrent, this is a beautifully constructed scent. The scent opens with aromatic notes of cardamom, ginger and citruses and starts transitioning to a heart of cedar, tobacco, cashmeran and leather. It settles on a powdery bed oud, patchouli, vanilla, amber and balsamic resins. Reminiscent of travels in middle eastern lands and exotic markets the masculine leaning scent has strong sillage and projection and lasts forever. A very evocative scent for bold tastes. Enjoy!

This is as the maestros put it a treat. An entry level Oud with depth and richness of original oud but perfectly fit for all audiences.