Primero Marocaine

Primero Marocaine was launched in 2021 and its concept talks about a journey through arid lands rich in smells. Does it ring a bell? Yes, Morocco. But this creation brought a central ingredient, which is not a famous spice or a carnal flower. Here, Moroccan hashish is highlighted, and its name is stamped on the perfume bottle. For those who don't know, hashish (or hash) is a resin extracted from the marijuana plant and Morocco is its biggest exporter. Arabs who are followers of Islamism consider cannabis a sacred herb, just like others. There are different types of Moroccan hashish, such as Caramel, Honey Blonde, Polm, and Primero, considered a rarer type, whose predominant color is brown with greenish tones in its interior (due to the short cultivation of the plant) and its smell is strong with sweet nuances. Primero Marocaine lists notes of tobacco, cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, and Moroccan hashish, on top. The body of the fragrance carries notes of patchouli, cedar, and vetiver, while the base brings notes of sandalwood, guaiac wood, tonka bean, leather, amber, vanilla, and musk. And when I still see people complaining that perfumery is no longer bringing innovation, I come across a fragrance that already has two years in the European niche market and that proves that there is a lot of innovation to be presented to the public. Primero Marocaine is a masterpiece! Its fragrance is woody, ambery, opulent, semi-gourmand, spicy, arid, and, as expected, intoxicating. When touching the skin, a dense tobacco, full of honey facets, exudes exquisitely, sprinkled with generous doses of cinnamon and red saffron. It sells itself in the first few seconds, such quality and power of seduction. The evolution is subtle and slow, so it's not easy to notice much of the vetiver and cedar notes, to be honest. But the patchouli is noticeable and has hints of dark chocolate. And the act of taking the nose to my arm, where I sprayed the fragrance, becomes repetitive and pleasurable. Much later, an almondy smell emerges and the ambery content becomes more evident, with lots of tonka bean and vanilla. The sandalwood is beautiful, but it is the leather note that is successful on my skin because it cuts the sweetness and brings the Arab aspect portrayed by the desert horses and the riding gear. Primero Marocaine is liquid gold, which melts in the golden sun on the sands of Morocco and lasts for more than ten hours on my skin. Fascinating and unlike anything I have in my collection so far. After all, you don't have to smoke hash to feel a rush of pleasure. Just spray Primero Marocaine!

I don't enjoy the opening, but I like the drydown. It's ok for now. I'm going to let my bottle sit until Sept. then check again. (04/20/2024) Edit: Decided to spray this before going to bed. Where is that creamy honey note coming from? This smells a lot nicer on the skin than on clothes. The tobacco and creamy honey note combo is excellent. Be careful with the trigger though, this stuff is potent, long-lasting, and can get very cloying. (09/16/2024) I tend to spray this onto my clothes the night before wearing them and it still projects and leaves a nice scent trail. Scent: 8/10 Projection: 10/10 Longevity: 10/10

Today I have tried this one. Right away it went to my wishlist. It has nothing to do with TF tobacco vanille. However it is very close to Dior Tobacolor. As always from Arteolfatto, very smooth and perfectly blended. I strongly recommend to check this one out, if you like Dior Tobacolor. My score: 8.5/10