Zaid

“Zaid – Extraordinary” This is how the name of this perfume is translated from Arabic. But what does it smell like? At first, green branches, freshly broken. That’s the first thing that hits me with the initial spray. A green, fresh scent, like the sap of natural leaves. After a while, young wood and basil come through, accompanied by a pinch of pepper. For a brief moment, it was bitter, but then it starts to develop into something unique considering my scent wardrobe. Nothing in my collection resembles this fragrance. It’s a very green aromatic patchouli with vetiver. I’d say there’s also a hidden flower amidst all these forest herbs, but I can’t quite name it. Or is it something fruity? These pepper berries? The scent lasts for several hours, and even after washing, I can still smell it. It projects strongly for at least two to three hours before it settles into a closer aura of about half a meter at most. But it’s enough to be noticed. An interesting creation from a house I’ve heard little about until now, though in the past four weeks, I’ve already purchased three perfumes from them. The bottle is so beautiful and carefully crafted. I’d say it’s quite unisex. It reminds me a bit of White Hinoki | Amouroud with a touch of Encre Noire (Eau de Toilette) | Lalique, yet it’s still distinct from both. And even if it shares the same notes with @Bois impérial I don't find them similar. This one is better and more natural too. I see it in all-seasonal use

I was searching for vetivers today. The saleswoman reached for this after I said that I had tried Original Vetiver by Creed. Initially on paper, the patchouli was more pronounced but after a couple sniffs I thought, “This smells really familiar?” While the saleswoman was helping someone else, it dawned on me.. Bois Imperial. When she came back I asked her if she was familiar with BI to which she replied no. We proceeded to test others after this. On my way home, I looked up Zaid in Fragrantica and, what do you know, I’m not the only one who thought the same thing. It was the akigala and patchouli that gave it away. I love the fragrance’s profile, but I already have Bois Imperial, so I won’t be needing this, but if you can’t get your hands on BI, get this instead. There’s virtually no difference, except that this might lean a little more masculine than BI. Just my take.

@JHW1997 Edited: I tested them together once again today. Bois imperial leans to an airy spiciness, although a bit too synthetic. Zaid is juicy green, strong on an almost camphorous basil and feels more natural. I prefer Zaid.

The exact notes of Bois Imperale? BI is the same concentration, cheaper, and more milliliters than the bottles from this house. BI also performs really well. Im not sure what is being accomplished by this release. I have to get my nose on this. Apologies this isn't a review.

@Venusia - Unique? It’s literally a clone of Bois Imperial 🤣