Maqha Al-Sharq Attar

(Review of the Extrait) A very lovely blend that is, as described, truly reminiscent of a Turkish café—cinnamon-spiced coffee being served, vanilla pipe tobacco smoke gently wafting throughout, and turkish delights, coconut ice cream and honeyed, buttery pastries being indulged in by the patrons... Delightful. Manages to steer clear of the debatably close Tootsie Roll territory. As I feel with many of my favorite scents, were they available I would imbibe it in all forms—beverage, edible, smokeable—I’d even bathe in the stuff. But with the price tag, a few sprays every now and then will have to do! Even though it’s on the more affordable side of Elixir Attar blends. Longevity moderate-long, projection/sillage moderate as well. Best enjoyed smelled up close but also wafts up beautifully. Never too sweet in my opinion. Bravo, good sir!

I got this as part of the micro sampler pack. For me, I smell notes of coffee and nuts among others which give it an edgy gourmand vibe. As it opens up more, I smell the Turkish rose and subtle coconut notes along with some of the other notes, which adds a laid-back style to it and makes it appropriate for cool and warm weather alike. I get tobacco more in the dry down with the vanilla and other notes. Paints me a picture of sitting down at a cafe, relaxing, reading, drinking some coffee, and eating some baklava:)

Reviewing the extrait de parfum. This is a lovely coffee (cafe) gourmand. The coffee blends lovely with the resins a sweet creamyness. The butter drydown is something really nice. One of the best butter notes I’ve ever smelled in a perfume. This is rich, warm and comforting. A great crowd pleaser. I from what I’ve seen so far, this is a more mainstream style release compared to their other releases, something that, whether intentional or unintentional, is something that would please a mass audience.

Imagine yourself reclining on a pillow upon an intricately decorated Persian carpet in a cafe in the middle of a souk, sipping on a finjan (demitasse) of Gahwa, the traditional Arabian lightly brewed coffee - heavily spiced with cardamom. A waiter walks by with a tray of rose-flavoured lokum, baklava, kunefe and other treats. Wafts of spices, such as cinnamon, from the spice seller nearby touch your nose. This is a beautiful scent.