Mahsuri

Mahsuri is quite exceptional, it contains citrus, camphor, jasmine sambac, civet, benzoin, and sandalwood. To my nose, this one is more feminine than Bahaman, but a man could definitely wear this. The jasmine sambac is quite prominent in this fragrance and sandalwood has a more incense-like quality here. At times it seemed like I was smelling a sandalwood stick incense with floral notes. As it dries down, the civet and benzoin really give Mahsuri a sensual, alluring charm. At this stage, it somehow bears a slight resemblance to Epic Man by Amouage. But along with this sensuality, there is a certain somberness, even morbidness in this fragrance. That is because Mahsuri was the name of a woman who had been wrongly accused of adultery 200 years ago. This story turned into an enduring legend according to which the island of Langkawi was cursed for 7 generations because of this wrongful accusation. Thus Fazzillah wanted to connect this story to an aroma associated with the traditional Malay burial ritual, where Keffir lime water and camphor are used on the deceased’s clothing, with benzoin and sandalwood being used as incense. Jasmine oil is also dabbed on the dead person’s brow. Although Mahsuri has an animalic quality more suitable for a woman, I think a man might be able to wear this one if he wasn't going to be in a public situation. This is one of the perfumer's more complex and masterful creations and strongly recommend it.