Qisaty

It opens with strong Middle Eastern notes reminiscent of Al-Rehabs Aroosah, with some added fern typically found in Al-Firdus blends. I'm assuming that's the Cypriol oil . I also get some sweetness I can describe as sour honey mixed with bitter fruits. A brighter musk note carries this fragrance. It opens with prominent aldehydes and a distinct, bitter soapiness. The florals and Cypriol contribute to its sour, unisex character. This fragrance takes about half an hour to settle down and find its place on the skin. Bitter/sour fruits and woods start getting a little sweeter as the middle opens up. Creamy vanillas and florals emerge. Additionally, subtle green notes can be detected during the breakdown. This is an aldehyde bomb and stays soapy throughout the fragrance's life. However, due to its sharp musky bitterness, it possesses a touch of androgyny and requires a confident individual to embrace its bold, chaotic nature. Given time to settle, the middle notes reveal a woodier, creamier version of Al-Rehab's Aroosah mixed with Al-Firdus. I can't detect much oud, but it adds a bit of darkness to the bright sour woods. There's so much going on throughout the life of this fragrance; it's a bit of a chameleon, but the DNA reads bitter, soapy, woody, floral, and fern-like. I can see where the honey and coconut add to the sweetness, but the sweetness is very subtle and settles in during the breakdown of the middle and base notes, getting sweeter and creamier while still keeping its sour soapiness. This challenging scent is not suited for everyone—astringent, green, soapy, bitter, floral, aldehyde bomb.