Arz el-rab

This is, by far, my favorite of the Grand Crus collection. I could see why others might find it a bit too masculine or be disappointed by how quickly the (absolutely beautiful) sparkling ginger top note disappears, or find it not quite strong enough for their liking, but I have been looking for a clean, unisex, fresh wood type scent that doesn't get too cologney for ages, and this fits the bill perfectly. It's chic and unique without being overly complex or heavy. Exactly what I gravitate towards. Longevity is fairly weak on skin however, so I make sure to spray my clothes as it lasts much, much longer. The cedar heavy portion of this scent's life lasts for hours (easily 8+). I can still smell it the following day on my clothes, and this morning, when I smelled the sweater I was wearing last night, I finally found the soft iris notes and it just makes me love this fragrance more. This also isn't a sillage bomb, which is perfect for me, as I much prefer skin scents or ones that wear fairly close and just give those standing in close proximity little whiffs here and there. Perfumes that pack a sillage punch often overwhelm me really quickly. My husband commented on it after I walked by him though, so it's subtle but noticable. For me, Arz El-Rab has all the qualities I look for in a fragrance and I'm absolutely upgrading to a full size bottle ASAP! And it will likely become my new signature during the fall/winter months (when I think this type of scent will really shine the most!)

Let's talk about the concept of "your skin, but better." Is it worth it to have a fragrance that gently caresses and makes no guarantee that others will notice? This leads to the catechism of perfume: a means of attraction, a path to connection, an indispensable accessory. A jewel relies on the eyes to marvel at its sparkle, right? Yet, not all sparkles hypnotize the retinal surfaces. There are some facets that hold allure in the deeper, less obvious refractions: deeper tints recessed beyond the dazzle. Pushing one's eyes can be like pushing one's nose into the air, or onto one's wrist or décolletage. Arz el-rab is in that "your skin, but better" category because it is a soft timbre from its citrus-glazed candied ginger to its rice-paper iris layered over a serene, pale cedar. Its tenor would be best appreciated by one who comes into perfume with an open mind where "olfactory intimacy" is no waste of money and who can appreciate Eno ambience just as much as Wagnerian intensity.

Arz El-Rab is the standout from the Berdoues Grand Cru collection. The note list is simple, but the fragrance is anything but. The Ginger note has just enough heft to help the Cedar transcend the typical clichés that accompany it—this is miles away from hamster cage shavings or clothes closet liners. Arz El-Rab is a three season scent, appropriate for all but the coldest weather. Longevity is 4-6 hours with modest sillage. I love wearing this to work—it’s discreet enough for me to fly under the scent-police radar, but unique enough for me to be continually pleased every time I catch it in the air. Not a compliment monster, but the only person who matters—my girlfriend—absolutely loves it. Definitely worth getting your nose on this!

This has really grown on me to the point that it's become an absolute favourite. Better longevity and far more complex than my first impression. The ginger top note is clear and elegant, an Iris that is more woody than lipstick-ish, the only scent with a cumin note that I don't find utterly offensive and to my nose a beautiful lingering caraway in the dry-down. Comfortably sits in my top 10.

رایحه چوب به این یونیکی و این حجم از تفاوت در عین طبیعی بودن رو هیچوقت تست نکردم کشف زنبق و جینجر دشوار است همه در یک محلول عجیب چوبی غرق شده اند صد حیف که پخش و دوام ناامیدمان میکند این عطر یک عطر کاملن شخصی است ----------- Scent & Quality: 10/10 Longevity: 5/10 Sillage: 5/10 Creativity & Uniqueness: 10/10 Affordability: 6/10 ----------- Overall: 7.2 +0.5= 7.7/10