Akaster

I have no idea why this fragrance has received little attention from anyone in the community, because this is probably the most accessible rose-oud without being conventionally tied down to that DNA. Parfums de Marly, while being generally mass-pleasing in all scent profiles, does not trim on variety and the aura of elegance that often characterises high-quality perfumes. Akaster is the perfect example of PdM's endeavour. Scent: 7.5/10 While being nothing groundbreaking or divine, Akaster is a pleasant western oud fragrance that oozes confidence, enigma, and unyielding conviction. The opening starts with a bombshell of spices (noticeably cardamom), and the unmistakable trail of chypress and musk that turns the typical oriental into something airy yet flowery. The scent is rather linear, and when it goes it goes quickly. Versatility: 6/10 I'm one of those who would wear widely considered winter fragrances in summer, and I'm not ashamed to declare Akaster to be as versatile as most oud fragrances. From the perspective of these seasonal wearers, I see Akaster as perfect for fall but not piercing enough for winter. It could be pulled off in spring, but the weight of its aura just doesn't feel right for the occasion. Can also be pulled off with dark tees and chinos, but not so much for grocery trips or vacations. It's just slightly too heady and sophisticated for casual occasions. I'd advise caution as an office scent, the reason being its almost overpowering projection. But if you're like me, none of these matters. Longevity: 5/10 Average lasting power of about 6 to 7 hours, with first one or two hours of solid projection. The radius sizes down for the following hours, and then disintegrates immediately with no signs of being a skin scent whatsoever. Silage/Projection: 7/10 Three sprays and you'll become overly conscious. This is not a fragrance to spray right below the chin, because it will definitely overload your sense of smell. Projects through the shirt comfortably. Creates a wrapping scent bubbles of decent radius, but not much of a trail. Overall: 6.5/10 Good This is a pleasing western oud fragrance that involves chypress as its dominant note, despite the votes given here. The oud seems to lay dormant as the backbone of the perfume, but it is not unnoticable. Frankly speaking, at around 300 USD you should save up more to get a Xerjoff, and if you're looking for a similar profile, I suggest Fars, which is far more sophisticated, balanced, and complex. But if you're able to get this at 50% (like I did), the purchase would be a no brainer.

It’s sad to see this discontinued, but there are still a couple stocks left, so I do implore people to go out and try this. I get that it’s probably a basic middle eastern take but I find Akaster to be this cool, ‘blue’ rose, a cool-tone red, and a deep and dark one at that. It’s sweet and aromatic rather than spicy with an incense-like quality to it. Some days, I actually do smell the praline hahaha. I don’t smell an obvious citrus but it tends do be a little bright in the opening, so some of that levity must come from the citrus. It does remind me of old style masculine perfumes like Egoiste, but the rose blooms in a more middle-eastern and less complicated way. Still, I find this unisex but more fitting for heavier wears like darker denim jackets or three piece suits sort of vibes more than just airy linen. Definitely more of a cold weather scent but I guess it’s largely my perception that rose oud is better as a colder wear over all so it might be my own biases. Overall, the performance is on the mid of PDM. I find it better than Herod, which I think has been reformulated. Ironically, Herod and Akaster were released as a duo, oh how sad it is for Herod to outpace his brother. I wore it out on a day in the mall. Got there before noon and was still able to clearly smell it by 8PM. Of course by then, it was more of an intimate scent but one that didn’t really loose what made it Akaster, so good for him! Sadly, I don’t know any perfume that’s a dead ringer to this one. I get that rose oud is a combination a plenty but this specific one is something I have trouble finding elsewhere, so any good alternatives would be appreciated. The closest I have is Kilian’s Rose Oud, but it is definitely more syrupy, loukhoum marshmallow and oud than...AKASTER.

On my skin in the summer, I get about 4 hours of really good performance then about 8 hours of prominent skin scent. On clothes, this will last for over a week. In cooler temps, this will last a few hours longer. Projection is a bit beyond arms length after the initial opening. To me, it is a rather dense around you. The rose in this has a powdery/dry quality to it, but with a smidgen of sweetness. This is the primary note of the scent. I'm not entirely sure if this uses real oud or not. However, it isn't the "fecal" quality or the more pleasant higher end ones. Instead, it has a "blue cheese" quality to it. By itself, this is not a very pleasant oud but since it's always in the background of the fragrance, it adds some nice depth to it. There are some woody qualities to it that most likely lend itself to the powdery/dry nature of the rose. The scent itself is more professional/formal in nature. Age range is more on the higher end. I would say 30+ or at least someone rather mature. To me, I could see men or women wearing this. The rose certainly lends a certain femininity. The dry/powdery qualities with oud can certainly be worn by men. People who love rose-ouds should give this a try. However, this is not a blind-buy scent from the house.

This is my first perfume review ever. As a middle eastern Arab guy born and raised in the Middle East, I can say i know Oud very well, It is the most popular scent in the Gulf region and the Arab world in general, Along with other Animalic notes. Also as a big PDM fan, I find this perfume extremely underrated. It was overshadowed by its brother Carlisle which is also one of my absolute favorites. Akaster has one of the realist and most refined Oud notes that I have ever smelled in a Rose/Oud perfumes. The rose is very light and blends in so well With the oud which is giving a smother feel to the oud, You can get hints of Cardamom in the dry down which is very nice also. Performance wise: Hands down the best performing PDM in my collection and I have tried almost all of them, This perfume is beast mode. In conclusion: Underrated, If you like real oud with a something that tames it down really well like the rose in this combo then you should definitely try this one. I would give this perfume a solid 8/10.

Lemon and Cardamom are predominant notes in the opening, Cypress came in about a minute later, carrying with it a hint of sourness. There's almost zero sweetness in this, very light and fresh powdery rose supported by the Geranium. After an hour the Lemon and Cypress are completely gone, i can only smell the Musk and Oud with a remnant of rose and Cardamom, the oud here is quite pleasant and inoffensive. This is a masculine scent, more like Lemon/Cardamom/Oud, the rose is quite light on this one. Good performance and longevity, this is a versatile scent to me and can be worn year-round. Akaster is my 13th PDM and I'm very happy to have it in my collection, it ranks right up there next to Oajan, Herod, Layton, and Habdan as a must-have for me. This is an under-rated release being overshadowed by the Carlisle. If you're a big fan of this house you should definitely check it out.

Being a big rose/oud fan, I must say this has become a favourite of mine. Somewhat more masculine than Dior Oud Ispahan to me, and not as overwhelming. For me Oud Ispahan takes about an hour or two to become bearable to me and people around me, whereas Akaster would be ok apply a spray within minutes of having a meeting at the office or something in that direction of activity. Oud is clearly there but not pungent nor overwhelming, and the rose is toned down and sofisticated. A minty vibe is present in the first 20 minutes, but gradually fades away. In terms of longevity and silage, much more toned down compared to Oud Ispahan. I just love this one, and sorry to say, this replaces Oud Ispahan as my "go to" oud/rose combo. Together with Herod this is my best Parfum de Marly scent.

Don't get this one wrong! The first few minutes is like very few parfumes - it smells lesser attractive only the first time you open the box and spray it. After a few days it shows its splendour every single time. The more time is given the better it becomes. I would say it peaks after around 30-120 minutes depending on temperature and humidity. Then it stays there for at least 7-12 hours. It is definitely a very high class parfume and just need a little portion of patience. Absolutely one of the top-5 from PDM. 75% of reviewers who gives Akaster a bad feedback are simply not people who can be taken serious. Their judgements are based on impressions they got in the first 30 seconds - which is purely amateurish! Scent 10/10 Longevity 8/10 Sillage 9/10 Price 6.5/10 Overall 9.5/10

This one has surprised me. I kept on using this as my 'everyday' scent to the gym, shops and so on, purely because it was nice and versatile and not offensive. So for the last couple of months never really wore it in the open air to say, and I always smelled this as a rose scent that gradually dies down. I loved it none the less, but today it was a nice sunny day and I went out on a couple of errands, and whilst walking in the sun noticed a very refined, lovely and distinct Oud waft my way, and I realised that this scent developed completely in a different way to when worn indoors. I was very impressed as I loved it anyway, but to discover that it evolves yet further is a massive bonus, I'm wondering if the rest of PdM behave the same way? Interesting........

This stuff is amazing. You have to like oud/rose, of course. The oud is that synthetic juicy rubbery kind- not animalic, and the same found in a fragrance like Oud For Greatness. The rose is dark, dry and reminds me of red wine. There are additional spices and aromatic notes, especially in the top. The dry-down has an incense vibe. Longevity and sillage are strong but not beastly. Quality of ingredients is high. If you like oud/rose combos like Oud Ispahan, Oud Touch (F. Olivier), Oudh 36 nuit, etc., this stuff falls into a similar territory (though it stands apart). Sample first.

I found a really good deal on a 2017 batch on a facebook collector group and had to pull the trigger. This is definitely my most crazy blind buy to date, but ended up being one of the only good ones (hah). I find most PDM easy to like and most of them have some mass appeal, so I wasn't that affraid. Lovin' this scent profile, it had a good blend of freshness and realistic rose oud. Will cherish this banger for years to come.

I have about 10 higher end Rose Ouds, and this one has that sum sum that makes it more appealing to me. I like it most of all except maybe Oud Maximus, which is probably my number one. To me, it leans a tiny bit more masculine, but remaining a little sweet at the same time. Longevity is really good, and projection seems good too. Gonna need a full bottle, or at least a good sized partial! 8-1/2 out 10!

Hands down one of the worsts opening in a fragrance to exist. The oud smells so bad almost like sweaty skunk type of smell. After 5 minutes when Akaster has dried down a little the rose starts to kick in with a smooth oud in the background. This fragrance is made to come out and make a statement. I love it. To me my nose picks up rose, oud, fresh spicy and woody notes for sure.

One of the few PdM fragrances I’m not a fan of. The flowery rose note and powdery scent is dominant for a few hours. If that’s what you’re looking for then Akaster could definitely be your signature scent. Once it dries down to the base notes, the oud and cardamom present a nice scent. I just don’t care to wait several hours to get there.

Akaster was one of my earliest rose oud fragrances, along with Micallef Aoud and Montale Aoud Purple Rose. Akaster is divine, opulent and regal. I enjoy pairing this with Mizensir Golden Oud. Both offer orgasmic rose oud combo that any man and women can wear and adore with no skanky-manure side effects in sight. A royal duo.

One of the best aromatic rose oud fragrances I’ve ever come across and extremely smooth and creamy and the dry down. Akasters price point is rather steep...but regardless, I’m still buying a backup bottle soon. This is a must have in any man’s collection IMO

It may be because I’m not a floral guy but, the rose is a bit strong to me. There’s nothing offensive but I won’t be buying. One note I found interesting was the cypress accord. EDIT: after a few wearings, it grew on me to become a favorite.i will replce.

This is a Masculine woody kind of OUD ( still smokey and tar like though ) with a really jammy syrupy rose and cypress moving around them. Beautiful. Performance is Good, nothing like the other pdms but respray every 6 hours.

So extremely underrated... It's bold, masculine rose-oud, but sensual and wearable at the same time. Give it a try.

Classic rose/oud. Initially I didn’t like it but after a few wesrings, it grew on me to become a favorite.

Amazing smelling frangrance. This rose oud combination is truly underrated.