Misk Albahr Almayit

I've been delaying this review as it has taken me a while to get to know this perfume. It is my favourite of the Rook range to date, and a very unusual addition to my wardrobe. No way a linear fragrance - the life cycle of Misk Albahr Almayit is fascinating! Initially I'm hit with an startling blast of oud and phenols which settles within 5 minutes and a salty sandalwood steps forward. Now I'm sensing its damp and musty character and the name (Dead Sea) makes sense. Letting another 10 minutes go by before another sniff and it has evolved again - now honey, musk and sandalwood mingle and the perfume has softened a little. After an hour it softens further and becomes beautifully feminine. Amber is not listed as a note - it's not amber at all, but oddly it might just appeal to amber lovers who want to take a chance on something more "out there". Rook by Rook was too masculine for me - this is a much better fit that I'm very much enjoying. PS Loving the honey.

Beautiful fragrance! I get a lot of sandalwood at first backed up oud. This is not a strong, oud forward fragrance on my skin. It's just there in the background helping keeping it warm and woodsy. On the drydown I get an incense wibe, which is not listed, but it's there to my nose. Long lasting longevity and moderate sillage. All and all, if you like sandalwood, you should definitely sample this

My goodness this is one big animalic beast on me. Big longevity and sillage. I can barely make out any orris. It's a big leathery monster. It's most definitely still alive and kicking. If there is sandalwood present then the beast stamped on it. The oud seems to be doing it's best to fight back. I have to conclude the animalic element might be the honey. The same happened to me with 4160 Tuesday's Dirty Honey. It's a great scent but too much for me. If you love Serge Lutens Musc Koublai Khan then you might love this. Rook scents are on sale right now so worth checking out.