The Queen and the Viper

This one threw me. Sprayed it. Smelled it. Then the hunt was on for what smells just like this and no, I was not hunting for a scent. This smells like Starbuzz Tobacco Blue Mist Shisha. All of the incense, the mint, the fruit, the tobacco... Do I want to smell like Shisha? YES! I definitely do! So unique and strange in a fragrance I can't seem to stop wanting to smell this! I really love it. There are comparisons out there that in the drydown this is like side effect. No. If the dry down smells like any initio in the drydown it smells like Narcotic's Delight's drydown (sans cherry). Any while the mint is reminiscent of the mint in Enclave the overall composition IMO is more delightful. Amouage is a touch too strong for me and while I had a bottle, I gifted it away and do not regret it. Thought it just was not my style of scent but low and behold. This takes such a similar path and I am rocking it! overall 4.55 - unique, lasts, projects and there are great deals out there for these. Happy 2026 Everyone!

The fragrance opens with a soft- slightly sweet mint ,not sharp or cooling, but rather cozy, like a mint leaf added to a cup of herbal tea. Gradually, gentle citrus notes appear, adding brightness and freshness. There’s also a natural sweetness that feels smooth and comforting , perhaps coming from dates, though I wouldn’t clearly identify it as dates without knowing the pyramid. A subtle touch of dry- slightly bitter tobacco emerges as the scent develops, giving it depth and an interesting edge. Saffron is present only as a delicate whisper, adding a refined and elegant nuance to the composition. Overall, the fragrance feels very pleasant, soothing, and enveloping. It’s balanced, softly dense, and carries a calm, meditative aura, a scent of inner comfort and quiet confidence.

Oh, this is delicious. I can pick up some LV Pacific Chill DNA from the initial spray, with its citrus, mint, and candy-like sweetness. Then it dries down into these underlying tones of Initio's Side Effect being slightly boozy and syrupy, but with some greenery and life added to it. Then there's some of that smokiness from the incense note, which lingers a little. Fresh, sweet, and smoky. It's super addictive, and I can't stop smelling my hand. It somehow does all these notes without being obnoxious and headache-inducing. I'm impressed. I am definitely getting a full bottle of this whenever I can.

This is a refined blend that moves confidently from crisp freshness to deep sensual warmth. The opening pairs bright citrus and mint with a touch of incense, creating an intriguing contrast. As it develops, herbal notes and soft florals add dimension before settling into a rich, smoky base of tobacco, saffron, and resins. The result is a sophisticated, mysterious scent with excellent longevity and a smooth, elegant evolution—ideal for evening wear or anyone who appreciates a polished, resinous oriental-woody composition. An absolute keeper for me personally.

First sniff is a combination of citrus, incense and a hint of mint. Have to say that the mint is special and not typical for fragrances. The incense dies down in about 15 minutes and you’re left with a nice blend with a touch of light white florals and saffron. Slowly transitions over 2 hours to being more influenced by the dates and tobacco. The birch is a nice supporting player with the saffron. Overall an interesting and masterful blend. I just wish the mint was made more prominent since it is delightful in this mix. I guess sometimes a tease is best.