I decided to explore more niche fragrances this year and I am starting of with some Mancera. Hindu Kush really struck a cord for me. It's said to have been inspired by the rugged mountain range that spans the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, it is a dense, resinous, and deeply atmospheric fragrance. From the initial 10 fragrances that I got it is probably the most unique from this house, moving away from the typical "rose-oud" DNA to explore something more herbal and mystical. Released in 2018 by Perfumer Pier Montale, the founder of both Montale & Mancera. ​It is an Amber Woody fragrance. Despite the name, it does not smell like a head shop. I was actually taken back when I tried it first as I don't enjoy cannabis in my fragrance, but the The note here is green, botanical, and oily, rather than smoky or skunky. ​The opening hits with an explosion of dry spices. You get a prominent hit of black pepper, clove, and saffron. Very quickly, the incense and cannabis notes emerge. The cannabis here is "green" and resinous, providing a thick, herbal texture. ​As the initial spice settles, the heart becomes much woodier. Patchouli takes center stage, t’s earthy but clean. This is paired with dark wood accords and a touch of terpenic resin (labdanum) that keeps the fragrance feeling balsamic and rich. ​The base is where the Mancera signature shines. It softens into a warm, slightly sweet foundation of amber, white musk, and Madagascar vanilla. The guaiac wood provides a lingering smokiness that ties back to the incense in the opening. When I first tried it, it smelt somewhat different must have been the scent cloud as I was running 4 or 5 different scents up each arm. Performance wise, this is an easy 9hr wear. It projects rather heavy for the first 3 hrs , this will fill a room so spray with caution. Perfect for the colder weather, Hindu Kush is a masterpiece for those who love "dark green" fragrances. It’s spiritual, mysterious, and commanding. If you enjoy scents like Amouage Interlude or Tiziana Terenzi Laudano Nero, this will likely be a hit for you.

Dua's hybrid of D&G The One and 3M Jazz Club. It is exactly what it sounds like, I could have layered the OGs on and wouldn't know the difference. Sexy and seductive. I haven't worn this one in a bit and last I recall it was a bit screechy, but holy cow, shelf time really smoothed this bad boy out

French Avenue: Cocoa Morado - $39.99 (An alternative to Maison Crivelli Oud Cadenza) I’ve been seen this one around quite a while and I was never interested on it, until I tried it at a fragrance store and I couldn’t get it out of my mind for 2 weeks. So, I went back to get it today. This is a remarkable scent profile, and I can’t wait to give it a full wear.

This post is inspired by Henry Clay's review of a DUA fragrance that mixes the DVA of D&G The One and 3M Jazz Club. Today, I decided to try layering Jazz Club by Maison Margiela with The One from Dolce & Gabbana, which promises richness on paper, and initially delivers exactly that—rum, tobacco, amber, and spice unfolding in dense, fragrant layers. Each scent brings depth and warmth, creating a bold opening that feels plush and evening-ready. However, as the wear progresses, their individual identities begin to clash rather than harmonize, with neither fully yielding space to the other. In the final analysis, both are excellent on their own, but when layered, they compete for dominance instead of complementing one another, ultimately diluting what makes each fragrance special.

Picked up a great haul from the @dubaiperfumeshop.ie today, some amazing fragrances and oils. They always look after me really well. Got a great promo going on too Musk Mood - Lattafa Karlus Secret Musk - Khadlaj Aftermath - Fragrance World Frost Ice - Ahmed Al Maghribi (freebie) Reef 31 - Reef Red African - Al Haramain Exotic - Ahmed Al Maghribi Samples: Classic Stone - Niche Emerati Reef - Reef 33 Mousuf - Ard Al Zaafaran Simply Oud - Lattafa Khalid - Niche Emerati Art of Universe - Lattafa Toleen - Lattafa Antique - Lattafa Tuwaiq Arabs - Reef