A popular Oriental Fourgere that has a cult following since it's release back in 1996. Created by the renowned perfumer Jean-Pierre Béthouart, during an era of experimentation for the house of Versace. Unlike the mass appealing blue scents common today, The Dreamer was said to have been designed to capture a sense of introspection and romanticism, aimed at visionaries and artists. Aestheticly, from the octagonal bottle featuring the iconic Medusa head to the starry, celestial packaging, matched the ethereal mysterious character they wanted to achieve, making it one of the most distinctive designer fragrances of the late 90s. Initially, I was not a fan, I felt it was too weak with poor performance, but over time I guess my nose has developed and I'm not only starting to enjoy but also appreciate this fragrance for what it is. The fragrance opens with a sharp, medicinal, herbal burst of clary sage, lavender,l & mandarin orange, which can feel quite intense. However, as the initial screamer phase settles, the heart reveals a soft, powdery, romantic core of tobacco blossom, rose & geranium. It is important to note that this features the sweet, airy scent of the tobacco flower rather than the smoky or ashy smell of dried leaves. The dry-down is where the magic truly happens, as it evolves into a comforting, clean, and slightly creamy base of tonka bean, cedar & vetiver, leaving a trail that smells like fresh linens & soap. In terms of performance, The Dreamer won't last past about 4 hrs of longevity on the skin. Its projection is quite strong during the first hour, before it settles into a more intimate scent bubble. Because of its powdery and floral-tobacco nature, it is best suited for Spring and Autumn, or cool summer nights; the extreme heat of summer can make the herbal opening too cloying, while the deep winter cold may dampen its floral nuances. It is an ideal choice for casual evening wear, date nights, or creative office environments where you want to stand out with a scent that is undeniably classy. Were else would you get a buget friendly Versace for approx €20?

As a cigar guy when I was learning about cigar notes there was a class that I attended and they had individual leaves that we could smoke. It really helped learn different types of leaves and flavor notes. Is there something out there that would allow me to smell things like amber, bergamot, sandalwood etc., but isolated and true to nature?

Yes, I know! It’s polarizing, people have shed a lot of hate on it, but I love it. I guess all of this divisiveness comes due to lack of understanding what Lattafa was trying to accomplish on this scent. To my nose, Zanzibar seams like a twist on JPG Le Beau Le Parfum. It’s a very singular and quite unique creation by perfumer Fanny Bal, with an uncommon blend of accords. Here is Lattafa’s description of the fragrance: Fragrance Notes: “Top: Black Pepper & Sea lavender Heart: Salty Coconut Water & Iris Base: Vanilla & Incense Product Information: Embrace the essence of adventure with Lattafa Asad Zanzibar, a fragrance that evokes the spirit of discovery and the allure of exotic destinations. Named after the mesmerizing island of Zanzibar, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, this fragrance captures the essence of this tropical paradise in a bottle.” I think that what most people reject about this scent is the coconut water note, the must uncommon and unknown smell. The lavender, coconut water, salt, iris and vanilla dry down combination feels delicious, exotic and luxurious to me. Its projection and longevity are pretty good.