I’ve been letting Asad Zanzibar by Lattafa sit on my shelf for quite a while now, trying to decide how I truly feel about it. Released in early 2024, this fragrance was a highly anticipated follow-up to the massive success of the original Asad. It was crafted by the renowned perfumer Fanny Bal, which initially gave me high hopes. When I first smelled it in the store, the coconut note gave off a "Le Beau" vibe that piqued my interest, but after bringing it home, the experience became a bit more complicated. It’s a complete departure from the DNA of the original, and even after letting the bottle macerate for months, I’m still not entirely convinced it’s the right fit for my collection. The scent journey is a bit of a rollercoaster. It kicks off with a very sharp, almost aggressive opening of black pepper and lavender that hits the nose hard, though thankfully that initial sting burns away relatively fast. As it transitions into the heart, the fragrance transforms into a creamy, coastal experience driven by a prominent coconut water note mixed with sea salt and a touch of iris. The dry down is where it settles into its final form—a mix of smooth vanilla and a lingering incense. While the salt and creaminess make it unique, there is a specific herbal-spicy quality to the blend that feels a bit polarizing compared to the mass-appeal sweetness I expected. In terms of performance, it’s a bit of a mixed bag for me. It doesn’t scream off the skin; the projection is relatively intimate, and the longevity is moderate, lasting around 5 to 6 hours before becoming a faint skin scent. Because of that salty, tropical profile, it is definitely best suited for the high heat of summer or casual daytime wear during a beach holiday. It’s a "vacation in a bottle" type of scent, but it lacks the punch and versatility of the original Asad. While I appreciate the brand trying something bold and different, I find myself reaching for the Bourbon flanker much more often when I want something with real character.

Have been waiting all week. I love the limited release Zed Creators releases. This house continues to amaze me!!! Zaharoff Soul Elixir – Rich, smooth, and seductive with warm spices, woods, amber, vanilla, and tobacco. Smells mature, confident, and luxurious without feeling dated. Zaharoff Pleasure Over Business – Modern, stylish, and easygoing with a smooth mix of freshness, sweetness, and woods. Smells polished without being overly serious.