Kismet

How it Smells

Kismet opens with a sharply citric bergamot, quickly overtaken by an abrasive black pepper note that borders on the metallic. There's an initial similarity to its inspiration, but the nuances are flattened. The heart introduces a green, almost soapy lily-of-the-valley accord. This deviates noticeably; the original’s rose is missing, replaced by this sharper, herbaceous floral. Patchouli is present, but lacks the refined earthiness, instead leaning towards a damp, soil-like quality. The drydown unveils a vanilla that is syrupy and lacks depth. The ambergris is a pale imitation, delivering a slightly salty musk, but lacking the authentic oceanic warmth. Incense emerges faintly, adding a smoky veil, but the overall effect is a bit muddled. It lacks the smooth blending, and exhibits a slight chemical tang in the tail.

The Verdict

Kismet is best suited for cooler evenings, perhaps autumn or early spring. Its somewhat weighty profile would feel cloying in higher temperatures. I envision this for a casual night out rather than a formal event. The bold projection makes it suitable for settings where you want to make a noticeable, if not entirely refined, impression.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is strong for the first hour, extending to about an arm's length, then it settles closer to the body. Tested in a climate-controlled office environment.