Aseel Special Edition

Bottom Line

This fragrance is best suited for casual evening wear during the cooler months. Its sugary sweetness might be cloying in warmer weather. Picture wearing this to a casual dinner or maybe a bowling alley - not for a black-tie event, unless you want to smell like a walking candy store.

Notes & Nuances

Aseel Special Edition blasts out of the gate with a dominant cinnamon note that leans sharply towards Big Red chewing gum, overshadowing any delicate bergamot nuance. The cardamom is present but muted, adding a generic spicy warmth rather than any complex depth. The heart attempts a boozy vanilla, but the bourbon edges closer to vanilla extract, lacking the potent, oaky depth. The elemi is lost in the sugary mix. As it dries, the praline emerges, but it's a one-dimensional, artificial chocolate aroma more reminiscent of cheap advent calendar candy. The base has an unfortunate synthetic musk that clashes with a woody, scratchy Ambroxan. It's a simplified interpretation, omitting the original's refined texture for a flatter, sweeter experience.

How Long Does it Last?

On my skin, Aseel Special Edition lasts around 5-6 hours. The initial projection is strong, filling a room within the first hour; however, it quickly settles into a skin scent. I tested this during a chilly autumn afternoon; it felt awkwardly loud in the office.