Al Dirgham Special Edition

Notes & Nuances

Al Dirgham Special Edition kicks off with a blast of cinnamon, similar to those red hot candies, softened by a touch of cardamom. The bergamot is subtle, almost a fleeting suggestion. As it settles, the bourbon vanilla emerges, creamy and inviting, but with a resinous elemi undertone adding a slightly medicinal quality. The drydown is where it diverges from expectations. Instead of a rich praline, it leans into a slightly synthetic musk, with the ambroxan amplifying a powdery, clean feeling that’s somewhat at odds with the gourmand sweetness. It has shades of the DNA, but something is absent - the depth, the richness.

The Verdict

If Al Dirgham Special Edition were a movie character, it would be the well-meaning but slightly awkward guy who shows up to the party dressed a little too formally, trying a bit too hard to fit in with the cool crowd.

Projection Power

I get a solid 6-7 hours of wear from this. It projects moderately for the first two hours, about an arm's length, making it noticeable without being obnoxious. It sits closer to the skin afterwards. I wore this on a chilly evening walk and found it performed best in cooler temperatures.