Athoor Al Alam Ihtaj

Notes & Nuances

Ihtaj opens with a concerningly sharp saffron note – less refined spice and more iodine tincture. The jasmine is present, but rendered almost acrid due to the saffron's dominance, lacking the indolent sweetness of a true grandiflorum. The amberwood and ambergris heart attempts to bring warmth; however, the amberwood skews toward a harsh, scratchy cedar aroma chemical, reminiscent of hamster bedding. The ambergris is a whisper, a salty marine undertone that struggles to surface amidst the woody cacophony. As it transitions to the base, the fir resin offers a balsamic counterpoint, yet the cedar amplifies, resulting in a rather simplistic, linear drydown. In comparison to the original Creative, this clone captures the broad strokes but misses the finer details. It lacks the creamy vanilla undertones and softer musk of the original, opting for a more robust and somewhat jarring woody structure. The original has a fluffy, cloud-like effect - this veers into a more linear, pencil-shaving profile.

The Verdict

Ihtaj leans towards colder seasons, suitable for daytime wear. The scent profile is too assertive for close quarters or formal environments. It finds a niche in casual outings where a bold, woody presence is desired, though its synthetic nature might be off-putting to some.

Longevity & Projection

On skin, Ihtaj lasts approximately six hours. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about one arm's length, then quickly retracts to a skin scent. Tested in both indoor and outdoor environments, the performance remains consistent.