Taj 1

Bottom Line

Wearing Taj 1 instead of Reef 33 involves a tradeoff. One gains a more potent initial blast of synthetic saffron and a more assertive medicinal rosemary accord. What's lost is the nuanced complexity and refined character of the original; it’s a blunt instrument where Reef 33 is a precisely calibrated tool.

The Scent Profile

Taj 1 opens with a forceful saffron note, but one rendered with a pronounced metallic tang, reminiscent of pennies left to oxidize in tap water. The saffron lacks the leathery warmth of high-quality extractions, instead presenting a somewhat astringent character. The heart introduces rosemary, but not the fresh, herbaceous variety. This is rosemary rendered medicinal, almost camphoraceous, like an herbal cough drop. The promised agarwood in the base is present, yet disappointingly muted. It lacks the barnyard funk or resinous depth often associated with oud, instead exhibiting a somewhat synthetic woody dryness, akin to cedar chips left too long in direct sunlight. Compared to Reef 33, it misses the complex interplay of spice and marine notes; instead, it's a simplified, linear interpretation.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at approximately 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending to about an arm's length for the first hour, before quickly settling closer to the body. I tested this in a controlled indoor environment, and also outdoors in moderate temperatures. Neither test yielded significant variation in performance.