Maahir Black Edition

Bottom Line

This is a cold weather fragrance best suited for evenings. I wouldn't recommend it for close encounters or professional settings. It's a fragrance that demands attention and is more appropriate for outdoor events or casual gatherings where a bold statement is desired.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Maahir Black Edition opens with a blast of harsh spices and damp earth. It's less photorealistic soil and more like potting mix from a discount garden center. The advertised raspberry note is there, but it smells like that artificial cherry flavoring found in the cheapest cough syrups, battling with a smoky, almost ashy birch note. The drydown is where the amber and benzoin attempt to smooth things out, but it results in a slightly plasticky sweetness that doesn't quite mesh. Compared to its inspiration, it lacks the nuanced, volcanic earthiness. It aims for a similar profile but falls short, trading complexity for a rougher, more synthetic rendition.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is impressive, easily lasting 8+ hours on my skin. Projection is strong for the first 2 hours, filling a room with a potent cloud of scent, before settling to about an arm's length. I tested this during a brisk walk in cool weather; the wind carried the scent well, but it became cloying after prolonged exposure.