Zukhruf Black

Conclusion

Zukhruf Black is best suited for cooler weather, specifically autumn and early spring, and best worn during evening events. Its strong, peppery profile might be overwhelming in close quarters or during warmer weather. This is not a subtle scent; it demands attention.

The Scent Profile

Zukhruf Black opens with a strikingly sharp Calabrian bergamot, almost bordering on lemon cleaning fluid, alongside a noticeable pepper note. This differs immediately from the inspiration; it lacks the nuanced grapefruit zest found in the original. The heart is dominated by Sichuan pepper, lending a prickly, somewhat metallic quality. The lavender is subdued, barely registering against the peppery onslaught, and the pink pepper adds a touch of sweetness, almost candied, clashing with the sharper elements. The drydown presents a heavy dose of ambroxan, creating a synthetic, musky impression that is rather monolithic. The cedar attempts to ground the composition with a woody dryness, but is ultimately overwhelmed. The labdanum is present, but minimal; it contributes a faint resinous quality, but lacks the complexity and depth it could provide.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is respectable at around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate, extending about one arm's length for the first two hours, then settling closer to the skin. Tested in an office environment, it garnered a few compliments, but also some comments regarding its synthetic quality.