Zukhruf Cherry

Is it Worth It?

This scent works best for casual, daytime wear when you want a simple, sweet, and fruity fragrance. I can see this being worn to a casual brunch or a daytime stroll in the park, however it lacks the depth for formal events. It is a cherry-centric scent for someone who enjoys overtly sweet fragrances but isn’t seeking complex perfumery.

How it Smells

Zukhruf Cherry opens with a blast of candied cherry, less Maraschino, more cherry cough syrup with a distinct almond extract bitterness. The liquor note is present, but reads as a generic boozy accord rather than anything nuanced. The heart struggles to balance the sweetness with a plum note that leans synthetic and a muted Turkish rose. It’s a far cry from the luxurious depth of its inspiration; the rose feels like an afterthought. The base is where the divergence becomes truly apparent. The tonka bean attempts to ground the composition, but the sandalwood smells aggressively artificial. A vetiver note emerges in the drydown, adding a touch of earthy bitterness that clashes with the cloying cherry. The overall effect lacks the sophistication and refined sweetness of what it imitates.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours. The projection is initially quite strong, filling a room for the first hour, before quickly settling into a skin scent. I tested it during a dinner date and found it became undetectable by dessert. I also tried it at the office and only received comments for the first hour.